On National Rural Health Day, one upstate network explained how it is trying to bridge health care gaps for New Yorkers who reside in smaller and remote communities.

“We fund 31 rural health networks throughout the state," state Health Department Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "We fund 44 rural hospitals throughout the state.”

Every Thursday before Thanksgiving, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services pauses to recognize the health care needs for rural communities across the nation, including in New York on Thursday, National Rural Health Day.

“If you don’t get the health care that you need on the primary care level, then you’re probably going to end up in urgent care or emergency care,” explained Patti Hammond, COO of Hudson Headwaters Health Network.

The network has established more than 20 health clinics across upstate communities, many of which are located in rural settings.

“Our patients have to get to us, so access to care is a very real issue,” Hammond said.

That's why during the pandemic, Hudson Headwaters took health care on the road.

“The community has embraced us. Several patients walk to the mobile health center,” Hammond said.

Great strides are being made to address access, but challenges persist.

“Our cost of operating community health centers does not reflect the reimbursement that we currently receive,” said Pam Fisher, director of external affairs for the Hudson Headwaters Health Network.

Health care, like many industries, is struggling to finding workers.

“I think our legislature needs to look at next year, at licensure compacts and scope of practice," McDonald said. "Do what other states are doing, which is a lot more flexibility for licensed health care professionals.”

Some networks have been forced to get creative in attracting new employees.

“Flexible schedules. We do loan reimbursement, we do tuition reimbursement,” Hammond said.

The objective is to reach those most in need.

“When you walk in our doors, we want you to feel comfortable," Hammond said. "We want you to feel welcome.”