http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Tucker/Were%20We%20Live%2001-07-2013.mp3
There are plenty of roadblocks to healthcare, especially if you’re without insurance and money. But for many Americans, just finding a doctor can be difficult.
Although nearly a quarter of the U.S. population lives in rural communities, only a one in ten physicians practice there....they have only a third as many specialists as cities. The population’s older...it smokes more...and suffers from more accidental deaths.
Rural areas also tend to be poorer - on the whole - with fewer transportation options to see a doctor. The hospitals that serve rural towns tend to be smaller - and struggle to survive.
Connecticut is a pretty urban place when compared to, say - Alaska. But life in our 61 rural towns is different, especially when it comes to healthcare.
Today, we’ll talk with people trying to bring better, more affordable healthcare to rural areas of the state and nation.