Kansas will join other states Thursday in celebrating the first-ever National Rural Health Day.
Gov. Sam Brownback signed a proclamation on Oct. 28 declaring Nov. 17 as National Rural Health Day in Kansas.
By providing the rest of the state — as well as our country and other nations — with a wealth of commodities and services, these places are the essence of Kansas, said Dr. Deborah Clements, president of the Wichita-based Kansas Academy of Family Physicians, which supports rural communities through its member physicians.
“Kansas family physicians provide the backbone of primary care in rural Kansas,” Clements said. “We are proud to participate in this special day, and we especially honor the many fine physicians practicing in rural Kansas.”
Nearly one in three Kansans call a rural community home. These small towns, farming communities and frontier counties are places where neighbors know each other, listen to one another and work together to benefit the greater good, Academy officials said.
“National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to celebrate the power of rural by honoring the selfless, community-minded, can-do spirit that prevails in rural America," said
Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Robert Moser in a statement. "This observance also gives us a chance to recognize the unique health care challenges facing Kansas’ 89 rural counties — and to reflect on the prevailing innovation, resilience and commitment to excellence.”
Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Robert Moser in a statement. "This observance also gives us a chance to recognize the unique health care challenges facing Kansas’ 89 rural counties — and to reflect on the prevailing innovation, resilience and commitment to excellence.”
Several medical students observed and worked alongside primary care physicians in rural Kansas last summer as part of a University of Kansas School of Medicine program supported by the KAFP-Foundation and many members, Academy officials said.
“The hours that these physicians put in for the community are unbelievable," said Jamie Ball, a second year University of Kansas School of Medicine medical student, who worked with Dr. Michael McClintick, a family physician in Eureka, Kan. "Dr. McClintick would work countless days with no sleep and wouldn't leave the hospital/clinic to ensure that the community received the best care possible.
“He is also very active in the community and holds many leadership positions. These rural physicians hold a unique position and responsibility for the communities they serve. They often sacrifice their personal lives and family time in order to ensure that the community receives the best health care.”
The State Offices of Rural Health provides resources to help folks join in the celebration at http://celebratepowerofrural.org.
