Bridging the Health Divide: Liz Urbanski-Farrell’s Mission to Improve Rural Health in New York and Beyond.

Liz Urbanski-Farrell has devoted her career to enhancing the health outcomes of rural communities across the United States and beyond. As the new executive director of the New York State Association for Rural Health, she is determined to tackle the unique challenges faced by residents in these areas.

In New York, 44 out of 63 counties are either partially or fully rural, covering 85% of the state’s landmass, particularly in upstate regions. Urbanski-Farrell highlights how residents in these areas often face significant difficulties in accessing healthcare due to long distances and time off work, which can be financially and logistically challenging.

While telehealth services have become more popular, they can be more expensive than traditional care due to infrastructure and privacy requirements. Furthermore, traditional health services in New York have not received adequate funding in recent years, making it challenging to meet the needs of rural communities effectively.

Urbanski-Farrell advocates for increased support from lawmakers and Congress to address rising healthcare costs in rural areas. She believes that investing in rural healthcare now will ultimately save money in the long run and improve the overall health of rural populations.

As a dedicated advocate for rural health, Urbanski-Farrell aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities by providing resources and support that will improve access to quality healthcare services.