Summary
Published Date: June 01, 2016
Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide primary care in rural areas with a shortage of providers. This paper examines whether racial and ethnic minority composition was related to changes in the supply of RHCs and FQHCs in rural counties from 2000 to 2011. Authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of rural counties using the Area Health Resource File 2012-2013. They examined rural counties defined as non-Core-Based Statistical Areas, with complete data on county characteristics for the study period.
Authors found that in high-minority counties, the predicted probability of a net gain in any type of clinic was 28.6 percent versus 46.4 percent for low-minority counties. High-minority counties were also more likely to experience a net decline in RHCs. Authors conclude that during a period of substantial growth in both programs, the percentage of minority residents was negatively associated with gaining new clinics of either type. Policy makers may need to consider targeting rural minority communities for additional primary care workforce support.Publication Authors:
- Michelle Ko MD, PhD
- Janet Cummings
- Ninez A. Ponce, PhD, MPP