November 21, 2024: Rural Health Day

WHEREAS, rural communities in Michigan and throughout the United States are wonderful places to live and work where people know each other, listen to, and respect each other, and work together to benefit the community; and,

WHEREAS, 97% of the land area of the United States is considered rural and 61 million people, almost 19% of the population, live in rural areas; and,

WHEREAS, rural America is the economic engine that helped the United States become the world leader it is today; and,

WHEREAS, meeting the unique health care needs of those residents is constantly evolving, as rural communities face accessibility issues, a lack of health care providers, an aging population suffering from a greater number of chronic conditions, and larger percentages of un- and underinsured citizens; and,

WHEREAS, Rural hospitals - in addition to being sources of innovation and resourcefulness that reach beyond geographical boundaries to deliver quality care - are typically the economic foundation of their communities. Being a rural health care provider provides tremendous opportunities to offer more comprehensive, compassionate, patient-centered, and holistic care to patients; and,

WHEREAS, there are numerous reasons to work, live, and play in rural areas. On this day, we remember to be thankful for the great opportunities rural areas have to offer and be hopeful about the future while addressing the unique challenges within rural communities; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Center of Rural Health and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health play a distinct and critical role by leading efforts to address the unique health care needs of our rural citizens and offer valuable services to address those needs and opportunities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim, November 21, 2024, as Rural Health Day in Michigan.