November 17, 2022, has been proclaimed National Rural Health Day by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health as a way to showcase the good work of America’s 62 million rural citizens and to promote the efforts of the Maryland State Office of Rural Health, and other partners in addressing rural health concerns. Governor Hogan has proclaimed November 17, 2022, as Maryland Rural Health Day.
This Maryland Rural Health Day, we plan to examine gaps in the availability of transportation in accessing health care and wellness services throughout the State. While most Marylanders have access to reliable transportation, there are many that do not in both rural and urban areas. In 2023, the Maryland Transit Administration estimates that the Locally Operated Transit Systems will provide 22,081 rides; however, the estimated demand for services is far greater. Washington County alone reports 65 years and older population of 26,006 individuals. Improving access to transportation and transit services addresses the social determinants of health which are non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. They are conditions that are an important influence on health inequities in our State.
Providing health and wellness transportation services reduces long-term health costs by ensuring that members of the community receive necessary medical services and also ancillary services such as dental, mental, and pharmacy services. The Rural Maryland Council, the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, the Maryland State Office of Rural Health, and the Maryland Rural Health Association partnered together to host a series of roundtables to identify barriers to transportation access and potential policy solutions. As we meet for a final roundtable on National Rural Health Day, we will consider policy recommendations for the incoming Moore Administration and the Maryland General Assembly.
Rural Marylanders face transportation challenges related to accessing health and wellness appointments. Our communities are stepping up and finding creative ways to address the problem. Together we can improve the quality of life throughout our State and reduce health disparities in rural, urban and suburban Maryland.
Visit https://www.powerofrural.org/ or https://health.maryland.gov/pophealth/Pages/National-.aspx to support National Rural Health Day and the Maryland State Office of Rural Health.
