North Dakota lags behind other Midwestern states when it comes to having an adequate number of health-care physicians. State officials say a new campaign aims to change that.
The Department of Health and Human Services is rolling out a new outreach initiative it hopes will resonate with emerging health professionals just entering the workforce.
Kalee Werner, North Dakota Health and Human Services primary-care office director, said with shortage issues more pronounced in rural areas, it has to overcome some of the narratives surrounding the environment for providers in smaller towns.
"For example, that physician might be the only one practicing in that specific area so they might feel isolated," Werner said.
But she added rural clinics are often tied to larger health-care systems, and there is a level of support providers can lean on. Data from the University of North Dakota show the state has nearly 20 doctors per 10,000 residents. The Midwest average is 27.
National research suggests states with abortion bans create deterrents for health professionals and medical students, but the department couldn't speak to any backlash from North Dakota's law, which is being challenged in court.
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Categories: North Dakota, Rural Lifestyle