In the News
Rural hospitals in crisis mode
November 6, 2023
Publisher: Becker's Healthcare
Rural Health: Addressing Barriers to Care
October 30, 2023
Publisher: NIHCM
Medicare Advantage keeps growing. Tiny, rural hospitals say that's a huge problem
October 18, 2023
Publisher: NPR
Rural Libraries Implementing Walking Groups and Civic Engagement for Walkability in Rural Communities
October 6th, 2023
Publisher: BMC
Rural Populations Are Uniquely Vulnerable to the Health Impacts of Extreme Heat
September 22, 2023
Publisher: Rural Health Information Hub
New program links millions of Texas students with free mental health care at school
September 20, 2023
Publisher: ABC News
Recent research shows maternity care access is worsening for millions of women in the U.S.
August 10, 2023
Publisher: March of Dimes
HHS Awards $2.5 Million to Help Decrease Food Insecurity in Native Communities
August 8, 2023
Publisher: HHS
Once-resistant rural court officials begin to embrace medications to treat addiction
July 27, 2023
Publisher: CBS News
Rural SNAP Recipients Will Have Harder Time with Return to Work Requirements
July 20, 2023
Publisher: The Daily Yonder
Black, Rural Southern Women at Gravest Risk From Pregnancy Miss Out on Maternal Health Aid
July 18, 2023
Publisher: KFF Health News
Rural Communities Are Upbeat About the Future Despite Persisting Issues
July 14, 2023
Publisher: The Daily Yonder
Center's research on HIV and opioid misuse
July 7, 2023
Publisher: Vital Record
340B program enrollment led to more oncology services at rural hospitals
July 6, 2023
Publisher: Tech Target
As fewer MDs practice rural primary care, a different type of doctor helps take up the slack
June 29, 2023
Publisher: Kaiser Health News
Lack of family support adds to rural transgender adults' health risks
June 27, 2023
Publisher: The Daily Yonder
American Diabetes Association's 83rd Scientific Session
June 26, 2023
Publisher: American Diabetes Association
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center's director, Alva Ferdinand, attended this event. Here she discussed the center's research about the "Burden and Epidemiology of of Diabetes in Rural America."
Academy Health 2023 Annual Research Meeting
June 25, 2023
Publisher: Academy Health
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center's student research assistant, Aakriti Shrestha, attended this event. Here she was able to present research done regarding the top five leading causes of death with rurality and racial/ethnic considerations.
Why healthcare is still so hard to access in rural towns near Texas' bigger cities
June 20, 2023
Publisher: The Texas Tribune
'Masks, misinformation, and making do' experience of Appalachian healthcare workers during the pandemic
June 15, 2023
Publisher: The Daily Yonder
Rural hospitals struggle with staffing shortage, and not just doctors
June 8, 2023
Publisher: Chief Healthcare Executive
Rural healthy people 2030: common challenges, rural nuances published
May 22, 2023
Publisher: Rural Health Research Gateway
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
In 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month was established. This time serves to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. For the past 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being.
Publisher: SAMHSA
Rural Healthy People 2030 sets health priorities for the next decade
May 19, 2023
Publisher: Medical Economics
HHS Announces over $65 Million to address the maternal health criis and invest in the new approaches to care
May 19, 2023
Publisher: DHHS
National Women's Health Week 2023 (May 14th-20th)
This week serves to emphasize the importance of women focusing on their whole health - physical, psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing. Each year, the HHS office on Women's Health leads National Women’s Health Week (NWHW). NWHW 2023 occurs May 14-20, 2023 and emphasizes the importance of women focusing on their whole health - physical, psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing - with a focus on primary care.
Publisher: DHHS
Southwest Rural Health Research Center identifies key health challenges of rural America
May 4, 2023
Publisher: Vital Record
May is Older Americans Month
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center celebrated Older Americans Month in May. The theme this year was "Aging Unbound" which offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes. In order to promote flexible thinking about aging – many events across the United States were held. Our Community Health Workers attended Spring Fest in College Station, TX May 5th in celebration of Older Americans Month.
Governors and states are advancing equitable rural economic development and healthcare
April 27, 2023
Publisher: National Governors Association
Initiative aims for 25k defibrillators for the Midwest and West emergency services
April 24, 2023
Publisher: The Daily Yonder
Booker, Capito, Sewell, Rogers Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to address wastewater needs of low-income households
April 20, 2023
Publisher: Cory Booker
Diabetes is a major factor behind declining life expectancy in rural areas
April 20, 2023
Publisher: PBS News
Rural Healthcare access lacking for minority populations
April 20, 2023
Publisher: The Daily Yonder
The CDC lacks a rural focus. Researchers hope a newly funded office will help
April 19, 2023
Publisher: Kaiser health news
News article highlights the importance of cancer screening while promoting the services offered by Texas C-STEP
April 17, 2023
Publisher: KXXV
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an intermediate policy on rural health clinics rurality determinations
April 12, 2023
Publisher: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
April is National Minority Health Month
April 10, 2023
Publisher: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Every April, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) observes National Minority Health Month to highlight the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities and reducing health disparities. This years theme was "Better Health Through Better Understanding" to address how we can improve health literacy and support the cultural and linguistic needs of our communities.
Research study published: Financial & Public Health Benefits for Texas of Full Practice Authority for APRNs
April 6, 2023
Publisher: Texas Nurse Practitioner Foundation
End of Covid Emergency Will Usher in Changes Across the US Health System
April 5, 2023
Publisher: Kaiser health News
National Public Health Week 2023 (April 3rd-9th)
During the first full week of April each year, the American Public Health Association (APHA) brings together communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation. The Texas A&M School of Public Health celebrated National Public Health Week with engaging and exciting activies each day of the week!
Analysis of an Innovative Approach to Target Rural Communities in Public Health Funding published
March 31, 2023
Publisher: Rural Health Research Gateway
Rural healthy people 2030: New decade, new challenges released on preventive medicine reports
March 23, 2023
Publisher: Elsevier
Mental health care by video fills gaps in rural nursing homes
March 21, 2023
Publisher: Kaiser health News
Nearly half of rural hospitals are operating in the red, study says
March 8, 2023
Publisher: The Daily Yonder
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
March 7, 2023
Publisher: CDC
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The Southwest Rural Health Research Center promoted it's Colorectal Health grant. The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas funds the centers grant, and provides colorectal cancer screenings to uninsured, underserved, and low-income residents of Texas.
Getting around rural America without a car is hard. These communities developed solutions
February 27, 2023
Publisher: Nebraska Public Media
Looming cuts to emergency SNAP benefits threaten food security in rural America
Februrary 23, 2023
Publisher: Kaiser Health News
RUPRI Health Panel releases state-based recommendations to support rural ambulance agencies
Februrary 15, 2023
Publisher: RUPRI
American Heart Month
Februrary 14, 2023
Publisher: CDC
February is American Heart Month. The Southwest Rural Health Research Center spread awareness by sharing the Center's for Disease Control and Prevention's resources on cardiovascular health.
National Rural Health Association's Rural Health Policy Institute
Februrary 7, 2023
Publisher: NRHA
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center's director, Alva Ferdinand, attended this event. Here she was able to participate in NRHA’s Rural Health Disparities Summit, and connect with Congressional delegation to educate them on rural health policy priorities.
As pandemic-era medicaid provisions lapse, millions approach a coverage cliff
Februrary 2, 2023
Publisher: Kaiser Health News
Organizers work to ensure 988 helps rural residents too
January 24, 2023
Publisher: The Daily Yonder
Cervical Health Awareness Month
January 24, 2023
Publisher: CDC
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. The Southwest Rural Health Research Center promoted it's Women's Health grant. The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas funds the centers grant, and provides breast and cervical cancer screenings to uninsured, underserved, and low-income residents of Texas.
Transgender people in rural America struggle to find doctors willing or able ot provide care
January 23, 2023
Publisher: Kaiser Health News
Rural seniors benefit from pandemic-driven remote fitness boom
January 17, 2023
Publisher: Kaiser Health News
RUPRI Health Panel releases new paper on payment policies and implications for rural hospitals
December 21, 2022
Publisher: RUPRI
Rural clinics struggled long before COVID-19 -- a Mississippi clinic rebouding strong from the pandemic
December 21, 2022
Publisher: National Public Radio
In rural America, deadly costs of opioids outweigh the dollars tagged to address
them
December 12, 2022
Publisher: Kaiser Health News
Texas A&M School of Public Health Commencement
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center celebrated as this December as students across the A&M School of Public Health recieved their Bachelor and Master degrees.
National Influenza Week
The CDC recognizes December 5-9 as National Influenza Week. This time serves as a reminder of the importance of flu vaccines.
Addiction treatment proponents urge rural clinicians to pitch in by prescribing medication
December 1, 2022
Publisher: Kaiser Health News
National Rural Health Day
November 17, 2022
Publisher: NOSORH
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center celebrated by spreading the message of the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health about the "Power of Rural."
Breast Cancer Awareness: Take Action
October 4, 2022
Publisher: Brownfield Ag News
Uncertanity, scarcity and transparency:
Public health ethics and risk communication in a pandemic
September 30, 2022
Publisher: The Lancet
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
September 28, 2022
Publisher: The Eagle
Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place during October. The month is dedicated to raising awareness of the impact of breast cancer. During October, the Southwest Rural Health Research Center (SRHRC) attended the Brazos County Breast Cancer Memorial Celebration. Here the SRHRC promoted it's Women's Health grant, which is funded through the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and prevention education to uninsured, underserved, and low-income residents of Texas.
A free medical clinic opened in rural East Texas
September 23, 2022
Publisher: KSAT News
A new West Texas clinic revives health care options in a rural community
September 12, 2022
Publisher: The Texas Tribune
Lifesaving cancer treatment out of reach for rural people
August 23, 2022
Publisher: NBC News
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
Although significant vaccine-related advancements have been made in the US, adult vaccination rates still remain low overall. Learn more about National Immunization Awareness Month HERE.
The US Mental Health Hotline Network Is Expanding, but Rural Areas Still Face Care Shortages
July 28, 2022
Publisher: Kaiser Health News
Rural areas experiencing emergency medicine workforce shortage
June 27, 2022
Publisher: Health Leaders Media
PCORI to develop up to $113 million in new funding opportunities to reduce maternal health inequities and improve management of multiple chronic conditions
June 14, 2022
Publisher: PCORI
HHS Invests Nearly $15 Million to Prevent and Treat
Stimulant Use in Rural Communities
June 8, 2022
Publisher: HHS Press Office
Community Health Improvement Week 2022 (June 6th - 10th)
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center celebrated Community Health Improvement Week (CHIW) from June 6th to June 10th. The purpose of Community Health Improvement Week is to honor health professionals who work closely with communities and dedicate their lives to improving the health of others. During CHIW, we highlighted our staff members and Community Health Workers who make a continual difference in the health of our Texas communities.
Doctors across state borders: Telehealth study could inform policy
June 6, 2022
Publisher: Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan
Pace of New Rural Vaccinations Remains Flat for Last Two Months
June 2, 2022
Publisher: The Daily Yonder
Texas C-STEP June 2022 Newsletter
View our Texas C-STEP June 2022 Newsletter to learn more about the Southwest Rural Health Research Center's lung cancer grant funding and our upcoming outreach events in June, July, and August.
2021 Rural Border Health Chartbook Released
Publisher: National Rural Health Association
World No Tobacco Day 2022
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center raised awareness for World No Tobacco Day on May 31st, 2022, a day dedicated to raise awareness about the damage that consuming tobacco has on our health and the environment. The SRHRC continues its' efforts in Texas to provide lung cancer screening and tobacco cessation resources to our targeted counties through our Increasing Accessibility to Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Screening Services for Low-income/Uninsured Texans grant.
Community health workers help reduce unnecessary hospital visits
May 19, 2022
Publisher: Healio
America's mental health care deserts: Where is it hard to access care?
May 18, 2022
Publisher: ABC News
"No other option": Telehealth could be rural healthcare's savior
May 17, 2022
Publisher: MedCity News
National Women's Health Week 2022 (May 9th - 13th)
National Women's Health Week (NWHW) takes place during the second week of May and is dedicated to encouraging women and girls to reflect on their individual health needs and to take steps in improving their overall health. During NWHW, the Southwest Rural Health Research Center highlighted it's Women's Health grant, which is funded through the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and prevention education to uninsured, underserved, and low-income residents of Texas. Over a 17-county region in Central Texas, the Women's Health grant functions to increase access to preventative cancer screenings for patients and increase the number of providers trained to perform cancer screening and diagnostic procedures.
Travel Burden for Healthcare Among Rural Populations Podcast
Listen to the podcast HERE.
The director of the Southwest Rural Health Research Center, Alva Ferdinand, DrPH, JD, joined Marvellous Akinlotan, PhD, research assistant professor at the SRHRC, to share insights from their recent study Variations in Travel Burdens Associated with Access to Care Between Rural and Urban Residents on the Exploring Rural Health podcast with Rural Health Information Hub.
SRHRC Staff and students recognized at Student
Recognition & Awards Banquet
On April 29, 2022, Southwest Rural Health Research Center staff and students were inducted into the Texas A&M School of Public Health Alpha Tau chapter of Delta Omega. Delta Omega is the national public health honor society for the schools of public health across the United States. Membership in Delta Omega reflects the dedication of an individual to quality in the field of public health and to the protection and advancement of the health of all people. Election to membership in Delta Omega is intended, not only to recognize scholastic merit, but also to encourage further excellence in, and devotion to, public health. It is a high honor for a graduating student to be selected for membership in the society.
Patient Experience Week (April 25th - 29th)
Patient Experience Week is an annual event, taking place during the last week of April, that celebrates healthcare staff impacting patient experiences everyday. During Patient Experience Week, the Southwest Rural Health Research Center highlighted selected patient testimonials from patients impacted by our Women's Health grant services.
As Eating Disorders Spike During Pandemic, Rural Treatment Options Lag
April 19, 2022
Publisher: Kaiser Health News
Nearly Half of Rural Hospitals Lose Money on Childbirth Services
April 13, 2022
Publisher: The Daily Yonder
Texas C-STEP Newsletter Launch
View our Texas C-STEP March 2022 Newsletter to learn more about the Southwest Rural Health Research Center's colorectal cancer grant funding and our upcoming outreach events in April and May.
Community Health Worker Day 2022
April 8th was Community Health Worker Day in Texas. The Southwest Rural Health Research Center celebrated by highlighting our Community Health Workers who provide invaluable education, outreach, and navigation for colorectal, lung, breast, and cervical cancer screenings to our Texas communities.
National Public Health Week 2022
During the first full week of April each year, the American Public Health Association (APHA) brings together communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation.The Texas A&M School of Public Health celebrated National Public Health Week with events taking place each day of the week.
April is National Minority Health Month
National Minority Health Month highlights the important role individuals and organizations can play in working to reduce health disparities and improving the health of racial and ethnic minorities. This year's theme was Give Your Community a Boost in response to the continued importance of COVID-19 vaccination as one of the strongest tools we can use to protect communities from COVID-19, which has disproportionately affected communities of color.
April is National Cancer Control Month
In April, the Southwest Rural Health Research Center stood with other organizations nationwide to honor those affected by cancer by committing to strategies aimed at reducing the burden of cancer. Learn more about cancer control HERE.
Rural Population Bounces Back in 2021
March 28, 2022
Publisher: The Daily Yonder
New Statistics Available From the 2016-2020 American Community
Survey 5-Year Estimates
March 17, 2022
Publisher: United States Census Bureau
2022 Article of the Year
A Southwest Rural Health Research Center publication, Rural and Urban Differences in COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors, conducted by our own Alva Ferdinand, DrPH, JD and Timothy Callaghan, PhD along with Jennifer Lueck, PhD and Kristin Lunz Trujillo, ABD, was selected as the 2022 Article of the Year by the Journal of Rural Health.
National No Smoking Day
March 9th was National Smoking day, a day designed as a time to reach out to friends and family members who suffer from nicotine use. The Southwest Rural Health Research Center continues its' efforts in Texas to provide lung cancer screening and tobacco cessation resources to our targeted counties through our Increasing Accessibility to Smoking Cessation and Lung Cancer Screening Services for Low-income/Uninsured Texans grant.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month has grown to be a rallying point for the colorectal cancer community where thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates throughout the country join together to spread colorectal cancer awareness by wearing blue, holding fundraising and education events, talking to friends and family about screening, and so much more. The Southwest Rural Health Research Center participated through our attendance of 6 health events events in which we served alongside over 30 vendors to raise health/cancer awareness, reaching over 300 community members both directly and indirectly. The SRHRC also collaborated with La Voz Hispana to host a Facebook Live on colorectal cancer awareness and announced our involvement on ABC25 News and Radio Alegria.
HHS Distributing $560 Million in Provider Relief Fund Payments
to Health Care Providers Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic
February 24, 2022
Publisher: United States Department of Health & Human Services
SRHRC Awarded Colorectal Grant Funding
The Southwest Rural Health Research Center and the Texas A&M Family Medicine Residency program was awarded $2.5MM by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. The grant will allow us to provide colorectal, gallbladder, and liver cancer screening, as well as education and navigation services to rural and medically underserved populations in 23 Texas counties. Learn more about our Colorectal grant HERE.
International Childhood Cancer Day
February 15th was International Childhood Cancer Day, a campaign that expresses support for children with cancer, survivors, and their families. It also spotlights the need for equitable and better access to care for all children with cancer.