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Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) celebrates National Rural Health Day and recognizes the creativity and innovation of leaders across the country working to ensure access to high quality care for over 60 million Americans living in rural communities. National Rural Health Day is the third Thursday of every November and recognizes the efforts of rural providers, communities, organizations, state offices of rural health, and others dedicated to addressing the unique health care needs of rural America.
“Rural Americans face unique and persistent challenges in accessing high-quality health care. Nobody should have to drive hours to see a doctor for maternal care or have to go without necessary treatment for opioid addiction,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today, on National Rural Health Day, it is important to recommit ourselves to addressing these issues. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to meaningfully invest in the health care workforce, mental health care services, substance use disorder treatment, and maternal health care that rural Americans deserve. HHS has taken major strides in supporting rural health care, but there is still more work to do as we work to lower health care costs, increase access to care and keep rural Americans healthy.”
“Everyone deserves access to safe, quality health care no matter where they live,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “Today, on National Rural Health Day, we at the Health Resources and Services Administration affirm our commitment to promoting the health of rural residents, including through our continued investments in programs that support providing primary care and behavioral health services, growing and sustaining the workforce, and enhancing maternal and infant health in rural communities across the country.”
Many of HRSA’s programs play an essential role in supporting rural health:
HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) provided approximately $335 million to increase health care access, strengthen health networks, and focus on quality improvements for Critical Access Hospitals and small rural hospitals. This includes, $173 million in Fiscal Year 2023 awarded to:
To learn more about HHS rural health resources, visit:
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For general media inquiries, please contact media@hhs.gov.