#United States #Boise #Rural Healthcare #Nurse Practitioner #Marie Osborn

Celebration of Women in Rural Healthcare

On February 11, 2025, the Idaho Capitol Rotunda became a hub of inspiration and reflection as Marie Osborn, America's first state-licensed nurse practitioner (NP), unveiled her memoir, Moving Mountains. Her book not only celebrates the legacy of nurse practitioners but also heightens awareness about the urgent challenges facing rural healthcare systems, particularly Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in remote areas.

Marie Osborn’s journey is remarkable; she was a pivotal figure in establishing healthcare protocols in Idaho’s isolated Sawtooth-Salmon River region. For nearly 30 years, she was on call 24/7 as the sole healthcare provider for over 6,000 square miles. Her commitment helped lay the groundwork for a volunteer-based EMS system that has significantly contributed to community health. Over the past half-century, licensed nurse practitioners have proliferated, now numbering over 300,000 in the United States.

The Urgent Call for Action

Despite the foundation laid by pioneers like Marie, the current scenario is alarming. Many small, rural EMS services still depend on volunteers, whose ranks are thinning as they age and retire. Paul Anderson, who was instrumental as Idaho's first EMS director, notes,