Multiracial and Multicultural Policy Positions Developed by the National Rural Health Association's Multiracial & Multicultural (M&M) Health Committee (available at http://www.ruralhealthweb.org)
Distributed at the 2010 Rural Health Journalism Workshop by speaker Rosemary McKenzie, the NRHA's minority health liaison and program services manager
Health Disparities Statement
A population having health disparities is one that exhibits/demonstrates significantly poorer health status, life expectancy, access to and quality of health care such as those associated with lifestyle and health behaviors, social and ethnic discrimination, poverty, geography or marginalization. This policy statement was adopted in May 2007.
Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
This is an official policy position of the NRHA addressing the need for the elimination of racial and ethnic disparities in health care; however other changes must occur for this change to benefit rural America. Modifications in the areas of health care delivery, finances and documentation must occur and are supported by the NRHA. The NRHA also believes services, such as translation services, and working to ensure ongoing funding for programs designed to increase diversity in the health workforce will greatly assist the efforts to eliminate disparities in health care in rural areas. This policy position was adopted in May 2006.
American Indian and Alaska Native Health
This is an official policy position of the NRHA addressing historic and current issues affecting American Indians and Alaska natives. American Indians and Alaskans have historically been provided worse health care, suffer from lack of access to health care and endure the highest poverty rating in America. The NRHA believes it is the federal government's duty to provide these individuals with health care based on historical promises made with the exchange of land. Furthermore, the NRHA recognizes research is needed to provide valuable information for developing health policies and defining needs. This policy was adopted in November 2006.
Responsive Rural Health Delivery Systems
This is an official policy position of the NRHA addressing issues related to access to health care.
With the increasing number of uninsured, the large non-English speaking population, the growing diversity of the population and the huge disparity in health care among minorities and people in rural areas, it is evident that there is a tremendous need for a responsive rural health delivery system in the United States. The NRHA believes there is a need to develop bold strategies to establish and sustain a responsive rural health delivery system to meet the needs of racial and ethnic groups. This system must provide safe, effective, patient-centered, timely efficient and equitable care. This policy was adopted in October 2008.
Rural Economic Development
This is an official policy position of the NRHA addressing the economic viability of rural communities. The focus is on four key areas of economic development – education, entrepreneurship, social infrastructure and public infrastructure. The paper articulates the importance of leveraging health resources to strengthen rural communities – especially in communities with our nation's most disenfranchised populations. The NRHA believes that the ability to attract businesses into rural communities is greatly linked to a viable rural health services system; the economic impact of health services is significant, and in most rural communities, health services are often one of the biggest, if not the biggest employer; and there is a strong correlation between economic status and health status. These points emphasize that good health of individuals and financial viability of communities are inextricably related. This policy was adopted in May 2009.
The Need for Standardized Data and Information Systems
This paper addresses the sparse and inconsistent health related data concerning rural racial and ethnic populations. The limitations of data result in barriers that affect programs, services and efforts focused on health and quality of life issues.
Recruitment and Training of Health Professionals
This paper addresses the barriers preventing successful underrepresented students from pursuing health careers and strategies to assist in preparing underrepresented students for college, for professional school and to serve the underserved.
This paper is being updated by the M&M Committee.
