Primary care clinicians practicing in rural North Carolina face distinct challenges in comparison to their urban colleagues. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools including AI scribes and AI knowledge tools improve efficiency, provider satisfaction, and patient experience and provide accessible reference information. Both technologies will be made available under North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program.
As North Carolina builds a vision for rural health, health care procurement can strengthen the community food systems that sustain health over time. Realizing this opportunity requires sharing financial risk, reducing technology barriers, and recognizing the expertise and capacity of community-based organizations as essential rural health infrastructure.
BACKGROUND La Crosse encephalitis (LACE), caused by La Crosse virus (LACV), is the leading cause of reported cases of pediatric arboviral encephalitis in the United States. However, mosquito-borne disease control capacity in Western North Carolina (WNC), where LACE is endemic, is poorly known. METHODS We administered an electronic survey to communicable disease nurses (CDNs), environmental health specialists (EHS), and health directors in 10 WNC health departments with the highest reported incidence of LACE. The survey evaluated mosquito-borne disease knowledge and surveillance and control capacity based on respondent public health roles. RESULTS Responses were received from all surveyed health departments. A total of 47 public health professionals (16 CDNs, 23 EHS, and 8 health directors) completed the survey, resulting in a 36.7% response rate. One (10%) department was rated as “fully capable” based on national mosquito surveillance and control standards. Respondents identified gaps in knowledge of case definitions, serology interpretation, environmental and behavioral risk factors, and vector control capacity. Although most participants recognized the importance of preventing and controlling mosquito-borne disease, assessments of response capabilities varied by respondent job role. LIMITATIONS This study was limited by sample size, moderate response rate, timing of the assessment, and reliance on self-reported data. Variability in job roles may have influenced how questions were interpreted. CONCLUSIONS This study serves as a foundational assessment of mosquito-borne disease control capacity among health departments in WNC, where LACE remains a public health concern. Our findings highlight the need for improved preparedness through education and resources, and the findings also support a regional approach to strengthen prevention, detection, and response efforts.
For 36 years, the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation’s Community Practitioner Program has helped physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice clinicians repay educational loans in exchange for rural service. Now expanding to behavioral and maternal health clinicians, the program continues strengthening North Carolina’s rural health workforce and practice sustainability.
