20 top rural health challenges identified by HHS

Mental health care and addiction treatment were identified as the two most pressing healthcare needs for rural populations, new research shows. Access and quality of care in rural regions ranked third. 

The data was collected via a survey of stakeholders in rural health nationwide from July 12, 2021, to Feb. 14, 2022, as part of an initiative from the HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion — slated to be published in the June 2023 issue of Preventive Medicine Reports.

"The results of our study shed light on which health priorities rural stakeholders deem the most important for rural America over the next decade," researchers wrote of the findings. "This information holds the potential to accelerate health improvements in rural areas, which have lagged behind urban areas." 

The top 20 most pressing challenges currently facing rural healthcare as identified by stakeholders include:

  1. Mental health and mental disorders

  2. Addiction 

  3. Healthcare access and quality

  4. Overweight and obesity

  5. Drug and alcohol use

  6. Nutrition and healthy eating

  7. Older adults 

  8. Preventative care

  9. Diabetes

  10. Economic stability

  11. Transportation

  12. Cancer

  13. Public health infrastructure

  14. Housing and homes

  15. Workforce

  16. Education access and quality

  17. Health insurance

  18. Child and adolescent development

  19. Hospital and emergency services

  20. Chronic pain

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