Series: Health In Rural Wisconsin

Wisconsin Public Television

Series: Health In Rural Wisconsin

Rural life poses distinct obstacles when it comes to improving health outcomes. The reality of distance is paramount — getting to and from doctors' offices and hospitals requires more time, and when there is an emergency, that issue becomes acute. A related concern is the availability of healthcare providers across broader areas, particularly in places where population is decreasing. Moreover, rural populations are increasingly becoming proportionally older than the state as a whole, compounding difficulties related to mobility, specialized treatment and end-of-life care. Public health efforts in rural communities focus on preventive goals that are both universal and particular to specific groups of people or conditions. As the demographics, economy and environment of rural Wisconsin shifts, so do the health needs of its people.

The Fragility Of Volunteer EMS Systems In Rural Wisconsin

Scott Gordon

WisContext

Rural health challenges become even more stark when seconds can make the difference between life and death.

Series: Health In Rural Wisconsin

Life and Death: Rural EMTs Face Staffing Shortages

Video:

Andy Soth

PBS Wisconsin

Many ambulance services in rural Wisconsin are facing hardships. They are often volunteer-driven, and face shortages of volunteers who can serve as EMTs.

Series: Health In Rural Wisconsin

How Rural Communities Can Meet Alternative Transportation Needs

Rob Ferrett

Wisconsin Public Radio

People often look at alternative transportation as a big city issue. But rural communities in Wisconsin and around the country are facing the challenges of providing mobility to local residents — especially for an aging population.

Series: Health In Rural Wisconsin

Rural Cancer Risks Call For Unique Solutions

Paula Tran Inzeo

UW-Extension

While the incidence of cancer is lower among people who live in rural parts of the United States than more densely populated areas, they are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, have less access to medical treatment and receive poorer quality of care than their urban counterparts.

Series: Drinking Water Quality

Series: Health In Rural Wisconsin

What Motivates Rural Wisconsinites To Test Their Drinking Water Source

Diana Hammer Tscheschlok

UW-Extension

Given the growing prominence of concerns about drinking water around Wisconsin, understanding what motivates well owners to test for contaminants can help inform educational campaigns about safe practices.

Series: Health In Rural Wisconsin

Protecting The Hearing of Rural Wisconsinites

Scott Gordon

WisContext

When people in Wisconsin think of the dangers that farmworkers face, they might envision extreme heat malfunctioning machinery, or even unruly livestock. But they might be unaware of another serious threat: Hearing loss.

Series: Disparities And Equity In Wisconsin

Series: Health In Rural Wisconsin

Healthy Roots Of Crawford County Works To Encourage Families' Physical Activity

Rachel Glaza

UW-Extension

This summer, parents in Crawford County who want to help their children increase their physical outdoor activity can take them on literary walking tours — and help their communities achieve better health outcomes.