How Rural & Underserved
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Investing in Rural & Underserved Communities to Improve the Healthcare System

Investing in healthcare for rural and underserved populations promotes health equity, improving health outcomes and strengthening the national healthcare system. Healthier communities are more productive, and addressing health disparities can even reduce healthcare costs over time. 

Rural and underserved communities face many challenges in accessing quality healthcare due to factors such as poverty, lack of insurance coverage, limited educational and economic opportunities, and geographic isolation. These barriers cause higher rates of chronic conditions, shorter life expectancy and disparities in health outcomes compared to urban populations. Physician shortages severely impact rural areas, with only about 11% of physicians serving 20% of the U.S. population. This shortage worsens as healthcare professionals tend to train and practice in urban settings.

The lack of access to essential healthcare services, specifically primary care, harms rural and underserved communities. Without timely interventions, preventable health issues can worsen into chronic conditions, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

AHPA Works to Bridge the Gap in Healthcare for Rural and Underserved Communities

The Adventist Health Policy Association (AHPA) addresses healthcare disparities through initiatives that improve healthcare access in rural and underserved areas. AHPA member health systems promote and work to expand the federal Rural Health Clinics (RHC) Program, which increases access to primary care in underserved rural communities. In addition to expanding the RHC program, these health systems conduct Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) to identify and respond to the specific healthcare needs of their local communities. These systems invest in community development, care coordination, mental and behavioral health services and food security programs. To reduce workforce shortages, AHPA members partner with educational institutions, provide training programs and send out mobile health units to deliver essential services.

Government Investment Can Create Sustainable Solutions for Rural and Underserved Communities Nationwide

Funding can support: 

  • Healthcare Workforce Development: Funding programs like the “Grow Your Own Health Professionals” help recruit students from rural communities and offer financial incentives like scholarships and loan forgiveness to encourage practice in underserved areas.
  • Increase Access to Preventive Services: Reducing cost-sharing for primary and preventive care can make essential services more affordable, especially for uninsured or underinsured individuals.
  • Community Health Initiatives: Supporting programs like Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) and community health worker training will better identify local health needs and provide culturally competent care in underserved populations.

The five AHPA health systems are already leading the way in addressing rural and underserved populations within their communities:

AdventHealth is Advancing Rural Health through Policy Change and Local Initiatives

  • Policy Advocacy: Advocates for rural health policy changes and supports community health projects through grants for initiatives like colon cancer screenings, chronic disease management and asthma education.
  • Community Care Access: Operates free clinics and a Community Care Program in rural Central Florida to reduce emergency room visits among high-risk patients.

Loma Linda University is Expanding Global and Local Healthcare through Training and Support

Adventist Health Brings Healthcare and Career Opportunities to Rural Communities

Adventist HealthCare Supports Community Health with Free Medical Services in Maryland:

  • Free Health Program: The Fort Washington Medical Center provides free programs in pharmacy services, diabetes education and infectious disease management and is located in an underserved area of Maryland.

Kettering Health is Improving Rural Healthcare with Clinics, Residency Programs and Preventive Initiatives

  • Rural Clinic Expansion: Operates three rural health clinics offering services like prenatal care and pediatrics, with recent expansions in Jamestown and neuro-rehab services to reach more rural residents.
  • Rural Physician Training: Launched a Rural Medicine Pathway within their residency program, specifically training physicians for underserved, rural settings.
  • Community Health Initiatives: Proposes initiatives like tobacco cessation programs and integrating behavioral health into primary care, recognizing the broader health needs of these communities.

The Opportunity to Transform Care in Rural and Underserved Areas

Investing in healthcare for rural and underserved communities is an important step towards achieving health equity and building a stronger healthcare system for all Americans. By addressing the challenges these communities face and supporting initiatives that expand access to care and develop the healthcare workforce, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthier life.

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