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Strategic Implications Of Covid-19: Considerations For Georgia’S Rural Health Providers, Bettye A. Apenteng, Linda G. Kimsey, Charles F. Owens, Samuel T. Opoku, Angela Peden, William A. Mase

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Whether rural hospitals and providers have seen a surge in COVID-19 cases or a reduction in patients seeking care since the pandemic began, their financial condition has been negatively impacted. Many providers have now received some emergency funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and the Payroll Protection Program but these are likely only short-term fixes. For many, the crisis has exacerbated already existing problems. Notable among these problems are volume declines, supply chain disruptions, and workforce concerns. While these problems require immediate action, two longer-term systemic changes to rural healthcare delivery are needed to address them. …