The need for accessible healthcare in rural communities is significant. As highlighted in the opinion piece above, 42% of the population does not have readily available access to healthcare. This statistic demonstrates the challenges many rural residents face when trying to find and receive the care they need.
The State of Alabama has recognized rural healthcare access as an important issue. Through the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program (ARHTP), the state is supporting efforts to expand and improve healthcare services throughout Alabama. When the program was announced, Governor Kay Ivey stated:
“Alabama is serious about creating systematic changes through the ARHTP to ensure every citizen has access to quality care. This program is enabling institutions covering every part of the state to improve healthcare for Alabamians through projects that are both innovative and sustainable.”
While programs such as ARHTP can help expand healthcare services, residents also need to know where they can find care and what resources are available to them. This website is designed to help bridge that information gap by connecting rural residents with healthcare providers, financial assistance, transportation, telehealth, mental health services, and other resources.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) has partnered with numerous agencies around the state including the Department of Public Health, Alabama Department of Medicaid, and Alabama Department of Finance along with many other agencies to distribute the $203 million dollars awarded to the state on the programs very first year. Below is a link to the timeline of launch for this program as well as the press release from the agency regarding the streamlined process for implimentation.
