National Rural Health Day – Nov. 16

November 16, 2017 has been proclaimed National Rural Health Day in Oregon by Governor Kate Brown.  Her proclamation, signed on October 5 acknowledges the dedication and challenges of providers of health care in rural communities.

This proclamation recognizes that rural Oregon is a wonderful place to work and live - people know each other and work together closely to

 benefit their communities.  At the same time, meeting unique healthcare needs of rural citizens is constantly evolving and challenging as the population in rural areas continues to age and represents a disproportionate number of under and uninsured citizens.

 “There is a statewide shortage of health care providers in rural communities”, says Lisa Redfern, Executive Director of Women’s Health Center of Southern Oregon and a member of the Oregon Rural Health Association Executive Board.  “In our area we are fortunate that our hospitals, clinics and private practice providers, as well as Allcare Health and Primary Health, our local coordinated care organizations, are so committed to providing such comprehensive and patient centered care in our community. “

“Rural health care providers are a special group,”  Redfern adds “it would be easy for many of them to practice in larger cities but they choose to live here, raise their families here and work to make our community healthier and a better place to live.  Join me in saying thank you to every health care professional serving our rural community.”

To learn more about the Oregon Rural Health Association or to support rural healthcare by becoming a member, visit orha.org