National Rural Health Day set Nov. 21 in Michigan; webinars available for those unable to attend

The third annual National Rural Health Day, which brings awareness to rural health issues and current efforts in addressing these issues, will be observed with events nationwide and special presentations in Sterling Heights, Mich., Nov. 21.

The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and all 50 state offices of rural health said in a news release that health concerns of the 60 million rural Americans include: a lack of health care providers; accessibility issues, particularly transportation and technology; and affordability, as the result of higher out-of-pocket costs and other factors.

"Meanwhile, rural hospitals and health systems face declining reimbursement rates and disproportionate funding levels that make it challenging to meet the physical, social and economic needs of their communities," organizers say.

The observance also focuses attention on state rural-health offices, which foster relationships, disseminate information and provide technical assistance that improves access to quality health care for rural citizens, according to the news release.

National Rural Health Day events include several free webinars. To learn more about the observance, visit http://celebratepowerofrural.org. Contacts: Bill Hessert at 814-360-1964, billh@nosorh.org; Teryl Eisinger at 586-850-5257, teryle@nosorh.org.