National Rural Health Day: Overcoming Obstacles to Good Health

By Estela Sanchez-Cacique, Patient Engagement Services Manager 

Celebrating National Rural Health Day – November 20

As someone who has lived in a rural community for most of my life, I know firsthand the critical role that Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) play in ensuring access to essential healthcare services. Without them, I would not have received the immunizations and medical care that helped keep me healthy.

On National Rural Health Day, we recognize and celebrate the health centers that serve rural populations—centers like Oak Orchard Health (OOH), which are vital to the well-being of the communities they support. These organizations not only create local employment opportunities but also provide comprehensive healthcare services to individuals and families facing significant challenges, often referred to as Social Determinants of Health (SDOH).

SDOH are the everyday conditions that influence a person’s health, including:

• Geographic location
• Employment and income
• Educational opportunities
• Access to healthcare
• Support from family and community

These factors are especially impactful in rural areas and shape the likelihood of living a healthy life.

Oak Orchard Health: Serving Everyone

Oak Orchard Health offers a wide range of services, including medical, dental, optical, behavioral health, laboratory, and WIC. Our Outreach Program brings care directly to farmworkers where they live and work, and our team regularly participates in community events to raise awareness about available services.

Our Community Health Workers, Care Coordinators, and Care Managers conduct SDOH screenings and connect patients with enabling services such as transportation to and from appointments, whether at our health centers or in larger cities for specialized care. These services are provided at no cost to our patients.

We also offer in-house interpretation for Spanish and utilize a language line to support patients who speak other languages. One of the greatest strengths of being part of a rural community is the ability to build meaningful relationships with the people we serve—because we live and work alongside them.

Addressing Health Insurance Challenges

Health insurance remains a barrier for many in rural areas. Jobs in farming, seasonal work, or small businesses often do not offer coverage, and some individuals may not qualify for assistance or struggle to afford premiums and copays. These challenges can lead to delayed or skipped medical care, resulting in poorer health outcomes.

At Oak Orchard Health, we provide support services to help individuals apply for health insurance and offer a sliding fee scale for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact us at (585) 637-3905. We’re here to help.