Breaking Down the Walls of Convention

How did you think of that? 

What made you come up with that concept? 

Oh, if I had only counted the number of times I've been asked these questions...

In the world of rural health, we are constantly met by challenges: big, small, thought provoking, mind numbing, how in the world could this not have already been addressed (?!) sized challenges.

And can we be honest here? The scope and size of the need can be overwhelming at times.

Oh, don't forget...they are looking to you, the rural health leader and champion, to solve the problem(s) and keep the lights turned on.

What I have come to realize over my years in rural health is that rural-shaped challenges call for rural-shaped solutions. What works for urban may not (probably won't) work for rural. Old systems of training might need to be adapted. Structural systems that are altogether missing (insert no public transportation, ever!) may need to be addressed even if this isn't your area of expertise. Your pool of applicants may not come from a 4-year university. And cross-train, cross-train, cross-train!!!

Thinking inside the box doesn't serve rural well. Sometimes we have to break down the walls of convention and design new models that work for rural communities. This is how this process recently worked in rural Arkansas with our organization: 

Rural-Shaped Problems: 1) Immediate and critical workforce gaps at ARHP member hospitals, health centers, and clinics (100+ sites) spanning much of rural Arkansas. 2) Lack of available training programs. 3) Distance to training. 4) Lack of transportation. 5) Cost of training and/or travel. 6) Lack of time to access needed training.

Rural-Shaped Solutions: 1) Develop a sustainable model to train rural residents within the rural communities in which they live and work. 2) Utilize existing infrastructure & qualified staff to support efforts. 3) Build upon & grow successful areas of organizational expertise (i.e. Community Health Worker & Mental Health First Aid training, etc.). 4) Conserve costs by engaging partners & existing staff wherever possible. 5) Increase accessibility by utilizing existing telehealth equipment at ARHP member sites. 6) Avoid duplication and/or replication of local efforts and partner with these organizations wherever and whenever possible. 7) Continually adapt course offerings to meet the demonstrated needs of ARHP member organizations (to stay relevant & directly meet the need!). [To learn more about (or engage in) our innovative Academy, visit https://www.arruralhealth.org/arhp-initiatives/the-arkansas-rural-health-academy.]

“It’s good not to follow the herd. Go the other way. If everyone’s going that way, you go this other way. Yeah, you’re gonna stumble. You’re gonna stumble but you’re also gonna stumble upon an idea no one came up with.” Robert Rodriguez

Here's to forging new paths and dreaming up new realities that truly serve our rural health organizations (and in turn, meet the health and wellness needs of our rural residents).

Sincerely, 

Your friends in rural health