WHEREAS, the rural communities in North Carolina are wonderful places to live and work, and represent the rich and diverse background of our residents; and
WHEREAS, the rural healthcare system is an important economic foundation of our rural communities; and
WHEREAS, meeting the unique healthcare needs of rural residents is constantly evolving, as rural communities face unique challenges; and
WHEREAS, being a rural healthcare practitioner provides tremendous opportunities to offer more comprehensive, compassionate, patient-centered, and holistic care to patients; and
WHEREAS, while we make note of our rural community’s healthcare challenges, we recognize and celebrate the spirit of innovation within rural North Carolina as we strive to improve access to and quality of care for all of our neighbors; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Office of Rural Health, as well as other interested agencies and organizations, recognize the unique health needs and opportunities that exist in our community, and celebrate our healthcare organizations and providers for the valuable services they provide to address those needs and opportunities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 17, 2022, as “NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.