<Date>
The Hon. John/Jane Doe
U.S. House of Representatives/Senate
<Address>
<City/State/Zip Code>
Dear Rep./Sen. Doe:
On November 19, 2015, [INSERT CHAMBER/COMMUNITY] will join the National Organization of
State Offices of Rural Health, Michigan Center for Rural Health and other rural health advocates
throughout Michigan and nationwide in celebrating National Rural Health Day. This annual celebration
provides a unique opportunity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural” by showcasing the good works of
Michigan 9,883,360 and America’s 59.5 million rural citizens.
As someone who represents rural citizens of Michigan in Congress, you are already well aware of
the “Power of Rural” in our Michigan. Our rural communities are wonderful places to live, work, and
visit; they are places where neighbors know each other, listen to each other, respect each other and work
together to benefit the greater good.
Rural communities also offer healthcare providers tremendous opportunities to deliver
innovative, resourceful models of quality care. The main emphasis of rural health care has always been on
providing affordable, holistic, primary care. Rural hospitals and healthcare practices also typically serve
as the economic pillars of their communities; in addition to typically being their largest employers, these
providers strengthen the economic health of their communities by ensuring a healthy workforce.
According to statistics provided by The National Center for Rural Health Works, rural hospitals are
typically one of the community’s top two employers (if not the top employer). Each primary care
physician in a rural community employs 23 people on average, while each rural general surgeon employs
26 and each rural pharmacy employs 10 – generating $2.7 million in salaries, wages and benefits annually
combined.
[NOTE: This is where chambers/communities can insert specific information regarding the
economic impact of healthcare providers in terms of number of jobs and dollars in wages, salaries
and benefits].
But rural communities also face unique healthcare needs; today more than ever, they must
address a lack of healthcare providers, the needs of an aging population suffering from a greater number
of chronic conditions, and larger percentages of un- and underinsured citizens. While the Affordable Care
Act may make health care more affordable for rural Americans, it won’t necessarily make it more
accessible – a lack of public transportation, fragile infrastructures, and geographic barriers also must be
overcome in order to ensure that all rural safety net providers can adequately meet the basic healthcare
needs of their residents
Because rural providers care for a larger percentage of patients per capita than their urban and
suburban counterparts, it should come as no surprise that funding cuts being considered to federal rural
health programs would do more damage proportionally than similar cuts to urban/suburban programs.
Therefore, we believe it is imperative for Congress and the President, at the very least, to continue
funding existing rural health programs – and we strongly urge your support for programs that bring
physical and economic security to rural citizens of Michigan.
National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health
44648 Mound Road, #114 | Sterling Heights, MI 48314-1322
Phone: 586-739-9940 | Fax: 586-739-9941 | Email: teryle@nosorh.org
www.nosorh.org
Events being held in Michigan and nationwide the week leading up to November 19 will provide
a unique opportunity to showcase rural America while bringing to light some of these unique healthcare
challenges. [NOTE: This is where hospitals could share any National Rural Health Day celebration
plans.]
It is our sincere hope that you, too, will be able to celebrate National Rural Health Day on
November 19. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to know more about our celebration
plans and/or if we can provide you additional rural health-specific information.
Sincerely,