As we enter this season of gratitude, it’s a fitting time to reflect on all we have to be thankful for. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, many of us are eagerly anticipating hearty meals and joyous gatherings with friends and family. At the same time, deer season is underway, bringing excitement to outdoor enthusiasts young and old. However, it’s crucial to remember the importance of safety measures, such as wearing blaze orange while rifle hunting, to ensure everyone’s well-being. Despite taking precautions, accidents like missing a rung on your ladder stand or spraining an ankle while dragging a buck out of the creek can still happen. Rural health providers become essential at these times for hunters needing care to get back on their feet.
With all of that and other rural healthcare concerns in mind, USDA Rural Development is happy to celebrate National Rural Health Day this week. Observed on the third Thursday of every November, this day, established by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), underscores our commitment to addressing rural health concerns. This year, we’re especially thankful to celebrate National Rural Health Day, highlighting the vital role of our programs in supporting healthcare in rural communities.
For instance, the Harrison County Community Hospital District received a Community Facilities Loan this year to construct a new 76,000 square-foot facility in Bethany, enhancing healthcare accessibility. Additionally, a Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant will benefit sixty-six healthcare providers across Missouri, ensuring they can deliver critical services to an estimated 22,900 rural residents.
USDA Rural Development continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining and improving rural healthcare resources, ensuring that residents in these areas receive the care they need. As we give thanks this season, let’s also honor the ongoing work and dedication of healthcare providers and organizations that strive to improve rural health. Their efforts are invaluable in ensuring that all rural residents, including our hunters and their families, have access to the care and services they need for a safe and healthy life.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov or contact the nearest Missouri USDA Rural Development office.
Please reach out to us at RDMissouri@usda.gov, or calling us at (573) 876-0976 to get more information on any of USDA Rural Development’s programs.
If you’d like to subscribe to Missouri USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Kyle Wilkens
USDA Rural Development Missouri State Director
www.rd.usda.gov/mo
