Nov. 21 -- New York State on Thursday highlighted efforts that are underway to bolster health care and expand services for rural populations.
According to a news release, state agencies used the occasion of National Rural Health Day to highlight "investments into services and supports that will help New Yorkers in rural areas access critical physical, mental and behavioral health care."
"Access to health care is vital to all New Yorkers and the State Department of Health is committed to bringing high quality health care and medical services to rural communities and creating career opportunities for the dedicated individuals who work in health care fields," Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the unique health needs of rural communities and the importance of providing access to local care."
"A critical part of our effort to strengthen New York State's mental health care system is focused on bringing services to underserved areas, which includes many of our rural communities," Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. "We are developing and expanding specialized programs to bring mental health care to those New Yorkers who do not currently have easy access to needed services. Under Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership, we are making transformation investments that are helping individuals and families live and thrive in the rural areas of our state."
"People in rural areas have historically faced barriers trying to access addiction care, and we continue to work hard to expand and enhance vital services in these areas," Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said. "Working with our partners in government, and in the local communities, New York State is focused on continuing these important efforts so that all New Yorkers, no matter where they live, have access to the services and resources they need to keep themselves and their family healthy."
Rural communities often face numerous healthcare challenges, including having limited access, provider shortages, an aging population, and individuals with complex needs, the release stated. Founded by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, National Rural Health Day "honors the dedication of rural providers and other stakeholders tackling the challenges faced in these areas."
New York state has about 43,000 square miles of rural land area, according to U.S. Census statistics. About 3.4 million New Yorkers -- more than 17% of the state's population -- live in areas considered rural.
The state Department of Health provided 67 awards of $49,999 to rural organizations as part of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 Health Disparities grant. Also funded through the initiative were five mobile health vehicles to provide services in rural areas, $1 million through four large wellness contracts, and more than $22,000 in personal protective equipment to communities designated as rural.
The Department of Health also provided grants to 31 rural health networks to provide innovative, locally driven, and evidence-based solutions to increase access to care. The networks focus on issues such as transportation, chronic disease management, workforce, food insecurity, substance abuse overdose prevention, access to health insurance and prescription medications, health literacy, oral health, tobacco cessation and suicide prevention.
In addition, the Department of Health provided support this year to 44 rural hospitals for activities focused on quality and financial improvement, equipment purchases, health information technology, facility renovations, provider recruitment and service development. The group included 21 Critical Access Hospitals, according to the release.