Rural America is plagued by poorer health, lower median incomes and higher rates of death than urban areas. Yet, more than a hundred rural hospitals have closed nationwide since 2010 and even more closures are expected in the coming years. Congress and state lawmakers have proposed solutions, knowing that reimbursement has not kept up with how people use America’s changing health care system, but no action has been taken. So, while Congress fails to act on proposed legislative solutions, the already shrinking communities lose vital jobs and much-needed health care services.
Sarah Jane Tribble’s “No Mercy” series reveals what is at stake for these rural communities and families when federal dollars don’t match their needs. From cancer patients who, after the local hospital closed, were forced to drive and search for treatment to a widow who wonders why her husband’s impending death didn’t seem to matter to several air ambulance operators when local emergency care wasn’t available, Tribble puts a human voice to the statistics.
As companion pieces for each digital story, Tribble brought the sound of those voices to NPR’s “Morning Edition,” “Weekend Edition” and “Up First” podcast. Tribble’s additional NPR interviews and stories add a new dimension to the package and links are included with each digital story.