Veterans Administration: Theme Is ‘Celebrating the Power of Rural’

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VA Joins National and Local Organizations to Celebrate National Rural Health Day

WASHINGTON – November 16, 2012 - Yesterday, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Rural Health (ORH) joined the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and other state/national rural stakeholders in celebrating the second annual National Rural Health Day.

“National Rural Health Day events help bring attention to rural America, putting the spotlight on the many positive aspects of rural life as well as the health care needs of those living in rural communities,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “With such a large percentage of enrolled Veterans residing in rural and highly rural areas, we celebrate the great strides VA has made to improve access to care and focus on this significant population.”

NOSORH created National Rural Health Day to showcase rural America and increase awareness of rural health-related issues.

“National Rural Health Day gives NOSORH and its partners the opportunity to ‘Celebrate the Power of Rural’ and showcase the good works of America’s 59.5 million rural citizens,” said NOSORH Director Teryl Eisinger. “It also allows us to highlight the unique health care issues being faced by rural citizens and promote the efforts of NOSORH, State Offices of Rural Health (SORHs) and their partners in addressing those issues.”

ORH was pleased to join in “Celebrating the Power of Rural” and to raise awareness about ORH’s mission to improve access and quality of care for the 6.1 million Veterans living in rural areas. Currently, 3.4 million rural Veterans are enrolled in the VA system, which represents 41% of the total enrolled Veteran population and 31.9% of those enrollees who served in recent conflicts. Men and women from geographically rural and highly rural areas make up a disproportionate share of Servicemembers. Many of these Servicemembers and Veterans are returning to their rural communities. read more>>>