︎ The Cure To Corn
Addressing the Issues of Preventable Healthcare in Rural America
By Mitchell Mead ︎
Hypothesis
One of the most effective ways to intervene against diseases is to prevent them before they happen. The Center for Disease Control has reported that rural Americans disproportionately suffer from preventable diseases (heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic respiratory disease, and stroke) compared to their urban counterparts (CDC, 2014). These diseases arise from multiple aspects including poor access to health services, poor education on diet and nutrition, social isolation and mental health disorders, and drug addiction.
Of rural Americans, 40% do not have access to broadband Internet, so a large portion are not eligible for telemedicine. Therefore, the target group for receiving this intervention is rural Americans who do not have access to broadband Internet.
One of the most effective ways to intervene against diseases is to prevent them before they happen. The Center for Disease Control has reported that rural Americans disproportionately suffer from preventable diseases (heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic respiratory disease, and stroke) compared to their urban counterparts (CDC, 2014). These diseases arise from multiple aspects including poor access to health services, poor education on diet and nutrition, social isolation and mental health disorders, and drug addiction.
Of rural Americans, 40% do not have access to broadband Internet, so a large portion are not eligible for telemedicine. Therefore, the target group for receiving this intervention is rural Americans who do not have access to broadband Internet.
- Why?
Rural areas may have poor access to basic needs like healthcare, education, social activities, Internet, or other services.
- How?
Partnering with USPS takes advantage of an existing infrastructure to reach Americans
- What?
Low-cost health-oriented BoxCare deliveries to rural areas with no access to Internet.
- So What?
BoxCare implemented in rural America will improve longevity of its recipients, improve efficiency of healthcare services, and reduce unnecessary healthcare expenditures
The design to outcomes.
Design to Outcomes
The proposed intervention is to partner with USPS to provide monthly boxes which contain information and items for preventative healthcare. Examples include vitamins and supplements, diet and exercise plans, information on which types of illnesses should be treated by which types of specialists, and maps of where to seek services.
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Works Cited
1. Rural Health Information Hub. Rural Health Disparities. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/chronic-disease
2. Murphy, B. The Future of Rural Health Care: Challenges and Solutions. Lancaster Pollard. Lancasterpollard.com. (2016). https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/chronic-disease
3. Gooddell S, Cohen, J, Neumann, P. Cost Savings and Cost-Effectiveness of Clinical Preventative Care. The Synthesis. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2009).
4. Strover, S. How to Fix the Rural Internet Problem. Ien.com. https://www.ien.com/product-development/news/20989231/how-to-fix-the-rural-internet-problem
5. Mead, M. A Cure for Corn: Addressing the Issues of Preventative Healthcare in Rural America.