Ways to Help the Health Worker Shortage in Northern Arizona

If you’re finding it difficult to find or see a primary care doctor these days, you’re not alone.

Arizona ranks 42nd in the nation for the ratio of active primary care physicians to residents – about 78 physicians per 100,000 people, according to a 2019 report by the Center for Rural Health at the University of Arizona. To keep pace with demand, our state will need an additional 1,941 primary care doctors by 2030.

Arizona also faces significant shortages in lower-wage medical workers, nursing and mental health professionals. According to another study, non-physicians like nurse practitioners will soon be the predominant providers of primary care.

In addition to the already grim outlook, the pandemic was especially hard on health workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that about half a million people have left the U.S. health care workforce since February 2020.

People in rural areas feel the impact of primary care and professional health shortages most acutely. Except for the Flagstaff area, every place in Northern Arizona is considered a Primary Care Health Shortage Area by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Small, isolated rural communities and the Navajo and Hopi nations face the most significant gaps in primary care physicians to population. Many rural residents forgo preventative care and treatments because of the distance they must go to receive care.

What can be done about these shortages and gaps? They likely won’t resolve without systematic change in health care. Although top-level strategies will be necessary, individuals can help bolster the supply of health professionals and reduce demand.

Here are a few things you can do:

• Look after your health and your family’s health the best you can. A few health issues may be beyond our personal control. However, many are in our power to reduce or avoid altogether. Embrace healthy lifestyles and take preventative measures to avoid health crises.
• Encourage young people who aspire to be doctors, nurses, technicians, clinicians and mental health providers.
• Support students and professionals pursuing or advancing their education in health fields.
• Appreciate and thank the health professionals that treat you or your family members. A little gratitude can go a long way with those who take care of us.
• Support non-profit community and health organizations working to overcome disparities in health care access and education.

In Northern Arizona, there are important initiatives aimed at increasing the number of health workers in rural areas and in tribal communities. These are vital because health care professionals are more apt to serve these areas if they are educated and trained in such locations.

One is the first-of-its-kind American Indian Nursing Program offered by Northern Arizona University. Since 1996, more than 150 American Indian nurses in the program have entered practice serving the health care needs of people in tribal areas and adjacent communities.

Another is Diné College, which offers certificate and undergraduate degree programs in health and public health fields. The first tribally controlled and accredited collegiate institution in the U.S., Diné College has locations throughout the Navajo Nation.

The Colorado Plateau Center for Health Professions also works to improve health in rural and underserved communities by building, training and strengthening the health workforce. The center is operated by North Country HealthCare with collaboration from area non-profits and educational, government and health care institutions.

At Health First Foundation, we fund many community programs to improve health in rural areas of Northern Arizona. In addition, Health First annually awards financial aid to students pursuing or advancing a health profession in our region. The Health First 2022 scholarship cycle is now open. Students may apply for financial assistance through March 25. To learn more, visit healthfirstforall.org/scholarships. QCBN

By Nancy Wiechec

Nancy Wiechec is a former journalist working for Health First Foundation as a storyteller and communications manager. Keep up with Health First news on Twitter @HealthFirstAZ.