The Widening Healthcare Gaps in the West

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In the rural areas of the western United States, a growing population is becoming more and more vulnerable due to an increasing lack of quality healthcare. The elderly, disabled, and uninsured (Latinos represent the largest uninsured population in the U.S.) in these areas are facing a growing crisis. These individuals are farther from healthcare and are often more vulnerable during emergencies, such as heart attacks, severe lacerations, or strokes, reported High Country News.

Delta County in western Colorado (14.45% Latino population) is an example cited of an area with serious problems. Since 2010, the number of residents aged 65 or older has jumped 19%; however the patient-to-doctor ratio is more than 1,300 to one. In extreme examples, some Western counties have had their elderly populations increase by nearly 60%.

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Data from the American Medical Association and U.S. Census Bureau have shown that rural areas are experiencing a higher demand for services and a decrease in the number of doctors and others qualified to provide medical services. According to Census projections, by 2030, more than 31 million Americans will be older than 75 and nearly 17 million will live in the western half of the country.

The number of doctors has not been able to keep pace with the population. In Torrance County, NM (40% Latino population), the patient-to-doctor ratio is 15,000 to one, more than four times the “threshold for consideration as a ‘health professional shortage area.’”

In the Delta County city of Paonia, ambulance services are run by volunteers and the average response time is 15 minutes. Since the local medical clinic in the county closed in September 2016, the nearest medical facilities are located more than 30 minutes away.

“That is a very long time to wait if you’re badly hurt,” Jean Ceriani, a member of the Delta County Memorial Hospital board told High Country News. “Someone could die.”

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