A comprehensive single-source book about rural mental health and substance abuse. Provides the latest information and results from research concerning these two topics. Covers: mental disorders in rural areas; alcohol and other drug abuse in rural areas: a review of epidemiologic evidence; mental health service delivery in rural areas: organizational and clinical issues; human resource issues for rural mental health; the future of mental health and rural America; and a comprehensive annotated resource guide to rural mental health-related information.

Includes: impact of hospital closures; do transition grants help rural hospitals? rural hospital networks: implications for rural health reform; variations in rural hospital costs: effects of market concentration & location; why do so few HMOs offer Medicare risk plans in rural areas? patterns of HMO service areas in rural counties; effects & effectiveness of telemedicine; & access of rural AFDC Medicaid beneficiaries to mental health services. Illustrated.

"[A] welcome addition to the rural health care practitioner's tool kit. It will energize those interested in vulnerable rural residents and their unique characteristics through a public health perspective... Highly recommended."--CHOICE: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries "This call to action for healthcare providers is a comprehensive review of issues in rural healthcare, including both obstacles and ways to begin to overcome them. It is easy to read... This enjoyable book encourages healthcare providers working or considering working in rural healthcare with clear direction."--Doody's Medical Reviews "The Warren & Smalley book is an excellent look at the challenges while also presenting solutions and hope. It recognizes the medical challenges that are present and the cost of bring medical care to these communities... There is so much in this book that will be refreshing and encouraging. The book needs to be read. It is also a book that needs to be placed in the hands of the movers and shakers, as well other interested parties who are in a position to 'make this happen.'" -- Illness, Crisis & Loss Rural residents face distinct health challenges due to economic conditions, cultural/behavioral factors, and health provider shortages that combine to impose striking disparities in health outcomes among rural populations. This comprehensive text about the issues of rural public health is the only book to focus on rural health from the perspectives of public health and prevention. It covers specific diseases and disorders faced by rural populations, service delivery challenges, practitioner shortfalls in rural areas, and promising community health approaches and preventive measures. The text also addresses rural health care ethics and international perspectives. Nearly all chapters offer best practice recommendations and evidence-based prevention programs. This book is a cohesive, centralized resource for researchers, public health practitioners, health organizations, and graduate education programs that focus on the public health of rural populations. Key Features: Comprises the only text to address rural health from the perspectives of public health and prevention Includes best practice recommendations and evidence-based prevention programs in each chapter Presents a cohesive, expansive synthesis of current research and practice Addresses specific diseases and disorders of rural populations, service delivery problems, and practitioner shortfalls in rural areas Discusses promising community health approaches and preventative measures