Tables of Contents Hospital Closures Across the U.S. from COVID-19What Is a Rural Hospital?Why Are Rural Hospitals Closing?U.S. Hospitals: Closing StatisticsWhat Rural Small Town Hospitals Can Do to SurviveRural Hospitals: A Vital Healthcare Provider Working to Overcome COVID-19 Challenges Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are critical to the American population — and the economy. In 2018, U.S. hospitals and health systems provided emergency care to 143 million people, performed more than 28 million surgeries, and delivered nearly 4 million babies, according to the American Hospital Association (AHA). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reports that in the same […]

When disaster strikes, clinicians and hospitals stand ready to receive patients in need of care. U.S. hospitals are fundamental in providing emergency care support for communities during crises that arise due to our changing climate — such as fires and hurricanes — as well as during singular, catastrophic events such as 9/11. In fact, the ways hospital emergency planning evolved in response to 9/11 have shaped how hospitals are responding to the COVID-19 crisis. The National Incident Management System, created in 2003, links federal, state, and local agencies to coordinate a thorough response to disaster. Local first responders are now […]

The healthcare industry is evolving at an incredible pace thanks to new technologies, procedures, and methodologies. These changes are creating opportunities across healthcare positions and, coupled with an aging population, have contributed to increased demand for highly qualified healthcare professionals. Those already working in the field can pursue an advanced degree to help open the door to leadership positions and higher earnings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the demand for medical and health services managers to increase by 32% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations (4%), providing significant opportunity for those […]

Binge drinking is a significant contributor to a number of preventable alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. annually. While it may not seem as serious, or even recognizable, as more conventional forms of alcoholism, binge drinking is associated with many alcohol-related health risks. The rise of binge drinking — and related hazards — has prompted public health officials, educators, people looking to study healthcare administration, educators, and drug and alcohol advocacy organizations to take a closer look to gain insight into preventing this form of alcohol abuse. Alcoholism is associated with a daily dependency on alcohol. Binge drinking may be more […]