People care a lot about their rural communities. So, solutions to healthcare problems in rural communities need to focus on maintaining local access, not helping people get farther and farther away from their homes.
Dr. Michael Shepherd, University of Michigan
Why is rural healthcare access important?
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People living in rural areas often lack access to healthcare. A lack of access includes fewer healthcare providers, longer travel distances, lack of reliable transportation, longer wait times, and fewer available services. All of these factors combine make it extremely difficult for rural residents to receive the care that they need. According to the Alabama Department of Public Heath, 42% of Alabamians live in rural parts of the state. This fact alone makes the lack of healthcare access a crisis.
Rural communities can also experience shortages of healthcare workers, fewer healthcare facilities, and limited access to specialized services. For some residents, these barriers can result in delayed or missed appointments and make it more difficult to receive preventive and routine care.
These challenges can have a significant impact on individuals and communities. When people cannot easily access the care they need, health conditions may go untreated
