On November 16th, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) commemorated National Rural Health Day, acknowledging the ingenuity and innovation demonstrated by leaders nationwide in guaranteeing access to top-notch healthcare for the 60 million-plus Americans residing in rural communities. This annual observance takes place on the third Thursday of every November, honoring the endeavors of rural providers, communities, organizations, state offices of rural health, and other committed entities actively addressing the distinctive healthcare requirements of rural America.
“Rural Americans face unique and persistent challenges in accessing high-quality health care. Nobody should have to drive hours to see a doctor for maternal care or have to go without necessary treatment for opioid addiction,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today, on National Rural Health Day, it is important to recommit ourselves to addressing these issues. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to meaningfully invest in the health care workforce, mental health care services, substance use disorder treatment, and maternal health care that rural Americans deserve. HHS has taken major strides in supporting rural health care, but there is still more work to do as we work to lower health care costs, increase access to care, and keep rural Americans healthy.”
Several of HRSA’s” programs are crucial in bolstering rural health:
- Nearly 10 million residents in rural areas depend on health centers as their primary source of care.
- The Home Visiting Program extends its services to over 600 rural counties.
- 7,400 National Health Service Corps providers are dedicated to delivering care to rural patients.
HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) has allocated approximately $335 million to enhance healthcare access, reinforce health networks, and concentrate on quality enhancements for Critical Access Hospitals and small rural hospitals, including $173 million in Fiscal Year 2023 awarded to:
- Beat the opioid epidemic in rural communities
- Respond to the persistent rural workforce shortages
- Reduce disparities in maternal and birth outcomes
Click here to read the full release.