By Patricia Dominguez, USDA Rural Development State Director
No matter where you live, you should have access to high-quality health care services and healthy food options to put on the table.
In New Mexico, we work hard to empower rural communities and organizations with the information they need to take full advantage of USDA Rural Development programs that are specifically designed to support healthy rural communities. In doing so, we help create and sustain economic prosperity in rural America.
As we celebrate National Rural Health Day this year, we are reminded that a strong community is rooted in its people. The theme, the “Power of Rural,” reminds us that rural communities are fueling an innovative rural health infrastructure.
The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to serving rural America, like many of the small towns and communities right here in New Mexico.
As I’ve traveled across New Mexico, I’ve seen firsthand the unique challenges people in rural communities and remote parts of the state have in accessing health care resources they need and deserve. These challenges are especially true for people living in our nation’s Tribal communities who have been underserved for far too long.
We are working with our partners like the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) to ensure our rural areas have access to the care they need. USDA is partnering with NRHA to provide technical assistance to rural hospitals across the nation.
At USDA Rural Development, we are committed to making sure that everyone in rural America has access to high-quality and reliable health care services like urgent care, primary care, dental care and more. That’s why I was proud to champion the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants created by President Biden’s historic legislative package, the American Rescue Plan Act.
Through our financing programs, we’ve helped rural health care organizations across the state purchase supplies, renovate health care facilities, and give rural providers reliable medical testing and treatment equipment they need to provide excellent care in the communities they serve. For example, we funded the construction of the hospital in Santa Rosa, and a medical clinic in Pecos and we provided the financing to purchase ambulances in T or C.
USDA Rural Development is a partner who invests in keeping rural people healthy. Join us this National Rural Health Day, Thursday, Nov. 16 as we celebrate the power of rural.
You can learn more about our programs by visiting our website or by calling 505-761-4951.