A New York State of Mind: Liz Urbanski-Farrell Takes on the Challenge of Improving Rural Health

Liz Urbanski-Farrell has spent her career working to improve the health of rural residents in both the United States and abroad. As she takes on her new role as executive director of the New York State Association for Rural Health, she highlighted the challenges faced by those living in rural areas when it comes to accessing healthcare.

One of the biggest obstacles that rural residents face is the distance they must travel to reach healthcare facilities. Even if they are willing to make the trip, they often have to take time off work and incur transportation costs, which can be a significant burden. Despite this, telehealth has offered some solutions, but it also comes with its own set of challenges such as higher infrastructure costs and privacy requirements.

In addition to these challenges, traditional health services in New York have not seen increased funding in recent years. This has made it difficult for rural communities to access the care they need. Urbanski-Farrell emphasized that increased funding from both the Legislature and Congress is crucial for improving healthcare outcomes in rural areas. She pointed out that investing in rural healthcare now will lead to cost savings down the line. By addressing the unique needs of rural communities, we can improve health outcomes and overall well-being for those who live there.

Overall, Liz Urbanski-Farrell’s dedication to improving healthcare for rural residents is commendable. She highlights the importance of addressing the challenges faced by these communities and investing in their health outcomes. By doing so, we can create a more equitable healthcare system that benefits everyone.