National Rural Health Day Essay Contest - Center for Rural Health

Understanding preventative healthcare is crucial to developing and maintaining vibrant communities for generations because it leads to better health outcomes, increased lifespan, significant cost savings, and an improved quality of life. Healthcare professionals significantly contribute by identifying diseases early, preventing serious conditions and empowering individuals to take an active role in their well-being. Routine medical, dental and vision screenings can assist with managing chronic diseases and avoid potentially life-threatening illnesses, surgeries and hospitalizations. When people understand their current health condition, they are empowered to make choices that may improve their overall health and well-being. Reducing risk factors can contribute to avoiding illnesses and the development of chronic conditions. When someone maintains their health and addresses signs of illness early, they can save time and money and improve their quality of life in the long run. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 

• “People who live in rural communities face numerous health challenges compared with their urban counterparts.
• Rural residents face higher risks of death due to factors like limited access to specialized medical care and emergency services, and exposure to specific environmental hazards. 

1 in 5 people in the U.S. live in rural areas. Several demographics, environmental, economic, and social factors may put rural residents at higher risk of death than people who live in urban areas. This is especially true for the top five leading causes of death:

• Heart Disease
• Cancer
• Unintentional Injury
• Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease
• Stroke

Why rural residents are at greater risk:

• People who live in rural areas in the United States tend to be older and sicker than people living in urban areas. Rural residents have higher rates of cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity. They also have higher rates of poverty, less access to healthcare, and are less likely to have health insurance.
• Unintentional injury deaths are more common in rural areas than in urban areas. This is partially due to motor vehicle crashes and opioid overdoses.
• Because of this, knowing the dangers to the health of rural residents is important for people who live there”.

The National Rural Health Association states, “The obstacles faced by health care providers and patients in rural areas are vastly different than those in urban areas. Economic factors, cultural and social differences, educational shortcomings, lack of recognition by legislators and the sheer isolation of living in remote areas all conspire to create health care disparities and impede rural Americans in their struggle to lead normal, healthy lives”.

More recently, adolescents and young adults have utilized urgent and/or walk-in care facilities (including telehealth services), to have immediate needs met. Some individuals only access services when in need vs. accessing preventative healthcare services on a routine basis. Because so many are accessing services “on demand”, there lies ahead the question of how many people will develop chronic illnesses that could have been prevented or identified and addressed in earlier stages had they accessed regular, routine, preventative care throughout their lifetime. 

Resources: 

https://www.cdc.gov/rural-health/php/about/index.html

https://www.ruralhealth.us/about-us/about-rural-health-care

Essay Question: In your rural area of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, identify two challenges people encounter regarding preventative healthcare and then explain two solutions for overcoming these challenges. 

Research the facts, define the issue, communicate a clear and compelling story of what’s being experienced and what could be done.

(Reminder: 500 words minimum/1,000 words maximum)

*Please note, the registration process and essay submission is designed to take place all at once. Applicants will be unable to save and retrieve information if they are interrupted or unable to complete their registration and essay submission during one login session. Applicants are encouraged to write and save their essay separately in a Word document and then upload their work once they are ready to complete the registration and essay submission process*

Winners will be announced on National Rural Health Day-November 20th, 2025.

To apply, please complete the application and essay submission process here.