Rural Health

Posted by Hannah Sinemus on September 6th, 2014 Posted in: The MAReport
Tags: 2014 Issue 3

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Out and About

Kate Flewelling, Outreach Coordinator

According to the National Rural Health Association, rural Americans tend to be poorer and have higher rates of many chronic diseases than residents of urban and suburban areas. Access to health care is limited in rural areas; there are fewer physicians and dentists per capita than in other areas.

NN/LM MAR promotes the use of reliable health information among rural health professionals and residents in a variety of ways. For example, we work closely with the PA Office of Rural Health to assess and support the health information needs of Critical Access Hospitals, rural hospitals with under 25 beds. We provide trainings at community-based health centers, public health departments, and other organizations that provide health care in rural areas. We also exhibit at conferences that attract rural providers and residents, including farming, cooperative extension, and community health care conferences.

For librarians and others who are looking for information on rural health, a great place to start is the Rural Assistance Center (RAC). Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, RAC contains rural health guides for all 50 states. There are also over 80 health topics, such as Migrant Health, Aging, and Rural Health Disparities.

Rural Assistance Center is a great place to find:

• State and National Organizations
• Data and Statistics
• Active Funding Opportunities
• Exhibits and other Events
• Evidence-Based Toolkits and Models for rural health projects

Many of the resources, particularly the funding opportunities, are applicable to those even outside rural areas. RAC information specialists are available to help with searches.

Are you interested in learning more about rural health issues and resources to support the information needs of rural health practitioners? MAR is offering a new course!

Health on the Range: Rural Health Issues and Resources

Date/Time: September 30, 2014 / 10-11:30 am (ET)

The class will consist of a 90-minute synchronous webinar and practice exercises. Participants will receive 2 MLA CEs.

Details and registration: http://nnlm.gov/ntcc/classes/class_details.html?class_id=811