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Advocate Health's Commitment to Rural Health Care

Advocate Health has recently highlighted its strong commitment to improving health care access for rural communities in a new report titled Commitment to Community: Advocate Health's Role as an Innovative National Rural Health Leader. This comprehensive document outlines the expansive work the health system is undertaking across its rural facilities, which consist of 21 hospitals and 322 clinics, as well as emphasizes personal stories of clinicians dedicated to their patients throughout their service areas.

A Vision for Access
Eugene A. Woods, CEO of Advocate Health, emphasizes the principle that high-quality care should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their location. He stated, “Access to nation-leading care shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code or the size of your town.” Advocate Health is making a substantial investment of over $3 billion aimed at enhancing access, improving health outcomes, and creating job opportunities within these communities.

Transforming Rural Health
This investment signifies more than just a financial commitment; it aims to blend the strengths of a nationwide health system with the personalized care provided by local professionals. Woods continues, “We’re combining the strength of a national health system with the heart of local care.” The system is introducing innovations like virtual consultations that allow patients in remote areas to connect with specialists, as well as expanding mental health services and developing training programs for future health professionals.

Strategic Partnerships and Community Impact
The report also delineates Advocate Health's strategic partnerships that are crucial for its future advancements. Recently, the health system welcomed Hugh Chatham Health into its network, further solidifying its commitment to rural health. In addition, the organization has received grants from The Duke Endowment and is expanding school-based therapy programs to serve more students in rural North Carolina areas.

Innovative Care Models
Advocate Health is not only focusing on direct health services but is also extending clinical trials into its rural branches and pioneering its renowned hospital-at-home program. Furthermore, the establishment of rural residency programs is part of the system’s initiative to foster the next generation of medical practitioners.

With approximately one-third of rural hospitals in the U.S. currently facing potential closure due to low patient volumes and reimbursement challenges, the report underscores several policy proposals aimed at sustaining and enhancing rural health care services. Dr. Nwando Olayiwola, President of Advocate Health's National Center for Clinical and Community Impact, warns that the closure of a hospital can be devastating for a rural community, likening its significance to other local institutions like schools.

Addressing Recruitment Challenges
Retention of skilled health care professionals in rural areas is another prominent challenge noted in the report. Advocate Health is actively enhancing its recruitment strategies, particularly in leveraging telehealth to ensure that residents can access quality care, independent of geographical barriers. Dr. Matt Anderson, Senior Vice President for Clinical Transformation, emphasizes the importance of technology in expanding the reach of care. “Our patients come first, and it’s our job to keep innovating,” he states.

As Advocate Health continues to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in rural health care, the Commitment to Community report serves as an essential resource for understanding their contributions and future plans. The complete report can be accessed at AdvocateHealth.org/RuralCare.