Communities often overlook the economic influence of the health care sector on their economies. Hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, dentists, pharmacies, home health agencies and ambulance services are just a few of the providers that make up the health care sector. In a rural community, this particular sector generally represents a proportionally larger share of the local economy than it does in urban areas, with the rural hospital typically being one of the largest employers in the area.

Closure of a rural hospital can represent a serious threat not only to the health, but also the economic well being of the community, since the availability of quality health care is critical to long-term economic development in rural communities. Employers looking to establish new businesses typically choose locations that have good education and health care systems. Attracting retirees to a community is also more successful when there are quality health care providers available locally to meet their demand for services.

Programs Available

HealthConnect

The purpose of HealthConnect is to facilitate a comprehensive, interactive process that is used to improve local healthcare access and help communities understand the importance of localized healthcare brings to them. While it can be customized to any community, county, or region, the process typically begins with an economic impact analysis of the local healthcare industry in a community, which offers an understanding of just how vital the local health industry is to the local economy.

A healthcare survey of area residents is used to gain insight into residents’ perception of the quality of healthcare available to them—right in the very communities they call home.

A health resource directory is also developed to promote the health services available in the local area. This overview of services is gathered through a healthcare providers survey distributed to all entities associated with local healthcare.

The summary of findings from the survey and study results is unveiled to the local residents through a community forum. These forums are public meetings in which local residents have an opportunity to voice priority recommendations as input for the strategic planning process.

The local HealthConnect planning team then participates in a strategic planning retreat to develop a vision-to-action plan to address health concerns for their community. Further studies may originate from the strategic plan that address the feasibility of providing non-existing services or increase limited services within the local community.

Participation in the HealthConnect process encourages a sustainable plan for the future of a community’s vital healthcare system.

For more information on HealthConnect, download the brochure (M1357).

Contact Garen Evans for more information on community health care programs and assistance.