Five counties in northwest Missouri was the site of this year's program for college students pursuing health care careers.
The Rural Immersion program is co-sponsored by the University of Missouri school of medicine rural scholars program and M-U Extension.
The Nodaway County extension office Facebook page said 19 students spent a week earlier this month in Nodaway, Gentry, Harrison, Mercer, and Grundy counties.
A story on the M-U Extension website says the group was exposed to how healthcare intersects with agriculture, education, economic development, natural resources, behavioral health and community culture.
Participants heard from among others...healthcare providers, emergency services professionals, nurses, dentists, social workers, and administrators.
Discussions focused on issues facing rural healthcare, including workforce shortages, access to care, healthcare costs and policy challenges.
The students also met with local officials, educators, agricultural producers, and representatives of community organizations that included economic development agencies...all to learn how different sectors contribute to community well-being and how agriculture, conservation and environmental stewardship supports rural economies and quality of life.
The week ended with student presentations about what they learned.
