Liz Urbanski-Farrell has dedicated her career to improving the health outcomes of people living in rural areas, both in the U.S. and abroad. As the new executive director of the New York State Association for Rural Health, she highlighted the challenges faced by rural residents in accessing healthcare in the state.
With 44 out of 63 counties in New York being either partly or fully rural, representing 85% of the state, many residents have to travel long distances to access healthcare facilities, often requiring time off work and financial resources. Despite some progress in telehealth services, the costs associated with infrastructure and privacy requirements can make it more expensive than traditional care. In addition, traditional health services in New York have seen stagnant funding for several years.
Urbanski-Farrell emphasized the need for increased support from both the state Legislature and Congress to address the rising costs of healthcare in rural areas. She believes that investing in rural healthcare now will ultimately lead to cost savings in the future. By focusing on funding sources and providing greater support for healthcare in rural areas, policymakers can help address the unique challenges faced by residents in those communities.
