MRHA

The Landscape of Rural Health

National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Chief Executive Officer Brock Slabach, MPH, FACHE, delivered Wednesday’s keynote address, “The Landscape of Rural Health.” In it, he addressed unprecedented challenges to a fragile rural health safety net; the pandemic’s impact; rural health inequities and a renewed focus on racial justice; and efforts to remain innovative amidst these challenges. This landscape is accentuated by a new presidential administration and a season of unparalleled funding to vaccinate against COVID-19, tackle pronounced vaccine hesitancy, address systemic workforce shortages, rural provider closures, and broadband connectivity, among other challenges.

Where It Hurts: Telling the Rural Health Story

The conference closed with, “Where It Hurts: Telling the Rural Health Story,” by Kaiser Health News senior correspondent Sarah Jane Tribble. Following the closing of a much-needed hospital in rural Kansas, near her own childhood home, Tribble documented the stories of community residents impacted through a personal, powerful, and emotional podcast series titled “Where It Hurts.” Through interviews, 911 calls, and personal stories, Tribble highlighted gut-wrenching realities about the problems faced in rural areas and the resulting harm, paired with her own grappling with grief.

Look out for an upcoming editorial series on these sessions as well as gun violence prevention, nursing workforce shortages, mobility management, and more.