A systems methodology was employed to design and deliver a highly successful demonstration of the effectiveness of distance education as a means of providing high quality training to tens of thousands of teachers in the most remote areas of Brazil. Key elements in the success of the program were significant funding, top political buy-in, and…

Formal sexuality education in schools is declining in the United States and this is disproportionately affecting adolescents in rural settings. The purpose of this qualitative study was to assess student and teacher perception of sexuality education delivered online as a potential solution to address this gap in access. Nine gender-specific group…

The United States is becoming increasingly diverse with the largest growth in Hispanic populations. Diversity also is increasing in rural America. This diversity is reflected in the participants in early care and education programs and K-12 students. Unfortunately, demographics for college and university teacher education programs do not match…

A recently established rural service delivery model in Alberta designed to overcome some difficulties in serving low incidence handicapped students in rural areas is described. The model includes the establishment of regional centers and the provision of outreach services including assessment, inservice, and consultation by specialists otherwise…

Appalachian Leadership Outreach Health Program established community health centers in the homes of volunteers in 10 Kentucky communities. The cost has been nominal, and the advantages in transportion time and improved health awareness and care promise to help meet basic health needs of the rurally isolated. (JC)

Describes multifacted role of a social worker in establishing a rural hospice care program in Cottage Grove, Oregon, a community of 8,000 inhabitants. Discusses program development, planning, coordination, and administration; problem identification and needs assessment; volunteer training; and client assessment and direct services. (NEC)

Summarizes the 20-year history of the Appalachian Regional Commission's innovative, flexible, $550M model health care delivery system. Cites achievements in establishing primary care clinics; tackling black lung disease; and expanding health manpower, health education, maternal and child health care, and rehabilitation centers. (NEC)

Traces Southern West Virginia Regional Health Council's decade of delivering/linking cradle-to-grave health services for 500,000 rural residents. Describes microwave communications radio network; clinics; services in family planning, genetic counseling, prenatal care, maternal/child care, nutrition, heart/respiratory disease screening, renal…

Describing an in-service training program designed for a predominantly rural area of Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, this article emphasizes the importance of strengthening linkages between social service practitioners in direct contact with older persons and the mental health agencies in the area. (JC)

Describes conception and implementation of a statewide 24-hour toll-free crisis line funded by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to assist farmers and their families in coping with stress generated by the deepening farm crisis. Reports over 2,665 calls in a 13-month period regarding depression, psychosomatic symptoms, marital/family problems,…

Describes an Arizona State School of Social Work training program which utilizes "Teaching Learning Centers" in four rural communities as places where students, community residents, agency personnel, and university faculty are working together to develop social service delivery systems responsive to the expressed needs and desires of…

Describes problems and needs of sexual assault victims in rural areas; discusses impediments to apprehension and conviction of rapists; and outlines a successful model for sexual assault services that has provided health, mental health, and supportive services to victims and assisted in the rural justice system. (DS)

Discussions of foster care issues were conducted in four Nevada cities. Topics discussed in Reno included an overview of foster care in Nevada, Federal law and its application in the State, and prevention of placement in foster care. Discussed in Las Vegas were provision of foster care to children in southern Nevada and prevention of foster care…

Describing an alternative approach to the delivery of educational services aimed at social work practitioners in rural areas, this article details a Montana educational delivery system that incorporated isolated field experience with opportunities for student interaction and extensive written and phone communication between the educational staff…

An interstate consortium sponsors emergency medical training programs, purchases equipment, and arranges reciprocal certification in a 31-county area of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. (Author/JC)