Implementing a New USDA Rural Development Program Targeting Small Rural Hospitals and Their Communities

Authors

Andrew F. Coburn PhD, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
A. Clinton MacKinney MD,MS, University of Iowa, College of Public Health
Timothy D. McBride PhD, Washington University in St. Louis, Brown School of Social Work
Keith J. Mueller PhD, University of Iowa, College of Public Health
Rebecca T. Slifkin PhD, University of North Carolina, Rural Health Research and Policy Analysis Center
Mary Wakefield PhD, RN, University of North Dakota, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Center for Rural Health

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

3-1-2008

Keywords

Cutler Institute, Population Health and Health Policy, USM Aging Initiative, Policy

Abstract

The RUPRI Health Panel was asked to offer recommendations for implementing a new USDA Rural Development program, included in the Senate Farm Bill proposal, should it be enacted into law. The goal of this program is to strengthen rural health care delivery systems, to provide necessary health care services to rural residents in a cost-effective manner. We believe this goal is best accomplished through a comprehensive, coordinated approach that fosters community-based efforts to promote health and wellness, in addition to innovative programming designed to improve quality of services. These recommendations can also be used to inform other programs already managed by the USDA, such as the Community Facilities Program.

Funding Organization

This report was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Agreement # RD-07-67.

Recommended Citation

Coburn, A. F., MacKinney, A. C., McBride, T. D., Mueller, K. J., Slifkin, R. T., & Wakefield, M. K. (2008). Implementing a new USDA rural development program targeting small rural hospitals and their communities. Columbia, MO: RUPRI Rural Health Panel.