Rural-related Resources

Find resources on various topics that include a focus on rural health below. Not all resources listed have a strict rural focus, some incorporate both rural and urban insights. 

Resource Title & Link
Resource Type
Resource Description
About Rural Health (CDC, 2017)
ArticleThis brief article from CDC introduces rural health challanges and provides suggestions on how to improve health for rural Americans.
Rural/Urban Differences in Children's Health (HRSA, 2020)
ArticleThe article shows a snapshot of differences in rural and urban chidlren's health in terms of mental and behavioral health, weight status and physical activity, ACEs, and overall healthcare.
Rural Community Health Toolkit (RHIhub, 2022)
Toolkit/GuideThis toolkit provides rural communities with the information, resources, and materials they need to develop a community health program in a rural community. Each of the toolkit's six modules contains information that communities can apply to develop a rural health program, regardless of the specific health topic the program addresses.
Rural Health Equity Toolkit (RHIhub, 2022)
Toolkit/GuideThe toolkit compiles evidence-based frameworks and promising strategies and resources to support organizations working toward health equity in rural communities across the United States.
Social Determinants of Health in Rural Communities Toolkit (RHIhub, 2020)
Toolkit/GuideThis toolkit compiles evidence-based and promising models and resources to support organizations implementing programs to address social determinants of health in rural communities across the United States.
Defining Rural Population Health and Health Equity (NOSORH, 2020)
ReportThis brief reports aims to define population health and health equity. It can be used to educate rural health and clinical care partners on their approaches to population health and health equity.
State Approaches for Addressing Rural Social Determinants of Health (ASTHO, n.d.)
ReportThe report by Association of State and Terrotorial Health Officials outlines social determinants of health that impact rural communities and provides a list of state and federal considerations.
Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Screening in Rural Northern California: Exploring Provider Perspectives and Experiences (PHI, PHIL, NAC, & Aces Aware Chapter, 2021)
ReportThis report identifies key opportunities to support successful screening, referral, and treatment processes for ACEs in rural Northern California.
Substance Use in California: Prevalence and Treatment (California Health Care Almanac, 2022)
ReportThe report uses the most recent data available to provide an overview of substance use and addiction in California. Topics include prevalence of substance use, emergency department visits, deaths, and treatment.
Health Workforce Strategies for California: A Review of the Evidence (CHCF, 2021)
ReportThis report reviews evidence for health workforce policy interventions such as pipeline programs, scholarship programs, loan repayment programs, funding of graduate-level health profession training programs, and residency funding.
Resources for Rural Community Health Needs Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans (NOSORH, n.d.)
ReportThis fact sheet for rural health stakeholders interested in systematically improving population health and health equity in rural communities. This compilation of resources provides clarification on the differences between a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) as components of the community health improvement process.