Rural Health Day

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Rural Health Day

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, the Virginia State Office of Rural Health updated the Virginia Rural Health Plan, identifying 13 topic areas inspired by conversations with the Commonwealth’s rural communities in order to achieve optimal health and highlight local resources and champions; and,

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

WHEREAS, Virginia’s Health Workforce Incentive Programs have expanded, through the appropriation of funds by the Virginia General Assembly, to include loan repayment & scholarship opportunities for behavioral health providers, dentists, dental hygienists, nurse preceptors, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse educators, and long-term care providers who commit to serve a minimum of one year in an underserved area of the Commonwealth; and,

WHEREAS, the Virginia State Office of Rural Health provides technical assistance through face-to-face consultations, trainings and workshops, and social media, resulting in increased funding for and access to healthcare services for rural Virginians;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize November 17, 2022 as RURAL HEALTH DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations