According to the National Rural Healthcare Association, the ratio of physicians to patients in rural areas is far below the rate in urban communities. For every 100,000 patients, there are 263 urban doctors and 30 rural doctors, which is an astounding gap in care for rural communities.
State Representative Brad Fritts (R-Dixon), has continued to highlight the need for Illinois to combat the lack of physicians in rural communities.
“In my district, we have seen a concerning trend of providers, especially those who provide specialty care, leaving our state in droves,” said Rep. Fritts. “Every community needs the ability to access healthcare, and those of us in rural areas are feeling the effects of limited providers, hospitals closing their doors, and a lack of specialized care. The Illinois General Assembly needs to take immediate steps to address this critical issue now.”
While access to rural healthcare in general is a concern, access to specialty care such as mental health, obstetrics and gynecology, and dental care are even more limited. The University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center found that 59% of rural counties do not have a hospital that provides obstetric services. This is especially concerning as a lack of obstetric care can be a major deterrent for new families who may have previously considered moving to rural areas, but instead chose to live closer to care options.
Rep. Fritts continued, “It is unacceptable that we have healthcare deserts in our rural communities. I have constituents who would be required to drive nearly an hour for OBGYN care, which is incredibly dangerous for mothers and deters new families from residing in our community. If we want people and families to stay and grow in the state of Illinois, we should start by increasing access to healthcare.”
National Rural Health Day is a reminder of the need for change when it comes to healthcare access in rural regions of Illinois. Many rural Illinoisans live in healthcare deserts with limited options for medical providers. Not only does this pose a threat to the health and safety of rural residents, but it also deters new residents and families from moving to these communities. Today is also a day to recognize all of the healthcare providers who work in rural regions for their tireless efforts to provide quality care for Illinoisans. Thank you rural healthcare workers for all that you do!