On September 12th, healthcare providers and organizations gathered in Tacoma, WA, to bear witness to the depth of America’s rural healthcare crisis. Attendees came from Washington, Alaska, Idaho, and Oregon.

Sponsoring organizations included University of Washington Office of Rural Programs, Washington Area Health Education Center, VashonBePrepared, and Vashon Island Medical Reserve Corps.

More than one-dozen experts spent an entire day describing the consequences for small-town America and what action to take in order to mitigate the crisis. Out of the conference came a Declaration to Congress that stated: “We declare that Congress must act to stabilize rural healthcare availability and affordability by collaborating with those who know the rural healthcare challenges and solutions firsthand.” You may download the PDF Declaration, or read the declaration here.

If you were not able to attend the conference on September 12th, you can still attend virtually by viewing the videos of each panel session or the presentation slides. You can click on each session title below to see the panel members and read their bios and credentials.