Written by: John DeRousie, Custom Marketing Solutions
FULTON, NY – Oswego County Opportunities will join the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and other state/national rural stakeholders in celebrating the first-ever National Rural Health Day on Nov. 17.
NOSORH created National Rural Health Day as a way to showcase rural America; increase awareness of rural health-related issues; and promote the efforts of NOSORH, State Offices of Rural Health and others in addressing those issues. Plans call for National Rural Health Day to become an annual celebration on the third Thursday of each November.
“We are very excited that our state and federal governments are acknowledging rural health in this celebratory manner, said coordinator of the Rural Health Network of Oswego County, Danielle Wert. “Through Rural Health Networks, local healthcare organizations can work together to tackle accessibility issues, a lack of healthcare providers and also work to improve prevention strategies to build healthier communities for a healthier future. Healthcare providers in Oswego County are working harder than ever to meet the needs of our community members. They really are champions, and they deserve this recognition!”
Events recognizing National Rural Health Day and “Celebrating the Power of Rural” are being planned throughout the nation. Oswego County Opportunities is planning to mark the occasion by working to raise the community’s awareness of the Rural Health Network of Oswego County, Penny Halstead of OCO’s Health Services explains. “Beginning on National Rural Health Day, and continuing throughout November we will be promoting our providers at OCO’s Fulton and Oswego Health Centers as well as other member providers as Healthcare Champions! For residents of Oswego County, especially the most rural areas, OCO’s healthcare providers and the members of the Rural Health Network of Oswego County are true champions,” said Halstead.
According to Halstead, OCO’s providers and the more than 20 members of the Rural Health Network, from medical providers and mental health providers, to dentists, physical therapists, and social workers, share a deep concern for their patients and enjoy caring for patients in Oswego County’s many rural areas. “These providers are an excellent example of what the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health refers to as the Power of Rural. They understand the important role they play in the overall health of our county and the unique differences of practicing in rural areas. Health care providers in the Rural Health Network focus on relationships and get to know the people they care for. There is a more holistic, patient-centered approach to health care in rural communities – providers have the opportunity to provide more comprehensive care to their patients. Ambulatory and emergency medical services they provide are especially critical for those in our rural areas, and the hospitals and health centers they work with are sources of innovation and resourcefulness that allow them to reach beyond geographical boundaries and deliver quality care,” said Halstead.
As part of their celebration of Rural Health Day, Halstead will place boxes in the offices of the Rural Health Network of Oswego County’s providers that not only highlight that offices’ Health Care Champions, but also serves as a collection box for personal hygiene items. “Since these items cannot be purchased with food stamps there is a significant demand for personal hygiene products. Those that we collect will be donated to area human service agencies,” said Halstead.
Another aspect of OCO and the Rural Health Network of Oswego County’s celebration of National Rural Health Day will focus on the recruitment of other area providers. “We want to reach out to all of Oswego County’s healthcare providers and educate them about how being a part of the Rural Health Network can benefit them and their practice. “We offer our members availability to a number of resources including the latest developments regarding technology such as electronic medical records, assistance in recruiting medical professionals, and advocating for them in regards to issues that directly affect their practice,” said Halstead.
For more information on National Rural Health Day contact Halstead at 315-592-0721 or visit www.celebratepowerofrural.org
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