The Facts
- 60 million Americans, or nearly one in five, lack adequate access to primary care due to a shortage of primary care physicians in their communities.
- The rural population is one of the largest physician-underserved populations in the U.S.
- Economic factors, cultural and social differences, educational shortcomings, lack of recognition by legislators, and sheer isolation of living in remote rural areas all conspire to impede rural Americans in their struggle to lead a normal, healthy life.
- Too few students enter a career in health care.
- Too few health care professionals choose employment in underserved areas.
- Too few racial and ethnic minorities and underprivileged people choose careers in the health workforce.
- The population does not appropriately use the existing health care resources.
- Divisions exist between the missions of health profession training programs and community needs.
AHECs are working to alter The Facts