Across America, different places have varying resources. Whether it is access to housing, jobs, healthy foods, or healthcare services, where you live can significantly impact your health. In rural areas, a range of factors often keep residents from getting the care they need.
Physician shortages are a major problem. In addition to primary care doctors, specialists are hard to find in rural communities. According to a 2022 government report, 65.6 percent of the country’s Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas are located in rural areas. Traveling long distances to receive medical treatment can also be challenging for rural residents. This can be especially difficult for people with low incomes, no paid time off from their job, and physical limitations.
Additionally, social stigma and privacy issues can deter patients from seeking healthcare services for mental health, substance use, pregnancy, and other common ailments. Rural residents may feel a lack of anonymity when visiting healthcare facilities and they might fear being seen by neighbors or friends who have been diagnosed with the same condition.
To combat the lack of providers in rural communities, a variety of solutions have been proposed. For example, some rural hospitals offer telehealth consultations to connect people with physicians. This allows for remote visits that can eliminate the need for a lengthy drive to see a specialist. Additionally, some rural communities are working to encourage healthy living by implementing community gardens and farmers markets. They are also creating safe spaces for physical activity, such as bike lanes and trails. healthcare in rural areas