Why We Must Prioritize Rural Voices in Health Journalism

Elizabeth Ruen
Elizabeth Ruen

Rural Healthcare Program Officer

Since its debut in 2022, the KFF Health News Rural News Desk has consistently provided robust, factual journalism that has proven essential to exposing challenges, catalyzing solutions, and elevating voices too often unheard.

The Helmsley Charitable Trust helped launch the initiative with a $3.9 million grant, and Helmsley is honored to continue this successful partnership with a $4.7 million grant to KFF Health News to continue the Rural Health News Desk’s operation.

The desk’s reporters have been pivotal in uncovering critical healthcare stories affecting rural areas. Through investigative rigor and a deep commitment to local storytelling, the team is illuminating issues that shape the lives of millions.

Since its launch, the Rural News Desk team has produced more than 330 articles and podcasts in English and Spanish, published by more than 800 outlets nationwide. The Rural News Desk has proven to be a transformative force in rural healthcare journalism:

  • KFF Health News’ coverage of maternal and infant mortality in rural regions uncovered critical flaws in federal grant programs, prompting action in Congress.
  • Reporting on rural hospital mismanagement in Missouri spurred state and federal investigations, closing oversight gaps that previously left communities vulnerable.
  • The Social Security project, which featured and helped many rural residents, won the top prize for reporting on government’s impact on local communities from the National Press Club.
  • KFF Health News’ collaboration with the Colorado News Collaborative on medical debt led Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to sign a bill into law in June 2024 that bars hospitals from suing patients under the names of their debt collectors.

These successes are not only a testament to the skill of KFF’s reporters but also to the importance of investing in journalism that prioritizes facts, fairness, and rural voices. KFF Health News’ ability to reach policymakers, business leaders, and everyday citizens ensures that rural healthcare remains part of the national conversation.

At the core of this work is a simple truth: Rural communities deserve access to quality healthcare, and they deserve journalism that brings their experiences and needs to light. The Helmsley Charitable Trust is proud to support KFF Health News’ Rural News Desk and the transformative role it plays in addressing the healthcare challenges facing America’s rural communities. Together, we can ensure that these stories are told and that solutions are found.