The Growing Importance of Rural Healthcare
A Message From Our Director
Rural communities have long been overshadowed by their urban counterparts regarding access to innovation, technology, philanthropy, and critical services. This persistent social neglect has exacted a steep price on the health and well-being of rural residents.
According to the CDC, people living in rural communities face more significant health disparities than their urban neighbors. The contributing factors are well known: limited access to specialized medicine, emergency services, and increased environmental risks all drive poorer health outcomes. Geographic isolation, inadequate transportation, housing shortages, limited support services, and funding inequities exacerbate these challenges.
Nationally, one in five people reside in a rural setting. The CDC reports that rural residents face a higher risk of death from heart disease, cancer, stroke, unintentional injury, and chronic lower respiratory disease. These health risks stem from higher rates of high blood pressure, obesity, and cigarette smoking. Mental health and addiction issues also disproportionately impact rural areas.
Despite these challenges, rural communities often experience disinvestment or disproportionate investment due to limited political influence, a smaller corporate presence, and reduced philanthropic focus. Advocacy frequently falls to under-resourced nonprofits already constrained by the same systemic
limitations.
However, recent policy efforts have renewed attention on rural America, including Kent and Sussex Counties. Key areas of focus include:
- Medicare Payment Reform: Adjusting the Medicare payment system, which has seen physician reimbursement fall by 29% since 2001 despite national inflation.
- Workforce Development: Expanding healthcare workforce initiatives like Community Health Workers (CHWs) to provide patient support, allowing physicians to focus on medical needs.
- Telehealth Expansion: Permanently instituting telehealth programs and eliminating restrictions to improve access across large rural areas.
- Chronic Disease Management: Enhancing resources for prevention, education, and outreach around chronic health conditions.
Addressing these issues will require coordinated efforts from government, philanthropy, organizations, businesses, and local communities. The Sussex County Health Coalition (SCHC) is one of many committed partners working to advance rural healthcare. In 2025 and beyond, SCHC will collaborate with partners across Delaware to advocate for rural residents.
As rural communities continue to grow, serve as essential food suppliers, and become the next frontier for workforce development, it is imperative to stop the cycle of disinvestment and prioritize their health and well-being. Although the pandemic's impact persists, new political challenges emerge, and demographics shift, we must rally to address the rural health crisis. Let’s work together to elevate rural health and ensure a more geographically equitable Delaware!
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