[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 106 (Thursday, August 4, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  HEALTH CARE REFORM IN RURAL AMERICA

  (Mr. STUPAK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, as the final stages of the health care 
reform debate are about to begin, let me, once more, remind my 
colleagues that rural communities cannot be left behind in the health 
care debate. Rural America continues to face a shortage of primary care 
providers. The lack of providers continues to harm the overall health 
of residents in rural communities. For example, infant and maternal 
mortality as disproportionately higher in rural areas than nonrural 
areas. In fact, Benzie County, a rural county in my district, has one 
of the highest infant mortality rates in the State of Michigan.
  Because of the provider shortage and the health problems experienced 
in rural areas, we need increased funding for programs that train 
health care professionals for rural practices. Further, there should be 
incentives given to those providers who practice in rural settings. 
Recruitment and retention of primary care providers in rural areas are 
vital to true health care reform.
  Mr. Speaker, health care reform must address the unique needs of 
rural communities. Health care reform must address the inequities in 
the system experienced by rural America.

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