FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 9, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new survey from Global Strategy Group on behalf of One Country Project and Save Our Air Medical Resources (SOAR) reveals that voters nationwide view the quality of health care in rural and remote communities as lower quality than the rest of the country. According to the poll, voters also overwhelming view emergency air medical services as a critical life-saving service for rural Americans.
“Voters agree that access to quality, affordable health care should not be determined by where you live,” said former U.S. Senator and founder of One country Project Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND). “Americans in every zip code deserve access to emergency air medical transportation, but it is especially important for those living in remote and underserved areas where hospitals are closing at alarming rates.”
The poll also revealed that 88 percent of voters agree that health insurance should cover the cost of emergency services, and 52 percent of voters say COVID-19 has had a greater negative impact in rural areas because of a lack of health care providers.
“The COVID-19 public health crisis has hit rural America hard, and its resulting economic pain has only heightened the anxiety voters are feeling about being able to afford health care in this country,” said SOAR spokesperson Christina Kanmaz. “This new survey underlines the necessity for Congress and the Administration to support policies that ensure sustainable reimbursement rates for air medical providers so patients can have continued access to these services.”
The online survey polled 1,032 registered voters nationwide. View the full survey results HERE.
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About One Country Project
The One Country Project, led by former Senators Heidi Heitkamp and Joe Donnelly, is working to promote greater opportunities for rural communities and ensure leaders earn their support. One Country is reengaging with rural Americans, serving as a clearinghouse of research and information for rural Americans, and working to ensure leaders regain trust by fighting for these communities. To learn more, visit the website, OneCountryProject.org.
About Save Our Air Medical Resources (SOAR)
Save Our Air Medical Resources (SOAR) is a national campaign dedicated to preserving access to emergency air medical services for Americans across the country. Official partners of the SOAR Campaign include industry experts, in-flight paramedics and nurses, and patients who rely on emergency services. To learn more about SOAR visit https://www.soarcampaign.com/.