The Realities of Rural Healthcare: Lessons Learned on the Road

Growing up, my dad always told me that as I got older, I would appreciate small town life more and realize that I didn't want to live in the city. As a teenager, I rolled my eyes at his comments and couldn't wait to leave our small town behind. This last year of traveling has brought so much more experience to my life, and I now can confirm that as an adult I still prefer the convenience of city life.

My husband and I have been traveling on the road 100% of the time for work, but we will be heading back home for a week to celebrate his brother's wedding!

(YAY, Thomas & Rachel!)

While we are there, we decided to schedule our dentist and eye appointments for the year.

To our surprise, we called three places for eye appointments and four for dentistry near my parent's home, and no one was available for months out.

Interestingly enough, when I called places in Seattle, I could be seen on the exact days and times needed. This experience made me realize the difficulties that many people in small towns face when it comes to accessing healthcare.

In many rural areas, there are not enough healthcare professionals to meet the demand of the local population. This can result in long wait times to see a doctor or dentist, and it can even mean having to travel long distances to get the care that you need.

On the other hand, cities offer a lot more conveniences when it comes to obtaining healthcare. With a higher concentration of healthcare providers, it's often easier to get an appointment when you need one. Plus, cities usually have a wider range of specialists available, so you can get the care that you need without having to travel far.

While small town life can be charming in many ways, the reality is that it can be challenging to access healthcare for those who live in rural areas, it's important to be proactive about scheduling appointments and seeking out care when needed. And for those who live in cities, it's easy to take for granted the convenience of accessible healthcare. It's important to remember that not everyone has the same privileges and opportunities, and we should work towards making healthcare more accessible for all.

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Have you ever struggled with access to healthcare?

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