The Intersection of COVID-19 and Rural Health Infrastructure: Evidence from Rural New Mexicans

Authors

Maria Gaboldon-Parish
Kate Cartwright

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Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

7-12-2024

Abstract

Rural communities experience notable health disparities compared to urban areas. These include an aging population with higher illness rates, worsened by inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Shortages in healthcare facilities, supplies, testing sites, and medical personnel further exacerbate these disparities, especially in remote areas. Addressing these challenges is crucial for equitable healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes statewide. Our goal is to analyze rural New Mexican residents’ perceptions of their community’s infrastructure and its interconnection with health. Key themes include (1) the disparities in community and public resources available, (2) limited access to healthcare facilities due to distance, staff shortages, and limited specialty care, and (3) the critical role of family networks and social infrastructure. In 2020 and 2021, we conducted and analyzed 67 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with adults living in rural New Mexican counties which covered a range of topics related to the pandemic including health infrastructure challenges. Findings from our study provide insight into rural NM health care infrastructure challenges and in addition add the perspective of how rural community infrastructure including transportation, internet accessibility, support for economic, employment, and educational stability also impact health care and health outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Gaboldon-Parish, Maria and Kate Cartwright. "The Intersection of COVID-19 and Rural Health Infrastructure: Evidence from Rural New Mexicans." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc_ipe_posters/23

Comments

Presented at IPD Day 2024