Author: sjessfrey

Due to the rise of COVID cases following the Delta Variant and in light of vaccine rates not yet sufficient to create a safe environment for face to face interaction among our very needed medical professionals, the conference has moved online. Deadline for registration is October. Please register by clicking the link below. PLEASE NOTE… Continue reading Head For the Hills Update

Between 2000 and 2010, the nonmetropolitan areas in the US gained more than 1 million residents, but in the last decade, the population fell by 260,000 residents. The decrease from 2010 to 2020 was slight — about half a percentage point, but what is interesting about this change is that it was fueled by increased… Continue reading Rural Population on the Decline

With the introduction and abrupt shift to telehealth over the past year, the technology required to support telehealth visits is only the first hurdle that needs to be overcome. The user interaction and experience is perhaps the more important hurdle that we must turn our attention to. Over 4 million rural homes have no access… Continue reading Digital Navigators: A Telehealth Game Changer

Over the past 10 years, we have seen a steep decline in pediatric hospital care for illness such as asthma, pneumonia, viral infections, and other serious illnesses. The number of inpatient units fell 19%, and beds decreased by 12%. Approximately 34 pediatric units were closed and 300 beds were removed each year on average. Nearly… Continue reading The Fall of Pediatric Care in Rural Settings

It would appear that most of the country is returning to life, a new normal in this post-pandemic world, but not all communities have been so lucky. Many of the small and rural towns across the country are still quietly dealing with COVID-19. Increasing cases and lower vaccination rates are part of the reason rural… Continue reading How to talk about vaccinations in rural communities

Pride of Rural Virginia is a grant-funded initiative to address LGBTQIA+ health & healthcare priorities in rural areas across Virginia.  The June 12th kickoff will be a virtual event to invite community members and health providers from around the state to learn more about “The Pride of Rural Virginia” project and the opportunity to attend a… Continue reading Pride of Rural Virginia

Introducing the new Rural Health Maternal Health Toolkit! This toolkit is designed to support rural communities implementing maternal health programs across the United States, by compiling  evidence-based and promising models and resources. The modules in the toolkit contain resources and information focused on developing, implementing, evaluating, and sustaining rural programs to address the factors that… Continue reading RHIhub Rural Maternal Health Tool

Dr. Amanda Cohn, MD serves as the Chief Medical Officer of the National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) and Executive Secretary of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. She additionally just completed service as Chief Medical Officer on CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force. In the attached article, Dr. Cohn discusses challenges that rural… Continue reading Vaccinating Rural America: Q&A with Dr. Amanda Cohn

GMEC is delighted to offer a special homecoming Head for the Hills in a luxurious setting. COVID has changed many things. Head for the Hills normally enjoys circulating between state parks. This year, because of pandemic restrictions, parks would require us to bring our own linens and limit capacity at gatherings. We are THIS YEAR… Continue reading Head for the Hills Registration is now open!