WHEREAS, rural health refers to the health of people living in remote areas with low population density who generally are located farther from health care facilities and other services than people living in urban areas; and

WHEREAS, of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 133 counties and independent cities, 73 are rural according to the Health Resources and Services Administration; and

WHEREAS, nearly 1.1 million people (12.4 percent of the population) and 88 percent of the Commonwealth’s land area are considered rural; and

WHEREAS, rural communities in Virginia are a great place to live, work, and raise a family - full of resourcefulness, innovation, collaboration, and creative solutions to address local challenges; and

WHEREAS, rural communities often face accessibility issues, healthcare provider shortages, transportation barriers, an aging population suffering from a greater number of chronic conditions, and larger percentages of uninsured and underinsured citizens; and

WHEREAS, rural America is a great place for dedicated health professionals to deliver essential health services and provide comprehensive, individualized care; and

WHEREAS, the health and well-being of our citizens are of utmost importance to our great Commonwealth, and the Virginia State Office of Rural Health has prioritized improving access to maternal health care, nutritious foods, workforce opportunities, behavioral health, and telehealth services; and

WHEREAS, the 2022-2026 Virginia Rural Health Plan is a working action plan designed to showcase the resiliency and highlight the assets of the Commonwealth’s rural communities; and

WHEREAS, community coalitions play a significant role in their rural regions by connecting individuals or organizations to local resources designed to meet their unique needs; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Health offers Health Workforce Scholarships, Loan Repayment, and Incentive Programs to attract dedicated health professionals to deliver essential services and provide comprehensive, individualized care in the Commonwealth’s underserved communities; and

WHEREAS, National Rural Health Day, founded by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and celebrated annually on the third Thursday of November, serves as a reminder of the unique needs and opportunities that rural communities face in accessing quality healthcare services;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize November 21, 2024, as RURAL HEALTH DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.