How Little Rivers Health Care is Changing the Rural Health Care Landscape
Rural health care in the United States has long faced a range of challenges, from a shortage of providers to lack of access to vital resources. However, Little Rivers Health Care is one organization that is making a significant impact on the rural health care landscape.
Introduction
According to the National Rural Health Association, approximately 20% of the US population lives in rural areas, but only 9% of physicians work in these areas. Moreover, rural residents are more likely to be uninsured and face a range of health issues due to factors such as poverty, access to unhealthy food options, and limited access to quality health care. In spite of these challenges, Little Rivers Health Care is one organization that is taking steps to transform the rural health care landscape.
What is Little Rivers Health Care?
Little Rivers Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides primary care services to individuals and families in five rural counties in Vermont. The nonprofit organization has been around for over 40 years, and its services include medical and behavioral health care, oral health care, and support for individuals with substance use disorders.
How is Little Rivers Health Care Changing the Landscape?
One of the key ways Little Rivers Health Care is changing the rural health care landscape is through its innovative approach to providing care. Instead of relying solely on in-person visits, the organization has adopted a range of technologies to help meet the needs of its patients. For instance, it offers telemedicine services that allow patients to connect with providers remotely, regardless of their location. This means patients in rural areas can access much-needed care without traveling long distances or facing other logistical barriers.
The organization has also made strides in addressing the opioid epidemic that has disproportionately affected rural communities. For example, it offers Medication-Assisted Treatment, a form of treatment that uses medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to support individuals with opioid use disorder. This approach has been shown to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of overdoses.
Examples of Little Rivers Health Care’s Impact
Little Rivers Health Care’s impact can be seen in a range of ways. For example, in 2019, the organization served over 10,000 patients, many of whom would otherwise have limited access to care. It has also received recognition for its work, including being named a Gold-Level Quality Leader by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Moreover, Little Rivers Health Care has made significant strides in addressing the opioid epidemic. For instance, in 2018, the organization saw a 50% decrease in the number of patients it was treating for opioid use disorder who were hospitalized due to relapse. This indicates that its Medication-Assisted Treatment approach is effectively supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.
Conclusion
In summary, Little Rivers Health Care is making a significant impact on the rural health care landscape. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, it is committed to providing high-quality, accessible care to individuals and families in rural Vermont. Through its innovative approach and commitment to addressing complex issues such as the opioid epidemic, Little Rivers Health Care is helping to create a brighter future for rural health care in the US.
