NEW YORK – New York State highlighted efforts that are underway to try to bolster physical and behavioral health care and expand services for rural populations, which often encounter barriers to these services. On National Rural Health Day, the state Department of Health, Office of Mental Health, and Office of Addiction Supports and Services detailed investments into services and supports that will help New Yorkers in rural areas access critical physical, mental and behavioral health care.

Rural communities often face numerous healthcare challenges, including having limited access, provider shortages, an aging population, and individuals with complex needs. Founded by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, National Rural Health Day honors the dedication of rural providers and other stakeholders tackling the challenges faced in these areas.

The state Department of Health provided 67 awards of $49,999 to rural organizations as part of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 Health Disparities grant. Also funded through this initiative were five mobile health vehicles to provide services in rural areas, $1 million through four large wellness contracts, and more than $22,000 in personal protective equipment to communities designated as rural.

The Department of Health also provided grants to 31 rural health networks to provide innovative, locally driven, and evidence-based solutions to increase access to care. In addition, the Department of Health provided support this year to 44 rural hospitals for activities focused on quality and financial improvement, equipment purchases, health information technology, facility renovations, provider recruitment, and service development.