The region served by the Partnership for Better Health is marked by charming small towns and expansive rural landscapes. Yet health challenges in rural environments are distinct and often more complex than in urban and suburban areas. For example, many of our residents struggle with transportation barriers to accessing care, an inadequate health infrastructure and longstanding shortages of primary care physicians, dentists, specialists and mental health providers. As a result, chronic disease rates run high and basic preventive health practices are underutilized.
The foundation seeks new ways to partner with groups in developing strategies to address rural health needs. For example, we have invested in supporting initiatives like the Perry County Health Coalition and other local task forces that bring regional leaders together to focus on innovative ways to meet rural health needs.