Liz Urbanski-Farrell is an experienced journalist who has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes for rural residents, both in the US and beyond. In her new role as executive director of the New York State Association for Rural Health, she highlighted the challenges faced by many rural communities in accessing quality healthcare. With 44 out of 63 counties being at least partially rural, covering 85% of the state’s land area, particularly in upstate regions, these communities often face significant barriers to receiving necessary medical care.
One of the biggest challenges facing rural residents is the distance to healthcare facilities. This means that individuals must take time off work and incur travel expenses just to receive care. While telehealth has provided some solutions, it can be expensive due to infrastructure and privacy requirements. Traditional health services have not seen increased funding in recent years, making it difficult to meet the growing healthcare needs of rural communities.
Urbanski-Farrell believes that increased support from both state legislators and Congress is crucial in addressing these funding gaps. By investing in rural healthcare now, she believes that it will ultimately lead to cost savings in the long run. Improving access to quality healthcare remains a critical issue that requires attention and support from both state and federal authorities.
In conclusion, Liz Urbanski-Farrell’s dedication to improving health outcomes for rural residents is commendable. As executive director of the New York State Association for Rural Health, she highlights the importance of addressing funding gaps in rural healthcare through increased support from state legislators and Congress. By investing in these communities now, we can ensure that they have access to quality healthcare for generations to come.