National Rural Health Day 2019 to be observed November 21; Jackson County physician selected as ‘Community Star’

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Image result for national rural health day MONTGOMERY-National Rural Health Day is an annual observance that emphasizes the importance of rural America and promotes the need for accessible, high quality health care. National Rural Health Day falls on the third Thursday in November each year and recognizes the efforts of those serving the health needs of over 60 million people across the nation. This year’s observance will be on November 21.

The Alabama Department of Public Health’s Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (OPCRH), the Alabama Family Practice Rural Health Board, the Alabama Hospital Association, the Alabama Primary Health Care Association, the Alabama Rural Health Association, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Rural Hospital Resource Center are proud to recognize the innovation, quality of care, and dedication of health professionals and volunteers in the state during National Rural Health Day 2019.

This year, Dr. Muhammad Ata of Pisgah, Ala., a true champion of rural health care, has been selected as a “Community Star” for his many contributions in rural communities. The annual “Community Stars” eBook publication honors and gives a personal voice to rural people, providers, advocates and communities across the country. His story will appear in the 2019 eBook that will be available on the PowerofRural.orgwebsite, the official hub for National Rural Health Day and the Power of Rural movement, beginning November 21.Image result for Alabama Department of Public Health’s Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (OPCRH

Rural health care professionals, hospitals, county health departments, and clinics are dedicated to providing health care in Alabama’s 54 rural counties, which are home to almost 2 million people. These rural communities have unique health care needs and challenges, including the distance to nearest health care facility. In addition, these counties have a population that is generally older, and with health conditions that require a greater need for health care.

Rural hospitals are the economic foundation of many rural communities, but they are being threatened with declining reimbursement rates and disproportionate funding levels that make it more difficult to serve their residents. The OPCRH is dedicated to addressing these issues through a number of programs, such as the following:

·        Loan repayments for physicians, dentists and other health care professionals through the National Health Service Corps
·        No-cost recruitment of physicians using a national recruitment and retention database
·        Adoption of telehealth services to bring distant health care to the local community
·        Designation of physician and dental shortage areas for federal assistance programs
·        Assisting rural clinics in becoming certified to receive enhanced medical payments

Governor Kay Ivey

In addition, OPCRH works closely with rural hospitals and safety net providers to identify problems and provide needed technical assistance and resources. More than 170 health care providers are presently working throughout the state under programs administered by the office, dispersed among the state’s 154 community health center service delivery sites, 109 rural health clinics, and other providers. The OPCRH’s services are available to any rural health care organization that is dedicated to providing accessible, high quality health care to its community.

Gov. Kay Ivey has issued a proclamation encouraging citizens to recognize the valuable services of rural health practitioners on this day.
To learn more, visit https://nosorh.org/calendar-events/nrhd/

Media Release/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

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