[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 187 (Thursday, November 21, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H9156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH DAY

  (Ms. PLASKETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Speaker, today is National Rural Health Day.
  More than 60 million Americans live in rural areas. Unfortunately, 
these individuals tend to be in poorer health than those who live in 
urban and suburban areas. They experience greater rates of chronic 
disease than the rest of the U.S. population.
  The U.S. Virgin Islands is one of these rural areas. Like most rural 
America, the VI has high rates of chronic disease, diabetes, heart 
disease, stroke, and experience unique challenges in accessing 
healthcare.
  The Virgin Islands, however, due to geographic distance from the 
contiguous United States and our territorial status, face even further 
challenges, including inequitable Federal funding. Our health providers 
and families have to make difficult decisions, not based on care but on 
distance and funding.
  All Americans deserve easy accessibility to high quality healthcare. 
I want to take this time to recognize the healthcare providers in the 
Virgin Islands for their tireless work and commitment to the health and 
well-being of our people.

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