Healthcare in Rural Mississippi

Healthcare in rural Mississippi is plagued with problems, from the lack of preventative care, to high insurance costs and chronic illnesses. MPB's Patty Davis looks at how healthcare reform may help.

According to Joanie Perkins, President -elect of the Mississippi Rural Healthcare Association, Mississippi's healthcare system needs major improvements.

Perkins: I would say the state as a whole is probably one of the most unhealthy places to live right now in the United States.

A new report from US Health and Human Services shows the rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are highest in rural areas. HHS Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius.

Sebelius: And the report makes it clear that the system we have really isn't working for the almost 50 million Americans who live in rural communities across the country.

Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina helped unveil the report on Tuesday. She says current healthcare reform proposals will improve access to healthcare in the poorest areas of the country.

Hagan: The National Health Service Corps will actually provide grants and scholarships and loan repayment programs for providers that's going to include nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists and mental health providers who actually work in these under-served areas.

There are 27 critical access hospitals currently serve mostly rural areas of Mississippi, and Joanie Perkins contends reform can begin at the local level.

Perkins: The North Sunflower Medical Center is currently building a 33 thousand square foot wellness center and it will be made available to all, regardless of their ability to pay. It's projects like that, to make them a healthier place and to make Mississippi a healthier place to live.

A majority of Mississippi's Washington Delegation oppose healthcare reform in it's current form, saying it will drive up costs and reduce needed care.