Bridging the Healthcare Divide: The Challenges and Solutions for Rural New York

Liz Urbanski-Farrell, a seasoned healthcare professional, has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes for rural residents. In her new role as the executive director of the New York State Association for Rural Health, she emphasized the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare facilities.

One of the major obstacles for rural residents is the distance they have to travel to access healthcare facilities. Even if they are willing to travel, they often have to take time off work and incur transportation costs, which can be a significant burden. While telehealth has offered some solutions, it comes with its own challenges including higher costs due to infrastructure and privacy requirements. Additionally, traditional health services in New York have not seen increased funding in recent years.

Urbanski-Farrell highlighted that 44 out of New York’s 63 counties are either partly or fully rural, making up 85% of the state’s land area, particularly in upstate regions. She pointed out that investing in rural healthcare now will lead to cost savings in the future. By addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, we can improve health outcomes and overall well-being for those living in these areas. She emphasized that increased funding from the Legislature and Congress is crucial for ensuring that rural residents have access to quality healthcare services.