An estimated 57 million people – nearly one in five
Americans – live in rural and frontier communities throughout the United States
yet its landmass is roughly 97% of the United States.
National Rural Health Day is Thursday, November 18, 2021. It
celebrates rural hospitals’ dedication to ensuring
communities can access the care they need.
Aspirus SVP
& President of Rural Markets Jesse Tischer grew up in a town of around
3,500 people and has been working in rural health care most of his
administrative career.
“Rural health
care means to me that we get to take care of our friends and family members,”
said Tischer. “It’s our brothers and sisters, our neighbors and friends who are
providing care in the ambulances, hospitals, EDs and clinics. It’s people we know caring for our loved ones
in times of need.”
Rural
communities face unique health care needs. They must tackle accessibility
issues, an aging population, and many challenges especially during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Aspirus prides
itself in specializing in rural health care. It’s invested millions in the
communities it serves and has been named a top 15 health care system four years
in a row by IBW Watson Health.
“We take the
rigorous standards that make us a top 15 health care system and we implement
them into all of our facilities across our system,” says Tischer.
Those facilities are driven
by the providers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who keep
the spirit of small-town America alive in the best way possible.
“Aspirus IS
rural health care,” says Tischer. “And we look forward to continuing to provide
the best health care possible in the areas we serve.”