Health Care Happenings

A monthly message from Leaders at Aspirus Stanley Hospital and Clinics

An estimated 46 million people – nearly one in five Americans – live in rural and frontier communities throughout the United States. Rural residents tend to be older and are at higher risk for poor health conditions.

Here in west central Wisconsin, I am privileged to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer for Aspirus Stanley Hospital and Clinics.

Rural health care means to me that we get to take care of our friends and family members. It’s our brothers and sisters, our neighbors and friends who are providing care in the ambulances, hospitals, EDs and clinics.  It’s people we know caring for our loved ones in times of need.

Rural communities face unique health care needs. They must tackle accessibility issues, an aging population, and many challenges especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our facilities are driven by the providers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders who keep the spirit of small-town America alive in the best way possible.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, people living in rural areas are at higher risk of disease and death than people living in urban areas. These differences in risk are known as rural health disparities. Rural residents are at greater risk of death from:

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Unintentional injury (for example: motor vehicle death, opioid overdose, and other substance abuse)
• Chronic lower respiratory disease

Rural residents also are more likely to have multiple health conditions compared to people living in other areas. Heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis are examples of health conditions that are more common in rural areas.

Many of these conditions can be addressed with a regular visit with your primary care physician or if needed a visit to the emergency department or urgent care.

Over the coming months, we look forward to sharing with you some insights on the services provided by Aspirus Health in our community.  Aspirus IS rural health care, and we look forward to continuing to provide the best health care possible in the communities we are proud to serve.