Five individual-level independent variables--life stage (age), social status, health, informal social support, and stress--were measured to assess the dependent variable, use of social services. Only the existence of informal social support proved significant, indicating a need for informal networks and educational programs, as well as for…

Analysis of community social problems by 125 rural West community leaders revealed attitudes toward social services. Two perspectives emerged: focus on family-related problems and focus on public safety problems. Findings suggested--although links between public services and social conditions in health and education are understood--connections…

Describes the Skyline Farms Project in Appalachian Alabama, a largely unsuccessful attempt to transform ex-tenant farmers into independent landowners. Traces the history of Skyline Farms from the 1930s to the early 1940s. Describes community attitudes and social services (education, health, recreation, home economics). Discusses reasons for the…

Describes technical-assistance program offered by University of Kansas School of Social Welfare to community social-service and mental-health agencies. Describes roles of style and communication strategies in technical assistance. Discusses assistance methods, planning, and change. Indicates preliminary success of Kansas effort. (TES)

Applies assumed similarity and reward-cost theories to problem of low rates of utilization of mental health and social service programs by rural Alaska Native populations. Recommends strategies of service delivery to increase utilization of needed services. Recommendations may be applicable to other rural areas. (Author/TES)

Literature review addresses the status of farm families; farm stresses and their effects; dysfunctional family relationships; and the unique attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions of rural culture toward social service intervention. By implementing coordinated service programs and initiating new legislation that addresses rural health care issues,…

Explores impact of national policies affecting income maintenance, health, transportation, education, employment, and housing of chronically mentally ill people in rural areas. Suggests policies rendered deinstitutionalization and rural community placement difficult. Reveals interlocking policy environment that warrants widening of mental health…

Describes step-by-step procedure for creating a 20-minute public relations slide/tape show for a large community mental health and home health agency in rural Maine. Emphasizes importance of face-to-face contact, identifying and addressing the potential audience, creating a neighbor-to-neighbor atmosphere, and imaginatively using graphics to…

Reports survey responses from administrators of 23 urban and 25 rural, federally funded, primary health care projects in 6 midwestern states. Compares urban and rural projects regarding patients' social problems, staffing patterns, referrals to other agencies and community groups, and present and projected social services. Contains 16 references.…

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)

Briefly describes three innovative social service programs for rural areas: Rural Adolescent Pregnancy Program, Involving the Natural Family in Long-Term (Foster) Care, and Promoting Collaboration in Rural Health Practice through Interdisciplinary Education. Provides names and addresses of rural practitioners to contact for further information.…

Presents 11 recommendations related to improving child health that are based on a synthesis of 58 research reports published 1988-92. Suggests that the development of policies that reduce inadequate health care for women and children, unintended pregnancy, deficient education, and poor nutrition will ultimately improve the life circumstances, and…

Reviews literature regarding previous rural mental health studies and regarding attitudes and perceptions about mental illness. Presents results of a study to assess demographic characteristics of clients of a rural Georgia mental health agency. Reviews the implications of the results of the results for rural community mental health practitioners.…

A rural model for preventing and managing secondary health problems involves workshops that empower adults with disabilities to better manage their own health, and the development of supportive community structures. Four Montana case studies suggest that this prevention model may enhance the health and independence of rural adults with…

Presenting data on barriers which obstructed Arizona elderly from use of existing problem solving resources, this case study indicates the major barriers to service utilization for these elderly people were transportation, poor health, and poor self image. (JC)