The proportion of elderly Minnesotans is growing. Diversity is increasing, and rural residents may no longer observe the same traditions or speak the same language. Due to economic obstacles, many rural hospitals have closed. Communities have difficulty in recruiting and retaining health care providers. These challenges are not only limited to rural areas.
Some urban neighborhoods face similar barriers to providing high-quality health care.
The Office of Rural Health and Primary Care is proud to be a part of the Department of Health's Community Health Services division. The Office and our division work to develop public and private partnerships to address the health care needs of people across Minnesota. The Office of Rural Health and Primary Care administers several state funded programs which support communities and health care providers in their efforts to strengthen and maintain local health systems. The Office also offers free federal and foundation grant and loan search assistance. The Office of Rural Health and Primary Care administers educational loan repayment programs for nurses, midlevel providers and physicians.