Featured News
Oral Health Disparities in New York by Bridget Walsh
By Bridget Walsh Most people don’t know a great deal about oral health. For example, did you know that tooth decay is a communicable disease? Or that it is the most common chronic childhood disease? These facts are largely unknown by the public and policymakers because, despite the terrible human cost and the significant health costs associated with dental disease, oral health rarely garners the same attention as other health issues. Oral health—the health of the teeth, the gums and the rest of the mouth—is not usually included in what we traditionally consider health care. Think about it for a moment. Most people receive their dental care outside the usual medical setting and pay for care with dental, not medical, insurance. Payment systems are largely separate, services are not integrat...
New NYSARH Executive Director featured in Business Press
New NYSARH Executive Director featured in business press: Crain’s New York httpshttps://www.crainsnewyork.com/whos-news/liz-urbanski-farrell-new-york-state-association-rural-health?utm_source=health-pulse-friday&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20240620&utm_content=idio-headline1://www.crainsnewyork.com/whos-news/liz-urbanski-farrell-new-york-state-association\, and American Business Journals (link to come).
Capital Tonight interview highlights NYSARH’s goals for rural health, new Executive Director
Capital Tonight interview highlights NYSARH’s goals for rural health, new Executive Director (July 3, 2024): https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/politics/2024/07/02/new-head-of-n-y–rural-health-association-on-funding
Capital Pressroom coverage of NYSARH’s goals and new Executive Director
Capital Pressroom coverage of NYSARH’s goals and new Executive Director (July 1, 2024): https://capitolpressroom.org/2024/07/01/new-advocate-for-rural-health-care-providers/
NYS Association for Rural Health Appoints Liz Urbanski-Farrell as its First Employed Executive Director, Marking a New Era for Rural Health in New York
Historic Appointment Signals Enhanced Leadership and Commitment to Rural Health (Albany, N.Y.) — The New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH) proudly announces the appointment of Liz Urbanski-Farrell, MBA, MS, as its first employed Executive Director. This landmark hiring marks a pivotal transition from a volunteer-driven organization to one poised for even greater impact under experienced leadership. Liz Urbanski-Farrell brings a wealth of expertise in health care management, policy, and leadership, having earned dual master’s degrees in healthcare leadership and healthcare research and policy from Cornell University. Her diverse experience spans various roles where she has significantly contributed to health care initiatives and strategies, particularly within rural settings....
High Suicide Rate Among American Farmers Sparks Rural Community Action
In 2023, the United States witnessed a tragic milestone as more than 50,000 Americans took their own lives, marking the highest yearly rate of suicide on record. Among the most affected are farmers, who face unique challenges that often go unnoticed. According to the National Rural Health Association, farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Special correspondent Megan Thompson sheds light on this issue, reporting from Wisconsin, where farmers grapple with immense pressure and isolation. Brenda Statz, who runs a 300-acre farm with her family, recounts the struggles her husband, Leon, faced. Leon, like many farmers, battled depression, feeling the weight of financial burdens and the demands of farm life. The story of the Statz family is not uncommon. ...
Legislative Commission on Rural Resources Releases Fall 2023 Edition of Rural Futures Newsletter
The Legislative Commission on Rural Resources is excited to present the Fall 2023 edition of *Rural Futures*, a newsletter that underscores their unwavering commitment to advocating for rural communities in New York State. This newsletter reflects a year of significant accomplishments, raising awareness of the importance of rural New York within state government. In 2023, they have spearheaded collaboration across various levels of government, marking a turning point in their mission. Highlights of the 2023 Edition: 1. LCRR: 2023 Updates: Delve into the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources’ most notable achievements and initiatives in 2023. These accomplishments include increased funding for rural healthcare, vital infrastructure projects, and several other measures aimed at enh...
Construction Industry Hit Hard by Opioid Epidemic
New York, NY- The opioid epidemic has claimed over a million lives since 1999, with 2021 seeing 106,699 drug overdose deaths, 75.4% of which were opioid-related, according to the CDC. An alarming trend is evident in the construction industry. Recent data from the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) reveals that construction workers face the highest opioid-related overdose death rates. In 2020, nearly 70,000 opioid-related overdose deaths were recorded, a 36% increase from the previous year. Construction workers endure a 77% higher injury rate than the national average, often lacking modified duty options and facing pain, job loss, and financial stress. These factors lead to increased depression and opioid usage among this group. The industry also ranks second in suicides, ...
Vice President Alison Coates with NCP Radio on Rural Improvement
Our Vice-President Alison Coates, has been at the forefront of advocating for improvements in rural healthcare. In a recent conversation with David Sommerstein at North Country Public Radio , she shed light on the specific challenges faced by rural communities in accessing quality healthcare. Urban-Centric Healthcare According to Coates, the healthcare system in our country was primarily built with urban areas in mind, leading to a mismatch when applied to rural regions. This “one size fits all” approach doesn’t account for the distinct needs of rural communities. Scaling Down Isn’t the Solution The fundamental issue arises from the payment model, which is based on the volume of services provided. In rural areas, where patient numbers are lower, this model doesn...
Transform Rural Health: Bridging the Gap for a Healthier Tomorrow
At the core of the Transform Rural Health campaign lies a fundamental belief: everyone, regardless of their geographical location, deserves access to the resources and support required to attain good health. Sadly, many rural communities across New York State have been left behind due to a long history of economic disinvestment, under-resourcing, and systemic factors that have resulted in subpar health outcomes. Rural residents often face daunting challenges, such as limited or unaffordable healthcare coverage, the closure of healthcare facilities, a shortage of physicians and healthcare professionals, inadequate transportation options, limited access to healthy food, a lack of career opportunities, and housing shortages. These barriers not only impact individual health but also hinder the...
Request for Applications (RFA) for the Making Care Primary Model Now Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken a significant step towards enhancing healthcare with the release of a Request for Applications (RFA) outlining model payment, care delivery, quality, and other policies for the eagerly awaited Making Care Primary (MCP) Model. This promising initiative aims to elevate the standards of primary care, enabling participants to offer patients comprehensive, high-quality, whole-person care. As the Application Portal prepares to open later this month, CMS invites interested applicants to explore the comprehensive details provided in the RFA. A dedicated announcement will be made once the Application Portal becomes accessible. Making Care Primary Model – A Glimpse into the Future CMS introduced the groundbreaking Making Care Pri...
Housing Quality by Disability, Race, Ethnicity, and Rural-Urban Location: Findings From the American Community Survey
Housing quality plays a crucial role in determining the health and well-being of individuals and communities. A recent policy brief sheds light on this issue by exploring the relationship between housing quality indicators and factors such as disability, race, ethnicity, and rural-urban location. The brief, based on data from the American Community Survey, reveals important insights into the disparities in housing conditions across different populations. One of the key findings of the study is the disparity between rural and urban housing conditions. It was discovered that a higher proportion of rural residents live in substandard housing, with incomplete plumbing and incomplete kitchen facilities, compared to their urban counterparts. Shockingly, this amounts to over 368,000 rural residen...