Message from Board Member
Judith Shaplin

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

California is rural?  How many times have you heard that question? California, our great state, is a rural state, but it is not recognized as such on the Federal level, the State level and in many of our urban Counties. The economic downturn and budgetary difficulties have disproportionally affected rural economies and the health of its citizens. The large scale effects of recent state and federal legislation are incoming, but our rural communities are often isolated from the political and economic conversations. The battle continues, and as rural economies and the healthcare landscape continues to struggle and hopefully recover, let us be aware of our place and purpose in this time. Our struggle is often confined by factors of geography, resources, and opportunity, but by staying informed, staying connected, and speaking out, the ideal advocate could increase the quality of life for many in rural areas. It is necessary for rural Californians to be engaged at the state and regional levels and even the federal levels to ensure that rural health interests are considered and held as important. However, how can rural health providers, already struggling with depleting resources and increasing demand, have such a broad influence?

The California State Rural Health Association (CSRHA) and its Advocacy Committee, along with its statewide partners, is making every effort to assist you in navigating the highly fluid policy environment by providing resources, information and opportunities, facilitating a strong network of rural health professionals, and communicating to decision-makers the experiences and issues on the frontlines of rural health. CSRHA was created over ten years ago by a handful of concerned citizens for this purpose, and is now recognized nationally for its advocacy and values. It’s successes in connecting the grassroots to the treetops by connecting service providers to state level decision makers has led it to be well-poised in the face of current challenges. And where there are challenges, there are also opportunities.

Characteristically, rural communities have proven to be able to come together under a common purpose, find creative solutions to complex problems, and invest directly into the community that is their livelihood. Let us harness these qualities to fully utilize the potential for change that is before us. CSRHA has made the commitment to rural California, and asks of you to do the same by joining the association today, and sharing in its vision of “empowered rural people creating healthy and sustainable rural communities.”

CSRHA could not exist without the generous support of its members and the healthcare community at large, and they are what sustain us. Therefore, by continuing to build strong networks of support, provide timely and accurate information to healthcare leadership, and educate ourselves and others on the issues, we can continue our success in 2009, and beyond.  

I am proud to be a long time member of CSRHA and Chair of its Advocacy Committee; I hope you join me so that we can speak with one voice on the issues that are impacting rural communities.  Rural California is here and our voice does make a difference!

Yours in Good Health,

Judith Shaplin

Article posted on 4/9/09