The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) https://nrha.com has joined with the 15 members of the Rural Health Action Alliance (RHAA) to urge Congress to consider the Rural Health Equity Act (H.R. 5848 & S.3149) to establish an Office of Rural Health within the Office of the Director at CDC.
RHAA created in 2020 when COVID-19 was ravaging the nation, is a coalition of healthcare providers and facilities providing high quality evidence-based care particularly in rural and underserved communities. RHAA is committed to advancing long-term solutions, including encouraging vaccinations, expanding telehealth, and ensuring rural providers receive equitable resources.
The legislation created by Representative Donald McEachin (D-VA) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore) to establish the Office of Rural Health within CDC, would:
- Identify and improve health disparities and challenges faced by rural communities
- Serve as the primary point of contact within CDC pertaining to rural health, and develop and promulgate policies and programs to improve healthcare and services for rural populations
- Conduct, coordinate, promote, and disseminate research regarding public health issues impacting rural populations including rural minorities and LGBTQ+ populations
- Administer grants and contracts to provide technical assistance to support activities related to improving health and healthcare in rural areas.
Go to https://www.congress.gov for more information on H.R 5848 & S 3149.