From the Pantagraph:
In many corners of Illinois, being seen by a doctor for a shattered arm or chest pains probably means the nearest option is a small hospital that often is the primary mental and physical health provider for many miles, offering preventive and emergency care from cradle to grave.
It’s hard to rebuff the significance of these facilities to a large swath of our state — a message that Washington needs to hear. In discussing the labyrinth that is dismantling former President Obama’s health care law, lawmakers must realize the incredible importance these health institutions are to our less populated communities.
Health care is crucial for our rural communities, too. We can’t have that carelessly lost in the conversation. We need a sensible solution for maintaining these critical lifelines.
