To say it has been a difficult near two years for hospitals throughout the state would be an understatement. They have been ravaged by the pandemic and that includes several rural Texas hospitals that were already struggling. According to the CDC, 46 million Americans live in rural communities. Health experts say those residents are twice as likely to die of COVID-19 than their urban counterparts. They are also more likely to die from heart disease, cancer, un-intentional injury, and stroke. But, who’s going to treat them, staffing shortages across the country are making it hard for patients to receive the care they need. Here in Texas, there are about 54 primary care physicians per 100,000 people. That is one of the lowest ratios in the country. We spoke with rural healthcare advocate Senator Dawn Buckingham about how she is working to help rural areas improve healthcare. Then we talk to Kelly Cheek and Mike Easley with Texas rural health association. They discuss staffing shortages and how the nonprofit is working to bring medical care to those in need. Later, Dr. Doug Curran joins us to talk about the challenges he faces as a rural doctor in Athens, Texas.