In September 2023, the Office of the New York State Comptroller released a report examining demographic, economic, and quality of living trends in 10 rural counties in New York State. The report outlines unique challenges faced by rural communities: declining and aging populations; shrinking labor forces; housing supply shortages; and lower rates of broadband access. It highlights related health care and food access barriers, including shortages of health care providers, limited food access points, and a need to travel long distances for both health care and food.
A number of federal and State solutions address these challenges and build on the strengths and assets of rural communities, including local partnerships and economic development initiatives. Please join NYHealth for a webinar on the needs that rural New Yorkers face, as well as opportunities to promote healthy communities. Speakers will highlight health and socioeconomic data trends and comparisons; federal, State, and local policy approaches; programs operated by local health care and community-based organizations; and the role of partnerships like rural health networks.
Panelists will be:
- Maria Doulis, Deputy Comptroller, Budget and Policy Analysis, Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
- Joshua Simons, Policy Director, Office of Budget and Policy Analysis, Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
- Alison Coates, Vice President, New York State Association for Rural Health
- Claire Parde, Executive Director, The Healthcare Consortium