Greene County Medical Center recognized the innovation, quality of care and dedication of health professionals and volunteers in the community during National Rural Health Day 2020. National Rural Health Day falls on the third Thursday of November each year and recognizes the efforts of those serving the health needs of an estimated 57 million people across the nation.
“Rural communities are great places to live and work,” a press release states. “These small towns, farming communities, and border regions are places where neighbors know each other, listen to each other, respect each other and work together for the common good. They are also some of the best places to start a business and test your ‘entrepreneurial spirit.’ These neighborhoods provide a wealthy place for the rest of the world.”
There are also particular healthcare needs for these rural areas. Today, more than ever, rural communities need to tackle accessibility problems, a shortage of healthcare services, the demands of an aging population with a higher number of chronic conditions, and a higher percentage of uninsured and underinsured people. And rural hospitals which, in addition to being the primary providers of treatment, are often the economic base of their communities. Rural hospitals struggle every day as declining reimbursement rates and disproportionate funding levels make it difficult to serve their citizens.
With the unique challenges that rural healthcare faces, Greene County Medical Center strives to provide quality healthcare services to residents in Greene County and surrounding communities.
First and foremost, National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to “Celebrate Rural Strength” by celebrating the spirit that prevails in rural America that is selfless, community-minded, “can do.” It also offers an opportunity to highlight the specific health issues faced by rural residents and communities and to illustrate the efforts of rural healthcare providers, state rural health offices, and other rural stakeholders to tackle those challenges.
Persons who want more information about National Rural Health Day can visit https://www.powerofrural.org
