NEWS - October 2009
Rural Communities
A recent presentation on National Public Radio (NPR) discussed population declines that may adversely affect several small mid-western communities in the near future. Coincidentally, Feed-back.com planned to research "rural communities" earlier in the year as a potential news topic for Fall 2009. The following abstracts highlight some issues and trends that have made the news during the past month.
National Spotlight: Federal Funding / Coverage Discrepancies
Two U.S. agencies issued information about programs designed to assist several rural communities. In early October 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of $190 million in grants and loans from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for funding environmental and water projects in 17 states. To date, a total of $1.8 billion has been allotted for infrastructure development. As an example, funds will be used to construct two booster pump stations in Jackson County, Kentucky. Large allocations ($10 million or more) have been awarded to the Ozark Mountain Regional Public Water Authority (Arkansas); Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority (Mississippi); and the Freeland Municipal Authority and Williamsburg County (Pennsylvania).
A report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in early October 2009 forecasts the importance of information technology for delivering better health care in rural communities. More than 50 million Americans may benefit. One organization, the Columbia Basin Health Association (CBHA), was highlighted as an example of how electronic health records and information technology can enhance efficiency (e.g., continuity of care) and reduce the amount of time that health care professionals spend completing paperwork. CBHA is one of the first centers to switch completely from traditional charting to an electronic system.
For more information, visit: U.S. Department of Agriculture and TMCnet.com.
A blog posted on an affiliate NPR web site suggests that the structure of the U.S. Senate may contribute to inequities in future health care reform legislation. Equal representation for each state creates an even playing field that is not linked to population. The editorial points out that a "small population" state like North Dakota effectively has "72 times more voting clout, per constituent" than California. In addition, the most influential senators within the health care reform debate represent states with a total population of approximately 8 million people. High density metropolitan areas are not only urban but multi-ethnic, too. The blog notes that rural states often have more "federally supported" citizens, such as the elderly, government workers, military, and retirees.
For more information, visit: North Country Public Radio.
State Spotlight: Energy Efficiency, Technology, & Traffic
In early October, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) meeting was held in Charleston, South Carolina, where members addressed the need for improved widespread high-speed Internet access. Telemedicine was highlighted as one of the benefits, which enables digital consultations between rural medical practices and urban medical centers and often eliminates the need for patients to travel long distances for specialist care. Success stories suggest that FCC approval or endorsement of additional telecommunication system development could serve greater numbers of patients in rural communities.
For more information, visit: Post and Courier.
New data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests that the 23% of Americans who live in rural areas are at greater risk to die as a traffic fatality. Of all the traffic deaths that occurred in 2008, 56% happened on rural roads. According to a detailed map posted on the USA Today web site, rural roads accounted for 90% or more of all deaths in Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.
For more information, visit: USA Today.
In Illinois, $900,000 in local and state funding (part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program) is now available to assist low income rural residents improve energy efficiency in their homes. Individuals may receive up to $4,500 to cover repair costs, with priority given to owners who implement conservation, disability accessibility, roof, and/or structural support improvements.
For more information, visit: The Herald-Whig.
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