Roundup: July 7, 2023
A regular feature of our growing online journal, The Rural Review, these roundup posts collect notable recent research, analysis, and related rural news and commentary. Feel free to send suggestions for future collections to us here. And, more details on other opportunities to contribute to The Rural Review can be found here.
Recent Publications
Jason S. Hedrick (West Virginia University School of Medicine) and Erin McHenry-Sorber (Education and Human Services, West Virginia University) published Negotiating the Gemeinschaft/Gesellschaft Dichotomy: Appalachian Medical Student Perceptions of Practice in Rural Sociology. The study investigates the motivations driving Appalachian medical students’ decisions to stay or leave the region postgraduation, revealing complicated ideas about community and individual opportunity and the challenges of retaining medical practitioners in rural regions.
DVDs are playing an important role in saving the lives of rural American women according to a randomized, clinical trial published in JAMA Network entitled Comparative Effectiveness of 2 Interventions to Increase Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Women in the Rural US. Researchers Victoria L. Champion, Eric Vachon, Susan M. Rawl (all Indiana University School of Nursing), Electra D. Paskett (The Ohio State University College of Medicine), Erika B. Biederman, Mira L. Katz, Ryan D. Baltic (all Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University), Carla D. Kettler, Patrick O. Monahan, Timothy E. Stump (all Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center), Eric E. Seiber, and Wendy Y. Xu (both Health Services Management and Policy, The Ohio State University) found that sending tailored, interactive DVDs to women across rural Ohio doubled the likelihood that they would follow up with recommended screenings.
To better understand how rurality versus urbanicity are related to personality development and well-being change, the Journal of Personality recently published a study entitled Rural–Urban Differences in Personality Traits and Well-being in Adulthood. Researchers Olivia E. Atherton (Psychology, University of Houston), Emily C. Willroth (Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis), Eileen K. Graham, Jing Luo, Daniel K. Mroczek, and Marquita W. Lewis-Thames (all Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University), highlight the unique challenges that people in rural areas face, resulting in the potential for an increased likelihood of experiencing mental health symptoms.
Claire E. Remillard (Suffolk University Law School) recently published an article entitled Telehealth Is Here to Stay: Why Medicaid Should Permanently Require States to Offer Mental Health Services Through Telehealth in the Journal of High Technology Law. Citing its origins as a tool to help rural communities receive medical attention when services were not otherwise accessible, and given that an increased number of Americans are seeking mental health treatment, Remillard argues that especially for low-income Americans, telehealth is an important tool for accessing mental health services.
News & Commentary
The Legal Ruralism blog noted the economic concerns raised by the effect the Gray Wolf Reintroduction Initiative is having on rural communities in Western Colorado where rural residents fear loss of profits due to livestock depredation and reductions in big game populations which may affect hunting opportunities, another economic driver in some areas.
KFF Health News recently reported on a new community paramedicine program that sends a paramedic to patients’ homes, helping them access care, maintain or improve their health, and reduce their dependence on costly ambulance rides and ER visits. Community paramedicine may be especially helpful in rural areas, where access to health care can be a challenge.
A new state law aims to support specialized institutions that serve students with severe needs, reports the Colorado Sun. In rural areas where geographic realities can leave students with less desirable alternatives such as placement in mental health facilities or in a residential school far from home, “facility schools” offer a means of providing services to students—if they can get in.
Government Executive reported on the concerns of rural U.S. Postal Service employees in light of a revamping of the pay structure for rural employees that reduces hours and pay for letter carriers. While city-based letter carriers are paid on a flat, hourly basis, their rural counterparts’ pay is dependent on how much mail they deliver.
The National Education Association warns of dire consequences for rural communities as proposals to expand private school vouchers gain ground in states across the country, allowing more families to apply for taxpayer-funded private school tuition. Given the central role public schools play in rural communities, a major fear is that “if you lose your school, you lose your town.”
AP News reported on the Biden administration’s proposal to allow conservationists to lease federally owned land to restore it, much the same way oil companies and ranchers buy leases to drill and graze cattle. Opponents fear that the proposal may serve as backdoor means of excluding mining, energy development, and agriculture.
Events & Recordings
A new episode of the Reconciliation Rising podcast featuring an interview with Judge Abby Abinanti, the first female Native American lawyer in California and the first Native American to serve as a judicial officer for the state of California, is now available. Find more multimedia content highlighting the work of addressing difficult histories, promoting meaningful and respectful dialogue between Natives and non-Natives, and creating pathways to reconciliation here.
The University of Nebraska’s Center for Great Plains Studies released an interview with Carson Vaughan, journalist and author of Zoo Nebraska, discussing what it’s like to cover the Great Plains as a distinct region in an episode of Great Plains Anywhere. Learn more about the Taylor Juniper tree and other regional rabbit holes that capture Vaughan’s interest here.
The third National Summit on Journalism in Rural America, hosted by the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues (publisher of The Rural Blog) will be held July 7, 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky, and online. The conference will focus on how rural communities can sustain local journalism that supports democracy. Register for free here.
Radically Rural is hosting its annual summit in person on September 27-28, 2023 in Keene, New Hampshire. Now in its 6th year, the community-development conference will focus on the theme “Reimaging Rural,” with the goal of prompting new ways to rethink old ideas. Tickets for the event are on sale here, with prices based on a sliding scale.
The Housing Assistance Council is hosting its biennial conference bringing together stakeholders in the field of rural affordable housing on October 24-27, 2023 in Washington, DC. This year’s theme is “Build Rural,” exploring the collaborative effort, leadership, investment, and planning necessary to build thriving rural communities. Learn more here.
