Celebrating the Power of Rural

Every year, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health marks the third Thursday in November as National Rural Health Day (NRHD). This day honors the “can do” spirit that prevails in rural areas, bringing to light the unique healthcare challenges rural citizens face, and showcasing the efforts providers and other stakeholders make to meet those challenges.

The day’s organizers ask those stakeholders to celebrate the day in numerous ways, which includes using the hashtag #PowerOfRural in all social media posts.  

Spectrum Business is joining healthcare providers, technology partners and others in #PowerOfRural conversations on Twitter and LinkedIn. That’s because every day, especially today, Spectrum Business stands with rural healthcare organizations, helping to deliver solutions that improve access to quality healthcare.

I asked our clients and my colleagues to share what the power of rural means to them. Here’s what they said:

Ryan Estes, Treatment Operations Director, Coastal Horizons

“Rural healthcare means being nimble, forging strong partnerships with your neighbors, and stretching limited resources so no one realizes they are limited. Working in a rural setting is one of the most rewarding places one can practice because the residents of rural communities, while often the most vulnerable, are also often the most appreciative of help.”

Rob Stumpf, Vice President of IT, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

“Rural communities are the backbone of our nation, so keeping them healthy is vital to everyone. Our team members deeply understand this because they live in the communities they serve, providing care to their own families, neighbors and friends.”

Cory Sullivan, Major Account Manager, Spectrum Business

“Through the availability of numerous resources and opportunities, rural healthcare organizations are able to serve more clients, provide better outcomes and deliver a more consistent patient experience. Communities that have historically had to travel many miles for specialized care or have been limited to a handful of local providers now have more healthcare options and more progressive care because of telehealth initiatives and emerging technologies. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of telehealth as more organizations turn towards remote diagnosis to ensure staff and patients stay healthy during this unprecedented health challenge.”

Ahmed Diallo, Major Account Manager, Spectrum Business

“To me, the power of rural means enabling outlying healthcare organizations to provide better basic, primary and emergency care. The wide range of connectivity solutions Spectrum Business provides play a critical role in helping them do just that. As care shifts from less in-person visits to more televisits, the importance of our solutions increases exponentially. Delivering fiber to rural healthcare providers that typically lack access to connectivity is gratifying because it allows us to play a major part in improving care, outcomes and quality of life for rural patients.”

Abbey Plexico, Major Account Manager, Spectrum Business

“The pandemic has changed how patients are treated. We are more committed than ever to reaching rural healthcare providers so more communities have access to telehealth services. This is a win-win for the providers as well as patients who are unable to come into the offices.”

I ask you to join my colleagues and me in supporting National Rural Health Day. You can join the conversation and share your support via social media using the hashtag #PowerOfRural.