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Good afternoon,
Over the weekend, the first human case of New World screwworm was reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As reported by Farm Policy News Illinois, "New World screwworms are parasitic flies that lay eggs in the wounds of warm-blooded animals. The most common populations impacted by these infestations are cattle, wildlife, and pets, but it's possible for humans to be affected. Treating the disease quickly and effectively is very important as it can result in death in extreme cases. On August 15, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a five-part plan to combat the screwworm while visiting Texas. It's critical that the federal government take substantial action to prevent the spread of the outbreak that could harm animals in rural America and people across our country if it is not contained. This crisis will be a good test to see how well Secretary Rollins works under pressure.
Here are a few important updates...
RURAL MATERNITY UNITS NEED RESCUING
The University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center released a new study that found policy decisions to keep obstetrics units open in rural America are not working. The study examined the status of obstetric services from 2010 to 2022 in approximately 5,000 short-term, acute care hospitals across the United States. Researchers found that seven states saw roughly a quarter of their hospitals close their obstetrics units. As reported by The Daily Yonder, "By the end of 2022, two thirds of rural hospitals in eight states were without obstetric services. In Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Florida, more than 40% of rural hospitals lost obstetrics services. Declines in care disproportionately affected rural hospitals in highly rural states."
While a decline in access to obstetric care is occurring in both rural and urban areas, it is arguably a more dire crisis for rural America. People in rural areas face additional barriers when accessing care, including traveling longer distances to reach medical facilities. And now Medicaid, which is a critical payer in rural healthcare, is being cut. Mothers and their babies deserve better. The struggles rural maternity units are facing are only increasing. Our policymakers and local leaders must step up and implement real solutions to address this crisis.
NEWS DESERTS LEAVE RURAL AMERICANS HANGING
The Illinois-based publisher News Media Corp. recently announced it would be closing abruptly due to financial issues. As a result, dozens of communities across five states in the Midwest and West will be left hanging without a reliable source for news. This is a devastating development as News Media Corp. long prided itself on being "the voice of small-town America." However, it can also serve as a warning to other rural communities across the United States about the importance of having a credible news source. Today, we live in a very polarized society where the media heavily influences decision-making and public opinion in our country. Many outlets have become extremely biased or untrustworthy amid the rise of fake news. The combination of a tumultuous media landscape and a decline in news sources in rural America will have long-term, harmful consequences.
According to the Medill State of Local News Report 2024, the U.S. has lost more than one-third of its newspapers since 2005. As a result of these closures, the number of news desert counties has significantly increased, adding up to approximately 55 million people with limited or no access to local news. At a time when news deserts continue to pile up, the Trump administration has gone ahead with cutting funding for public media, including NPR and PBS – companies that have local affiliates across the country. We should bolster and improve these public resources that have become infiltrated with partisan politics and biased agendas, rather than eliminating them. As America continues to face a destabilized political landscape, those making the calls need to hear from you. Our government is meant to serve the people, not the president.
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Each week, this newsletter highlights what's going on in rural states, counties, and communities, and what One Country Project is up to around the country. If you value this content, please consider donating to One Country Project. Your contribution supports our efforts to connect with rural voters and to promote greater opportunities for rural communities.
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NUMBER OF THE WEEK
84%: According to Child Hunger in Rural America, this is the percentage of counties in the U.S. that experience the highest levels of childhood food insecurity that are rural. Food insecurity disproportionately impacts children which ultimately affects child development and academic performance. In some cases, it can contribute to behavioral health disorders, compromised immune systems, and other health issues. Children, especially in rural areas, need access to nutritious foods on a daily basis.
- October 1st – The Deadline for passage of a Continuing Resolution, or full annual budget, to prevent a government shutdown. Currently, Congress is out of session to avoid voting on anything related to President Trump's former best friend, deceased child sex trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein.
WHAT WE'RE READING
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