The big picture on rural health care is grim.

Doctors are retiring. Hospitals are closing. There’s a lack of mental health care providers across the board. Plus, rural health facilities rely disproportionately on Medicaid reimbursement to stay afloat — and that program is facing $1 trillion in cuts thanks to President Trump’s self-titled Big Beautiful Bill.

But if you zoom in to individual communities, the picture is tinged with determination.

While they admit to discouragement, leaders are trying to find new ways to pay for needed health care, and concerned citizens are stepping forward to help each other. Kerri Miller heard that and more in Owatonna, at the final Rural Voice town hall of the season.

Rural Voice in Owatonna

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Southern Minnesotans gathered on Sept. 29 at Mineral Springs Brewery to share personal stories of long waits to see doctors, of their hometowns losing cherished hospitals, of children in crisis with no therapists available to help.

But they also shared ideas about how to face the challenges ahead, like public health and the private sector forming new partnerships, and community groups innovating to make sure health care is accessible and affordable.

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