More than 97% of the United States is a patchwork of rural lands that contain almost 20% of the country’s population.The people in our nation’s small towns and vast agricultural regions face some unique challenges when it comes to health care. Limited access to quality care, transportation issues that prohibit regular doctors’ visits, limited choices for healthy food – these are just a few of the many factors that contribute to persistent health problems that are impacting rural communities.
Instead, an ultrasound technician and advanced practice nurse travel to where the patient is and video conference with a specialist from anywhere across the state. In her local doctor’s office or hospital, the mom-to-be can get the exact care she needs, while the doctors can work together to create a treatment or monitoring plan.
For a state like Alabama – which has one of the highest rural populations in the country at 41% – that constant turnover meant that patients had little continuity in care. Today, more than 90% of qualifying physicians have joined the Circle of Care program, creating stability and providing high-quality health care for local residents.
Despite the pervasiveness of the problem, Doran says the state’s mental health infrastructure still needs work. “Montana has half the national average number of psychiatrists,” he says. “Outside of our more urban areas, there is not sufficient access for acute mental health services. In rural areas, unfortunately, the only course of treatment is jumping in the back of a police car for a ride to the state mental health hospital, and that’s no way to treat someone in a crisis.
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