KAYLA MORITZ
McPherson Center for Health
MCPHERSON, Kan. — In recognition of National Rural Health Day on November 21, 2024, McPherson Center for Health is proud to raise awareness about the importance of rural healthcare and the challenges our community faces in accessing essential medical services. As a rural hospital, we are deeply committed to ensuring that residents in McPherson County and surrounding areas have access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare close to home.
Rural communities like ours are the heart of Kansas, playing a crucial role in the state’s identity and strength. However, residents in these areas often face significant challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare. Barriers such as limited healthcare providers, long travel distances, and a lack of specialty services can prevent rural patients from receiving timely care. National Rural Health Day allows us to highlight the importance of addressing these challenges and emphasizes our commitment at McPherson Hospital to breaking down these barriers every day, ensuring that our patients have access to the high-quality care they deserve.
Access to Care: A Vital Lifeline for Rural Communities
At McPherson Center for Health, we know firsthand the critical role rural healthcare plays in maintaining the health and well-being of our community. Access to care is a lifeline for individuals managing chronic diseases, requiring urgent medical attention, or needing preventive services. Our hospital strives to bridge the gap by offering advanced medical services locally, from primary care and general surgery to advanced diagnostic imaging and telehealth options. By providing these services close to home, we eliminate the need for patients to travel long distances for care.
Carol Fickes, Director of Physician Clinics states, “National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to honor the selfless, community-minded and determined spirit that prevails in rural America. Rural communities offer a tight-knit family feel, which we embody in the care we provide. We do have limitations in a rural setting due to limited resources and limited access to certain specialties, however the family centered care we provide is one of the best components of working and living in a rural community.”
Overcoming Barriers to Care
At McPherson Center for Health, we continue to invest in solutions to these challenges. We’ve expanded telehealth services with the addition of our Tele-Stroke Program and access to Wesley’s network of neurologists. Our team also works diligently to partner with local organizations such as Gentiva and Enhabit Hospice to provide respite care for their patients, philanthropy groups like WACCC to offer lifesaving diagnostic services and local educators to help guide the next generation of rural health care providers.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate National Rural Health Day, we want to recognize the dedication of our healthcare professionals, the resilience of our patients, and the support of our community. Together, we will continue to face the challenges of rural healthcare and improve access to care for all residents. McPherson Center for Health is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care right here at home—because no one should have to choose between where they live and the quality of their healthcare.
For more information about our services or to learn more about National Rural Health Day, please visit mcphersoncenterforhealth.org or visit powerofrural.org.