Webinar to explore rural health care needs on May 19

The strategies, solutions and policies designed for urban communities are often ineffective for rural communities. Unique rural geography, communities and challenges necessitate a thoughtful approach when it comes to improving health care.

A free webinar on May 19 from noon-1 p.m. CST will address rural communities’ unique needs and highlight some rural-specific innovations in policy and design that have emerged from the pandemic.

Dr. Sameer Vohra, chair of SIU Medicine’s Department of Population Science and Policy, will join southern Illinois native Eric D. Hargan, former deputy secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in a discussion about chronic disease, access to care and public policy impacting health in Illinois’ rural communities. W. Eugene Basanta, Southern Illinois Healthcare professor emeritus of law at SIU School of Law, will moderate the talk.

Advance registration is required for the free webinar. Accreditation and credit are available for select individuals.
 
“Rural communities share similar inequities but have different needs and challenges than urban communities,” said Vohra. “Successful health care innovations must be uniquely tailored to rural regions.”

This webinar is the first event of the 2022 Innovating Illinois Rural Health event series. Watch for more events throughout the year.