RESUMEN
Factors such as geography, community hesitancy, the political landscape, and legislative efforts to limit public health authority have contributed to a disproportionate number of COVID-19 infections and deaths in US rural communities. Community-based organizations are trusted entities that provide social and educational services in the communities where they live and have proven to be effective public health partners in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, coupled with higher rates of vaccine hesitancy, the CDC Foundation awarded grants to 21 community-based organizations serving rural communities in 7 Midwest states to support the equitable uptake and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. In this case study, 2 grantees, the Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence and the Hmong American Center, provide case studies that document their experiences, challenges, and strategies for overcoming barriers during the implementation of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance projects in diverse rural communities. These case studies provide key lessons learned that can be applied to future public health emergency and nonemergency responses to ensure that all members of communities are served well and protected.
Asunto(s)
Vacunas contra la COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Humanos , COVID-19/prevención & control , Pandemias , Salud Pública , Población RuralRESUMEN
Aim: To assess the rate of self-reported concussion in midwestern skiers and snowboarders. Patients: Recreational skiers and snowboarders between the ages of 14 and 69 years during a single winter ski season (2020-2021) at a ski area in Wisconsin, USA. Methods: Survey study. Results: Among this survey population (n = 161), 9.32 and 19.25% reported one or more diagnosed concussion and suspected concussion respectively as a result of a skiing- or snowboarding-related incident. Skiers and snowboarders that self-identified as advanced, those who utilized terrain park features, and those that participated in freestyle competition had significantly higher self-reported rates of concussion. Conclusion: Self-reported concussion history indicates a concussion prevalence that is higher than expected based on previous studies. Participants reported significantly more suspected concussions than diagnosed concussions, indicating a possible issue with underreporting in this population.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Measuring and ranking the health of counties helps raise awareness of health disparities based on where people live. Recently, there has been increasing interest in comparing the health of counties across state lines, to potentially measure the impact of local and state-level policies. METHODS: The counties in Minnesota (n = 87) and Wisconsin (n = 72) were combined into a single 2-state region, and all 159 counties were ranked according to the County Health Rankings methods, with summary ranks for health outcomes and health factors. Multivariable regression analysis was then used to examine the potential impact of state-based programs and policies on health outcomes. RESULTS: Minnesota was healthier overall than Wisconsin, with lower rates of premature death and better quality of life. Minnesota also performed better than Wisconsin for all 9 health behavior measures, 4 of 7 clinical care measures, 7 of 8 social and economic factors, and 3 of 5 physical environment measures. Furthermore, counties in Wisconsin were more likely to have lower (worse) ranks than counties in Minnesota for both health outcomes and health factors, as well as for the subcategories that make up these summary ranks. Regression analysis showed that Minnesota's better health status was explained primarily by healthier behaviors and more desirable social and economic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Minnesota's better health outcomes are largely explained by better social, economic, and behavioral factors. These findings suggest a need for examination of policies and strategies that may be influencing the observed differences across these 2 states.