As we focus on the challenges facing rural communities on National Rural Health Day, we take a moment to think about the communities across America like our own who struggle to access quality healthcare.
There is no doubt that people who live in rural areas like ours face unique challenges. But we also have a mighty team of helpers here in our community who always step up to the plate to make a difference in our lives and our healthcare.
Through Community Empowerment and partnerships with other parts of the Community Action Committee of Pike County, including Valley View Health Centers, we are focused on making sure our patients and our community have a stronger and brighter future.
We’re proud to do it because we believe in facing challenges and making a difference.
What are those challenges? Let’s take a look.
The Rural Healthcare Crisis: A Closer Look
More than 60 million Americans, or about one-fifth of the U.S. population, live in rural areas, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). On average, rural residents are older and have poorer health than those in urban areas. This situation creates a paradox: rural residents need more medical care but face major obstacles in getting it.
The challenges are multifaceted and deeply concerning:
Hospital Closures: Between 2013 and 2020, more than 100 rural hospitals closed their doors, representing about 4% of all rural hospitals. This has forced residents to travel an additional 20 miles for common services like inpatient care, and a staggering 40 miles for specialized treatments such as substance abuse care.
Obstetric Care Shortage: More than half of rural counties lacked hospital-based obstetric services in 2018. By 2030, it's anticipated that the supply of OB/GYNs will meet only about 50% of the demand in rural areas. This shortage is associated with increases in pre-term births and longer travel distances for obstetric care, potentially contributing to poor maternal and infant health outcomes.
Mental Health Care Access: Rural veterans, in particular, face challenges in accessing intensive mental health care services. Data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) shows that rural veterans use these services less frequently than their urban counterparts, raising questions about accessibility.
Telehealth Limitations: While telehealth has emerged as a potential solution to bridge the healthcare gap, many rural residents lack the necessary infrastructure to access these services. As of 2019, at least 17% of people living in rural areas lacked broadband internet access, compared to just 1% in urban areas.
Insurance Coverage: Rural residents are more likely to lack insurance coverage, which is associated with reduced access to care and increased risk of poor health outcomes.
Social Determinants of Health: As Dr. Brian Rivers, a cancer care expert at Morehouse School of Medicine, notes, "Poverty, unemployment, low education, and inadequate transportation are all known to contribute to poorer health." These factors are often more prevalent in rural communities, exacerbating health disparities.
Community Empowerment's Approach: Tailored Solutions for Rural Challenges
Now that we know what the challenges are, here's how we're making a difference:
The Pathways HUB
The Pathways HUB is designed to enhance rural health outcomes through the strategic use of Community Health Workers (CHWs). This program focuses on supporting pregnant women, new mothers, and families by providing a variety of essential services. These services include:
Support for pregnancy and family planning
Assistance with obtaining baby supplies
Transportation for medical appointments
Access to food, medicine, and housing resources
Guidance on navigating health insurance
Opportunities for job training
The program focuses on improving maternal and infant health in the community. Working with Nationwide Children's Hospital and their Healthy Start program, we are enhancing healthcare access for pregnant women and new mothers. This partnership provides free or low-cost healthcare and helps develop local programs to give families better access to essential resources.
Nutrition and Food Security Initiatives
Living in rural areas can present challenges in accessing fresh groceries. To address this, we offer several food assistance programs:
Mobile Food Pantry: Operating from Tuesday to Friday, the Mobile Food Pantry visits rural areas to bring fresh produce and groceries directly to our community.
Pike Outreach Food Pantry: Here, individuals can enjoy a personalized shopping experience in a supportive environment.
Home Delivered Meals Program: This program provides nutritious meals to seniors over 60 who are unable to access meal sites.
Our Case Managers and Community Health Workers help by arranging rides to services or collecting food for those who can't leave home.
Chronic Care Management Program
We have launched a specialized Chronic Care Management program tailored for Medicare beneficiaries with two or more chronic conditions. Our Community Health Workers (CHWs) provide comprehensive care coordination and educational resources to assist in managing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and COPD effectively.
Navigator Program
Our Navigator program is designed to support uninsured rural residents in obtaining health insurance. Through the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace, we assist individuals in Pike, Scioto, Jackson, Adams, Lawrence, Ross, and Gallia counties in accessing necessary health coverage.
RETAIN Program
The RETAIN program is designed to help people recovering from injuries or illnesses that are not work-related. It assists them in going back to their jobs or keeping their current jobs. The program reduces financial and social difficulties, promoting faster recovery and stable employment.
Overcoming Transportation Barriers
Transportation often poses a challenge in rural healthcare. Our Case Managers and CHWs help patients use local transit and Medicaid transportation services. If these options are inadequate, we offer direct rides to out-of-town medical appointments.
Additionally, our Crisis Fund provides gas gift cards to patients who drive but need financial help with transportation costs.
Telehealth Support
While broadband access remains a challenge in many rural areas, we're working to help patients leverage telehealth services where possible. Our team assists in setting up appointments, ensuring patients have the necessary technology, and providing guidance on how to use telehealth platforms effectively.
Measuring Our Impact
The significance of our work is highlighted by concerning local statistics. Based on 2022 data from HDpulse, the infant mortality rate in Ohio is 911.8 per 100,000 births, which exceeds the national average of 793.7 per 100,000. Southern Ohio faces even more severe rates, with Pike County recording an infant mortality rate of 1,243.2 per 100,000 births, significantly surpassing both state and national averages.
These statistics along with others drive our commitment to effect change. Through our comprehensive programs and dedicated teams, we are witnessing positive developments in our communities. Families are being connected to essential resources, pregnant women are receiving vital prenatal care, and chronic conditions are being better managed.
We think these are positive steps in the overall health and happiness of the people we serve, and as members of this community ourselves, we know those efforts make our community stronger.
The Impact of the People Who Make It Happen
As we think about our challenges and efforts, we recognize our Community Health Workers as the real heroes. These dedicated people are crucial to Community Empowerment, always going the extra mile to help our rural residents.
Our CHWs don't just offer services; they form real partnerships with each participant, understanding their unique needs. They navigate the healthcare system, help with transportation, secure housing, and provide emotional support during crises. Their commitment to addressing social health factors has deeply impacted many lives in our community.
What sets our CHWs apart is their focus on empowerment. They don't only address immediate needs; they work hard to create long-term solutions and offer resources for self-sufficiency. Their dedication to breaking barriers, promoting equity, and building stronger, healthier communities is clear in all they do.
The challenges facing rural healthcare are substantial, but we believe in the power of community-based solutions. By addressing the social determinants of health, providing critical services, and employing dedicated professionals, we are making significant strides in improving health outcomes for rural residents in southern Ohio.
As we continue to grow and evolve our programs, we remain committed to our mission of empowering individuals to build healthier lives and creating more resilient communities. The road ahead may be long, but with each life we touch and each barrier we overcome, we move closer to our vision of equitable, accessible healthcare for all rural residents.
For more information on our Community Empowerment efforts, please feel free to stop by our Piketon office at 528 S West St. or call 740-577-3025
Together, we are bridging the gap and ensuring that where someone lives doesn't determine their access to quality healthcare.
Thank you to Brandi Sheridan, Director of Community Empowerment at the Community Action Committee of Pike County, for her assistance and contributions to this article.