The Rural Health Conundrum

This is the first of a three-part series on rural health and the unique challenges that have historically been difficult to overcome. In this article, we define the problem, underscoring those issues which must be addressed to improve the health of over 60 million Americans who are falling further behind in access and quality health care.

This lack of preventive investment also contributes to basic food insecurity. According to Feeding America, 9 out of 10 U.S. counties with the highest food insecurity rate are rural. Like much in this landscape, the nutrition issue is multi-faceted, compounded by lack of transportation and distance to grocers and food pantries, and low wages and higher rates of unemployment, all contributing to food insecurity. Access to fresh produce (ironically) can be sparse in many rural communities amidst the obesity challenges the whole country faces.