National Rural Health Day

The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health have designated this year’s National Rural Health Day, November 19. According to the 2010 census data, about a quarter of the U.S. population resides in rural areas and about 65% of U.S. counties are designated as rural.  Many people are drawn to the beautiful landscape, the slower pace, and the close-knit community experience.  Many of these communities have thriving businesses, provide essential services, and have a rich family and historical heritage. Yet, rural areas experience some health challenges that many in urban areas do not.  Accessibility to health care is a tremendous issue and is affected by several factors.  The number of primary care physicians in rural areas is low.  Only 10% of physicians practice in rural areas and if a specialist is needed the access is even more difficult.  And it’s not just a physician shortage but the number of non-physicians, such as dentists, nurses, pharmacists, mental health workers, and others is alarming low.  Fewer health services in rural areas requires greater effort for those in rural areas to access care.  Transportation, whether due to long distances or having an unreliable vehicle creates obstacles to chronic disease and preventive health appointments. Sometimes this also requires taking off work several hours or even whole days. Communities in rural areas also have a higher rate of older adults who tend to have more chronic conditions and t...
Source: Dragonfly - Category: Databases & Libraries Authors: Tags: Health Literacy/Consumer Health Public Health Source Type: news