Virtual panel event focused on health challenges and opportunities in rural communities
OKLAHOMA CITY (March 31, 2023) — The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) hosted a live virtual panel with local experts on March 29 to discuss the current state of rural health in Oklahoma. Event panelists shared critical expertise and insight on improving health outcomes in rural communities.
Event panelists included:
● Mark Doescher, MD, MSPH, Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at Stephenson Cancer Center
● Stacie Pace, Executive Director of the Rural Health Network of Oklahoma; Director of Oklahoma State University’s Rural Health Network
● Tara Jackson, DrPh, MHA, Director of Project ECHO at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
● John Browne, Mayor of McAlester, Oklahoma
“Oklahomans in rural areas face a unique set of health challenges that are often overlooked, which is why it’s critical to promote opportunities for information sharing, collaboration and thought-provoking discussion,” said Julie Bisbee, executive director for TSET.
“Our panel of experts highlighted key issues related to rural health outcomes from several different angles, all of which contribute to a larger understanding of the health landscape in rural communities. TSET remains committed to improving health outcomes and access across the state and will continue to push health initiatives forward to support rural Oklahomans.”
The panel was moderated by Bisbee and covered key themes of health disparities, the rural health care workforce and access to nutritious foods and health education. More than 100 people attended the event, including Oklahoma state legislators, local elected officials and health leaders from across the state. A recording of the event is available on TSET’s Facebook page.
When asked to discuss some of the health challenges facing rural Oklahomans, Dr. Doescher said, “High rates of poverty – nearly 17% of households are at the poverty line – lower levels of education, less health care access. The per capita physician supply is less than half of what it is in urban areas in Oklahoma and for primary care, it’s about two-thirds or even less. These socio-economic determinants and health care access determinants translate to health behaviors – high rates of obesity, high rates of smoking in rural areas – that then relate to adverse health outcomes.”
“As we work together to move our state forward in rural health outcomes, we have to continue these conversations as a catalyst for making actionable change in all parts of Oklahoma,” said Tara Jackson. “TSET is a strong partner that supports work in rural communities with a shared vision of creating a better future for all Oklahomans and I’m thankful to have been a part of such an important discussion.”
To learn more about TSET and the rural health programs and grants available across the state, visit oklahoma.gov/tset.
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The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, cultivating innovative and life-changing research and working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public’s health. To learn more, go to Oklahoma.gov/TSET.