Today is National Rural Health Day. The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health is proud to recognize the innovation, quality of care and dedication of health professionals and volunteers in the community.
National Rural Health Day falls on the third Thursday in November each year and recognizes the efforts of those serving the health needs of an estimated 57 million people across the nation.
Roughly 1.5 million people — one in four Wisconsinites — live in rural and frontier communities throughout Wisconsin. These communities are facing a public health crisis and fiscal difficulties by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the staffing shortages and ever-changing regulations, Wisconsin’s rural hospitals and clinics have shown great resiliency and creativity, the office says.
It asked health care workers to nominated colleagues or organizations who have been COVID heroes in their communities. It received nearly 20 nominations and will feature them on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wi.ruralhealth
The heroes in Wisconsin include:
• Alex Peterson, Waushara County EMS
• Tony Gonzalez, Outreach Specialist, Marathon County Health Department
• Kristine Fuge, CAO, St. Croix Regional Medical Center Respiratory Illness Clinic
• Tomahawk Pharmacy
• Stoughton Health
• Netzali Pacheco Rojas, Mobile Health Practice Manager for Family Health La Clinica, Wautoma
