Today, approximately 20% of the U.S. population about 60 million people live in rural areas, which make up 97% of the land area in the United States. People living in rural America have less access to health care and are more likely than residents of urban areas to die from chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory disease.
Moreover, long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put many rural residents at increased risk of getting COVID-19. The rural/urban inequities in health and health care warrant more rigorous and innovative scientific research to improve testing, contact tracing, and future vaccination for rural Americans. This seminar will explore the impact of the COVID-19 on rural populations, systems and workforce issues and community engagement to respond to the pandemic.
Key Audiences:
* NIH & HHS staff, fellows, contractors, interns, trainees/students
* Researchers, medical practitioners
* Health policy representatives and legislators
* HRSA, Rural Health Information Hub
* Community stakeholders/general public