UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In an effort to draw attention to the wide range of issues that impact rural health, Gov. Josh Shapiro has declared November 13-17 as Rural Health Week in Pennsylvania at the request of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Association (PRHA) and the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health (PORH).
Shapiro made the proclamation to promote awareness of the full range of issues that impact rural health care and the health status of rural Pennsylvanians throughout the commonwealth. Nationally, Pennsylvania ranks as one of the states with the highest number of rural residents, with 26% of Pennsylvanians residing in rural areas. In recognition of Pennsylvania’s diverse rural needs, the commonwealth has supported the development of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, PORH and other agencies and initiatives to address the needs of rural Pennsylvanians.
The week includes Nov. 16, National Rural Health Day, which was established in 2011 by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) to showcase rural America, increase awareness of rural health issues, and promote the efforts of NOSORH, State Offices of Rural Health and others in addressing those issues.
“Nearly 59.5 million Americans, including 3.4 million Pennsylvanians, live in rural communities,” said Lisa Davis, PORH director and outreach associate professor of health policy and administration at Penn State. “These small towns and communities continue to be fueled by the creative energy of citizens who step forward to provide a wealth of products, resources and services.”
Rural communities also face unique health care concerns: a lack of providers; accessibility issues, particularly in terms of transportation and technology; and affordability issues as the result of larger percentages of uninsured and underinsured citizens and greater out-of-pocket health costs. Rural hospitals and health care providers, which frequently are the economic backbone of the communities they serve, deserve special consideration so they can continue to provide high-quality services and meet the needs of rural residents.
To celebrate the work being done to achieve health care access and equity in Pennsylvania, PORH will present Pennsylvania Rural Health Awards during virtual ceremonies across rural Pennsylvania.
PORH was formed in 1991 as a joint partnership between the federal government, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Penn State. The office is one of 50 state offices of rural health in the nation and is charged with being a source of coordination, technical assistance, networking and partnership development. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, visit porh.psu.edu.
PRHA is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of Pennsylvania's rural citizens and communities. Through the combined efforts of individuals, organizations, professionals and community leaders, the Association is a collective voice for rural health issues and a conduit for information and resources. More information can be found at paruralhealth.org.