Completion of this instructional unit indicates comprehension of the health issues and concerns surrounding areas designated as rural.
Challenge 1 I Challenge 2 I Challenge 3
Upon completion of the challenges required for this instructional unit, you will be able to:
- Define rural.
- Distinguish between urban and rural.
- Explain the importance of the distinction between urban and rural designations.
- List major health issues and threats in rural areas.
- State why advocacy is important for rural America.
- Utilize advocacy skills to advocate on behalf or rural America.
Challenge 1: Rural or Urban?
Work through Lessons 1 and 2 in the elearning module to garner an understanding of what constitutes a rural designation.
Learning Activities
Conduct a search to determine the designation of your home. Does your home address qualify for rural designation? Check at Am I Rural (Rural Health Information Hub).
What is your distressed community score? Use the 2020 DCI Interactive Map (Economic Innovation Group) to look it up!
Where would you go to find rural health resources? Browse the Rural Health Information Hub to learn about available resources.
- What are some of the categories of information that are listed?
- What information is available about the state you live in? How does your state information compare to the U.S. as a whole?
To complete this challenge, work through Lessons 1 and 2 in the elearning module, Primary Care in Rural Settings, complete all of the learning activities, and reflect on what you have learned:
- Consider the information you are finding. What is surprising to you?
Challenge 2: What Works in Rural?
Explore the Rural Health Models and Innovations section of the RHIhub website and examine successful strategies and/or projects.
To complete this challenge, think about the strategies and/or projects you reviewed using the following prompts to guide your reflection:
- What did you read/view? Describe it.
- Why did you choose to delve deeper into your chosen topic/program example? Does it have relevance for you in any way (i.e. personal connection, future practice area, etc.)
- Why was the project or strategies implemented successful?
- What did you find that was interesting? What did you learn that was surprising or alarming and/or what was satisfying?
Challenge 3: Advocating for Rural America
Work through Lessons 3 and 4 in the elearning module to garner an understanding of what constitutes a rural designation.
To complete this challenge, reflect on what you have learned and apply your knowledge in response to the scenario provided:
- Imagine that you are trying to convince a company executive not to drain chemicals in the local waterway.
- How would you frame the issue?
- What strategies would you use?
- Would you try to get partners? If so, who?