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Rural
Communities:
Cornerstones of Health Reform
Conventional wisdom dictates that rural communities are
more conservative and therefore less likely
to engage in health reform.
However, Brian Depew and his team at the
Center for Rural Affairs have shattered
this stereotype. “The notion that rural
communities won’t support reform is simply
not true,” insists Depew.
“People living in rural areas are keenly aware of the
challenges facing our health care system.
"They have higher rates of self- and small business
employment, are more likely to live in
health professional shortage areas, are
older and have higher rates of disability,
and are more likely to be dependent on
public health care programs.”
In the 15 years it has been advancing health care reform,
the Center for Rural Affairs has cultivated
relationships with consumer advocacy groups
across the Midwest and Great Plains.
Recently, the Center partnered with the Iowa Citizen Action
Network and the Iowa Farmers Union on five
town hall meetings across the state, one in
each congressional district.
“Policy makers or their staff attended every meeting,”
noted Depew, “so rural residents really felt
like their stories were being heard.”
The town halls were accompanied by an intensive media
campaign; the Center's media director
visited 16 media outlets across Iowa over a
four-day period to talk about rural health
care.
With its home in Lyons, Nebraska (population 963), there is
an inherent authenticity surrounding the
Center for Rural Affairs.
However, Depew does not discourage consumer advocacy
groups located in more urban areas from
organizing in rural communities.
“Be aware that differences exist. Do not ignore these
differences, and certainly do not tell
people living in rural areas what they
need.”
Rather, Depew recommends enlisting rural-based
community groups as allies and cultivating
rural media relationships.
He also suggests ensuring that the rural viewpoint is
represented on Boards and basing community
organizers in rural areas as resources
permit.
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