Celebrating Rural Health Care: New Research Center Launches in Vermont
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – In recognition of Rural Health Care Day, the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine is making strides in improving health outcomes for rural communities with the establishment of the Northeast Rural Health Research Center. This new institution is made possible by a substantial $2.8 million grant designed to explore the impact of federal policies on rural health care delivery.
With demographic shifts influencing health care in Vermont—where 65% of residents live in rural areas, the highest percentage in the nation—Erika Ziller, director of the Larner Research Center, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. “A lot of our focus will be on federal policy and state policy, but as the center grows and hires more staff, we want to be a resource for the great rural work that’s already happening,” remarked Ziller.
The Northeast Rural Health Research Center aims to address pressing issues within rural health care, including insurance access, emergency services, behavioral health, and aging. Collaborating closely with the University of Southern Maine, the center will develop strategies and recommendations to bolster support for rural health care providers across the region.
As the nation celebrates the dedication of rural health care professionals, Vermont’s new center stands as a beacon for advancing health equity and improving access to services in underserved communities. The initiative seeks not only to understand the challenges faced by rural residents but also to implement actionable solutions that enhance the quality of care available to them.
This development highlights Vermont’s commitment to addressing the unique health needs of its rural population and reinforces the vital role that research and policy play in shaping effective health care delivery systems.
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