Rural Americans face widening health disparities compared to urban areas, largely due to a lack of healthcare providers in rural communities. With two-thirds of rural areas lacking primary care physicians, the shortage is expected to worsen. Recent clinic closures, like Walmart’s, further strain the healthcare system. Leveraging local pharmacies could be a solution, as 90% of Americans live near one. However, barriers such as limited reimbursements and lack of time and data hinder pharmacists from providing expanded services. Initiatives like Project ECHO and AI technology can help rural pharmacies deliver better care and address the provider shortage to ensure rural patients receive the care they need.
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Community Pharmacies Fill Critical Healthcare Gaps in Rural Areas — Here’s How We Can Empower and Support Them
