Addressing Rural Health Needs: COVID-19, Equity and Access to Care

Rural communities have been hit hard by COVID-19. These areas are home to one in five Americans and have seen an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, lower vaccination rates, and additional health care access challenges. Access to care is lower in rural settings due to factors such as travel distance, broadband, and provider shortages. Additionally, these communities report poorer physical health compared to those in large urban areas.

In this webinar, we will hear from leaders in the field of rural health who are working to improve the health and well-being of these communities. Speakers will discuss:

• Federal health policy focused on improving access, quality, and financing for rural health care and their role in the response to COVID-19
• The pandemic’s impact on health care services and steps to ensure digital health equity
• Efforts to address health disparities in rural areas, including establishing equitable COVID-19 vaccine access across Arkansas