Good Day! Volume 9, Issue 3 - October 2025

Good DAY!

™

The Rural Health Crisis Rural Americans face significant health disparities, including higher rates of chronic disease, mental health challenges, and limited access to healthcare providers compared to urban populations. Read the new Rural Health Report in this issue.

Also inside: • Grange Revival takes Utah by storm • Intern Team shares their favorite parts of the summer • Recipes featuring the sweet root vegetable: carrots • and more!

A quarterly publication of the National Grange

Vol. 9, Issue 3 l October 2025

Checking your

Subscription Don't miss a single issue!

1. Locate your Member ID

2. Visit nationalgrange.org/goodday 3. Fill in your information

4. Subscribe, renew or set up autorenewal

If you receive a new debit or credit card, or the expiration date has changed, please contact the office so we can update your autorenewal.

5. Need additional help?

™ MAGAZINE 2Email Stephanie (swilkins@nationalgrange.org) GOOD DAY! or Philip (pvonada@nationalgrange.org)! ®

www.nationalgrange.org

Good DAY!

N & V

GRANGE NEWS & VIEWS

5

F

GRANGE FOUNDATION

19

L

LEGISLATIVE

20

S RA

THE STATE OF RURAL AMERICA

23

I

IDEAS FOR GRANGE PROGRAMS & ACTION

28

M

69

MEMBERSHIP NEWS & RECOGNITION

On the cover:

The health disparities in rural America - from rates of disease and illness to hardships in accessing care - are highlighted in the new National Grange Rural Health Report.

Photo via AdobeStock

J

Y H & L

F & R

L W

™

80

JUNIOR GRANGE & GRANGE YOUTH

HOBBIES & LIFESTYLE

87

FOOD & RECIPES

91 97

THE LAST WORD

P

PERSPECTIVES:

2025 Rural Health Report

33

Follow us on Social Media National Grange

@nationalgrange

@nationalgrange

National Grange

@nationalgrangeofficial @nationalgrangeyouth @national_junior_grange

@nationalgrange

Good Day! Magazine is a quarterly publication of the National Grange located at 1616 H St. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006 ISSN: 2688-6030. | All comments and questions can be directed to pvonada@nationalgrange.org.

Reproduction or distribution of any part of this magazine is prohibited by anyone other than a Grange member or a chartered Grange without written permission from the National Grange Communications Department.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®

www.nationalgrange.org

3

WHAT’S THE GRANGE? The National Grange was founded as a fraternal organization for farm families in 1867 – opening its doors to men and women equally from the start.

From rural free delivery of mail to the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people, Grange has influenced many aspects of American life and culture.

Today, we continue to advocate for rural Americans and those interested in all areas of agriculture – including those who just like to eat – and our local Granges provide millions of dollars and hours of service to their neighbors annually.

Each Grange operates as a grassroots unit, taking on projects most appropriate for their communities and advocating based on their members’ beliefs.

®

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.

OUR

John Benedik, NJ, Vice President jbenedik@grange.org Lynette Schaeffer, IL, Executive Committee Chair lschaeffer@grange.org Susan Noah, OR Executive Committee Member snoah@grange.org William “Buddy” Overstreet, TX, Executive Committee Member boverstreet@grange.org Joseph Stefenoni, CA Executive Committee Member jstefenoni@grange.org Tom Gwin, WA, Lecturer lecturer@nationalgrange.org

Christopher Johnston, MI, Steward

Christine E. Hamp, Publisher National Grange President President, Grange Foundation President, Grange Advocacy champ@nationalgrange.org Philip J. Vonada, Editor Communications Director pvonada@nationalgrange.org Stephanie Wilkins, Subscriptions Manager IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org

Amanda Leigh Brozana Membership & Leadership Development Director & Grange Foundation Associate abrozana@nationalgrange.org

Walter Hartley, RI, Assistant Steward

Loretta Washington Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org

Kathy Gibson, MA, Lady Assistant Steward Kay Hoffman Stiles, MD, Chaplain Joseph Goodrich, VT, Treasurer Debbie Campbell, PA, Secretary David Allen, NC, Gatekeeper Cindy Greer, CO, Ceres Barbara Foster, WV, Pomona

HEADQUARTERS PHONE (202) 628-3507 HEADQUARTERS ADDRESS: 1616 H ST NW SUITE 300 WASHINGTON, DC 20006

Additional Editing by: John Benedik, Lynette Schaeffer, Annie Johnson, Chloe Schmitz, & Lily Thomas and the 2024 class of Communication Fellows

Welina Shufeldt, OK, Flora

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

4 ®

Staff

Burton Eller, Advertising Partner Legislative Director Executive Director, Grange Advocacy beller@nationalgrange.org

Officers

Christine E. Hamp, WA, President champ@nationalgrange.org

OUR

www.nationalgrange.org

PRESIDENTIAL Perspective Christine E. Hamp

The Power of Being Present, Prepared, and Purposeful One of the Grange’s greatest strengths has always been its deep roots in the community. For nearly 160 years, Granges across the country have stood – sometimes quite literally – as pillars of support, service, and shared responsibility. In today’s world – where challenges shift quickly and needs arise overnight – our ability to be nimble, responsive, and deeply connected is more essential than ever.

From natural disasters to divisive local debates, from economic hardships to public health emergencies, from families in crisis to moments of celebration and unity – our communities need organizations that can respond quickly, act meaningfully, and lead with clarity and compassion.

The question we must ask ourselves is not whether the Grange can help – it’s whether we’re positioned to do so when the moment comes.

We must not wait to be invited. We must already be in the room.

That means staying informed and involved. It means showing up – at town council meetings, school board sessions, planning committees, and public forums. It means knowing our neighbors, keeping up with local news, and building and fostering relationships with the people and institutions that shape our communities. It means being the trusted ones others turn to – not just in emergencies, but in moments of possibility.

We must be the ones who say, “Use our hall.”

We must also be the ones who say, “We don’t have a hall, but we have people ready to help.”

And above all, we must be the ones who ask, “What do you need – and how can we assist?”

Whether your Grange meets in a hall, a library, a church basement, or around a kitchen table – you have everything you need to make a difference. In fact, Granges without a hall, untethered by property upkeep and overhead, may often be better equipped to move quickly, adapt on the fly, and build partnerships wherever the need arises. What matters most is not the building, it’s the presence. It’s the people. It’s the willingness to act. Flexibility is power, connection is influence, and purpose is the driver.

Project Sustenance helps give our flexibility direction.

While our work may look different in each town, county, or state, Project Sustenance reminds us that being nimble isn’t just about speed – it’s about having a clear sense of what we’re moving toward. Its three pillars – food security, self-sustainability, and resilience – are guideposts to ensure our actions are rooted in real community needs.

Food Security

Organize the food drive. Fill the pantry shelves. Help the farmers’ market reach more families. The need is immediate, and we are capable.

Self-Sustainability

Teach life skills. Host a budgeting workshop. Offer a garden-to-table class or a basic repair tutorial. These simple acts can change lives and empower communities to stand strong on their own.

Resilience

Be the place where neighbors gather when the power goes out or tensions rise. Share resources on mental health. Connect seniors to care or children to services.

Sometimes, just being present is the difference.

These are not abstract ideas. They are actions we can take right now, rooted in our purpose and guided by our commitment to service. When we lean into these pillars, we don’t just support our communities – we help them thrive.

I encourage each Grange – and each member – to ask: • Are we connected to the issues our neighbors are facing?

• Are we present in conversations shaping our future?

• Are we building relationships that position us as first responders – not just in emergencies, but in opportunities?

• Are we visible, trusted, and engaged where it matters most?

Being nimble doesn’t mean being unstructured or reactive. It means having the right mindset, the right relationships, and the right mission focus to meet the moment.

Let’s recommit to being present, prepared, and purposeful. Because when the unexpected arrives – and it always will – it should be the Grange that’s already there: with sleeves rolled up, boots on the ground, and hearts and steady hands extended in service.

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

www.nationalgrange.org

5

ADVERTISE WITH US Our quarterly publication welcomes advertisers. Up to a 20% discount may be offered to Grange members on their ad purchases. All rates shown are for pre-designed content submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of press date for an issue. You may request rates for ads to be designed by our staff.

GOOD DAY!™ 2025-2026 PRESS DATES Issue V9, I4

Due Date

November 30

V10, I1 February 28, 2026

V10, I2 May 31, 2026

V10, I3 August 31, 2026

Hits Mailboxes January 2026 April 2026 July 2026

October 2026

Classified ads are also welcomed at $0.50 per word up to 25 words, $1 thereafter; $2.50 per website, email, or other link regardless of word count; $5 per photo (will appear no larger than 1.5”x1”). Special requests (bold design, font increase) available for extra charge. All copy should be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the due date.

National Grange assumes no responsibility for that which is advertised in Good Day!™ and reserves the right to reject ads deemed offensive or irrelevant.

Please contact Philip Vonada by email at pvonada@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (814) 404-7985 for details.

WRITE FOR US This is your chance! This is your magazine.

Submissions may be made by any Grange member in good standing, especially including Junior and Youth members, and must be your own original work.

For Juniors, you may get your parent, guardian or another mentor or adult’s assistance to write or draw the piece, but we expect all those who assist to adhere to high ethical standards and allow the Junior’s work to be reflected without influence by the adult/ older assistant.

All work must be in good taste and appropriate for our audience. The National Grange reserves the right to reject any submissions.

6

Guidelines & The Fine Print Entries may include: photo essay (at least three photos that together tell a story with captions identifying the people in the photo if applicable and what is happening in the scene); short story (max. 1,500 words); poem; essay/article (maximum 1,500 words and must include at least two relevant photographs with captions); skit (no more than six speaking characters; should not take more than 10 minutes to perform and should not require an elaborate set); D-I-Y (do-it-yourself) project with supply list, step-by-step instructions and photos of each step; or open category (examples include but are not limited to a coloring book page related to Grange or agriculture; comic strip or box; recipes, etc.).

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

www.nationalgrange.org

Each entry must be submitted digitally and include name, address, phone number, email (if applicable) and Grange details (name, number and state of Subordinate Grange and office held). Junior 1+ members can list the Subordinate or State Grange they are affiliated with. E-members can list National Grange E-member.

Submission

is

acknowledgment

that

publication is authorized. In the case of Junior submissions, this is acknowledgment of right to publish by both Junior and their parent/ guardian.

All submissions must be made via email to pvonada@nationalgrange.org.

From the desk of the PHILIP J. VONADA There’s something to be said about nostalgia…

Every fall, I can feel the energy of homecoming season in the air. Whether it’s the sound of a marching band practicing, the cheerleaders painting signs in the school parking lot, or alumni flooding back to their hometown to reconnect, homecoming has a special way of bringing people together. It’s not just about a football game—it’s about pride, spirit, and belonging.

And I believe we can bring that same spirit into our Granges through a “Grange-coming.”

Think about what makes homecoming so powerful: people come back because they want to reconnect with their roots. They want to cheer for their team, remember the good times, and be part of something bigger than themselves. Isn’t that exactly what the Grange is all about? We are rooted in our communities, grounded in service, and strengthened by traditions that link one generation to the next.

This fall, imagine your Grange hosting its own Grange-coming celebration. Decorate the hall in Grange colors, set up a photo display of past events and members, and invite “alumni” back to share stories – a great way to connect new members to Grange traditions, and hopefully reconnect with other Grange families. Plan a chili cookoff or dessert contest and ask local restaurants or bakeries to be the judges—or even donate a prize. Partner with Main Street businesses to hang Grange-themed banners in their windows for the week, or encourage shop owners to offer small discounts to anyone who shows proof of Grange membership during the celebration. Work with the local high school band or choir to perform at your event, or invite the local 4-H clubs, FFA students, or Scouts to join in a parade through town.

Editor

Most of all, make it a reflection of what makes your hometown special. If your community is known for apple orchards, host an apple pie bakeoff. If your town has a beloved diner, ask them to bring milkshakes or sponsor a booth. If your local car club loves to show off, let them line up in the Grange parking lot as part of the festivities. Grangecoming should feel like a snapshot of hometown pride—the businesses, people, and traditions that make your community one-of-a-kind.

If you’re fortunate to live in an area with several Granges, set up a few weeks of friendly competitions between the Granges. Imagine a canned goods drive challenge to benefit your local food bank (who can collect the most?), a volunteer challenge (what Grange is most active in the community?), see which Grange can bring the most community members into their programming throughout the month, or you can even set up a friendly Grangerivalry cornhole tournament or other fun and games. And what’s a bit of competition without a trophy that can get passed from Grange to Grange each year –just for a bit of hometown Grange pride.

This kind of spirit doesn’t just build excitement – it strengthens our hometowns and the communities that we serve.

Just as students chant from the bleachers and wear their school colors with pride, we can wave our Grange banners high and show our #GrangeStrong spirit. We can celebrate the people who came before us while we gather to rally for the future.

Homecoming is about coming back to where you belong. For so many of us, that place is the Grange. This fall, let’s open our doors wide, invite our neighbors in, and make Grange-coming a new tradition that celebrates everything we love about our communities.

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

www.nationalgrange.org

7

Breakthroughs happen together.

Let’s Outdo Cancer Everything we do is intended to help patients everywhere live longer and healthier lives.

That’s why we don’t just work for patients, we work with them to deliver the breakthroughs that will change their lives.

Join us at LetsOutdoCancer.com

Saving a slice of history

by Lou Marzeles

Editor, The Goldendale Sentinel Republished with permission It still stands.

The flames were just a few yards away from the oldest Grange Hall in the state of Washington, one that predated Washington statehood. In minutes they would consume the building and consign it to history.

But not on Charlie Deach’s watch.

Charlie was supposed to be gone. He was in a Level 3 evacuation zone in the Burdoin Fire, should’ve left days ago.

But on the afternoon of July 18, seeing flames marching on the Columbia Grange Hall in Lyle, an impulse overtook Charlie. He probably just thought of it as natural instinct— you do what needs to be done. So he did. He hopped on a backhoe and, with flames only feet from him, created a fire break between the building and the fire.

He saved not only the Grange Hall but also a home to the north of the hall.

On August 13, a group of people came together at the Columbia Grange Hall to jointly attest that what Charlie did was much more than a garden-variety sense of duty. For them, Charlie exemplified the very heart and soul of the Grange institution, not to mention (which the group did) uncommon selflessness and valor in the face of imminent peril.

There were Grange officials from multiple levels of leadership there, including National Grange President Christine Hamp, who read a proclamation honoring Charlie.

National Grange Membership/Leadership Development Director Amanda Brozana was there. Rusty Hunt, vice president of the State Grange, was on hand. So was King County Pomona Grange No.13 President Bob McClean. And, of course, Klickitat County’s own Grange President Claudine Mincks was there to welcome the gathering, which also included numerous other well-wishers.

UNCOMMON COURAGE: A security camera caught a glimpse of Deach on his backhoe creating the fire break.

Photo courtesy of Columbia Grange Hall

National Grange President Christine Hamp (right) presents a proclamation to Charlie Deach (center) for his heroism in ensuring that the historic Columbia Grange Hall was protected from the Burdoin Fire in July. At left is Klickitat County Pomona Grange President Claudine Mincks.

Photo by Amanda Brozana The proclamation was eloquent, reading in part, “In the afternoon hours of July 18, 2025, the fast-moving Burdoin Fire threatened and destroyed more than 44 structures and 11,000 acres of the landscape along the Columbia River Gorge near Lyle, where the historic Columbia Grange Hall stands… While others rightfully sought safety amid a Level 3 ‘Go’ Evacuation Order, Charlie Deach chose to stay and fight—placing himself at great personal risk to defend the Columbia Grange Hall from the approaching fire… Deach’s bravery and swift action were instrumental in protecting the Hall from what could have been total destruction, preserving not just a building, but a legacy, a gathering place, and a symbol of rural resilience and unity.”

The proclamation observed that Charlie’s “selfless act exemplifies the very spirit of the Grange—service above self, love of community, and a deep reverence for the institutions that bind us together across generations.” It concluded, “the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry does hereby formally and gratefully recognize Charlie Deach for his heroism, his commitment to the preservation of Grange heritage, and his enduring example of leadership, courage, and service. Let it be known that Charlie Deach’s actions on that day reflect the highest ideals of the Grange, and he shall ever be remembered as a guardian, not just of a building but of the spirit of our Order.”

The hall does still stand. So, too, does the essence of service and selflessness, the willingness to go the extra mile in the face of impossible odds for a higher good, personified in Charlie Deach.

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

www.nationalgrange.org

9

Grange Revival 2025: A Week of Community and Adventure in Torrey, Utah

by Makayla Piers

National Grange Communication Fellow From July 2127, 2025, Grange members and friends from all over the country gathered in Torrey, Utah for the 2025 Grange Revival.

RVs and tents quickly filled the park and every spot had a spectacular view of the gorgeous red rock cliffs. Everyone knew from the start that this week would be something special. The campground quickly became our little village. The setting made everything feel easy. Coffee in the morning, bright clear starry skies at night, and plenty of time in between to relax, laugh, and enjoy being together.

What made it even better was the Grange spirit at play. Everyone

pitched in.

Meals were served, tables were set, dishes were washed, and everyone shared the load without a second thought.

That quiet teamwork Attendees at Grange Revival 4.0 - Torrey, Utah, gathered for this created an a t m o s p h e r e group photo in Capitol Reef National Park.

Photo by Christopher Heath where the focus stayed on fun and fellowship. The spirit of generosity just about food. The watermelon showed up in countless ways carving contest was a perfect addition throughout the week. One of the and added extra fun. Some designs highlights was a pancake breakfast were artistic, others downright funny, hosted by the Giguere family, and every entry brought laughter, cheer, and plenty of photos. complete with FIVE POUNDS

of bacon that disappeared in record time.

The Dutch oven dessert showcase was another favorite.

Cobblers, cakes, and other creations baked slowly in cast iron filled the campground with sweet aromas, and once the lids were lifted, everyone was ready to sample the results. Another evening turned into a sweet memory as members tried their hands at making homemade ice cream, with plenty of laughs and taste tests along Linda Kesby (NY) just couldn’t wait to try the the way. And it wasn’t homemade ice cream!

Photo by Chris Hamp

10

The Revival Planning Team poses at the giant frame. This team includes (clockwise from bottom left) Chris & Duane Hamp (WA), Jodi Ann & Jody Cameron (CT), Karie Blasingame (IL), Tony & Janet Fishovitz (PA), and Amanda Brozana (WA).

Photo provided

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

www.nationalgrange.org

Days were spent exploring the unique sites in Torrey.

The hike to Hickman Bridge challenged everyone but the views made every step worth it. Capitol Reef’s petroglyphs told stories of the region’s earliest people, while its towering cliffs reminded us of just how small we are in such a grand landscape. Goblin Valley, with its strange rock formations, became a playground for photos and imagination. And then there were the simple pleasures, like biting into a mini pie at the historic Gifford House or learning about Fruita, the orchard-filled farming community that once thrived in the desert.

One evening, everyone gathered in a rustic hall for live music from a traveling band with a mission. They play for free wherever they go, asking only for donations to local food banks. Grangers rose to the occasion, presenting boxes of food along with a $250 donation to support the band and the local community, along with a quilt (made by the 2023 Revival Quilt Shop Hop participants) that will be auctioned off for additional support.

This cause aligned perfectly with the Grange’s commitment to food security through Project Sustenance.

Once the band began to play, the hall quickly turned into a dance floor, with people of all ages joining in. Laughter and music filled the building and for a little while the revival became one big party. Later, campfires burned while stories were shared, s’mores roasted, and Uno “No Mercy” games played long into the night.

As the week continued, it was time for the big announcement we had all been waiting for… the location

Tons of fun was had throughout the week of Revival, including at the watermelon carving contest.

The carvings (right) were fun, unique, and a great addition of fun!

Photos by Chris Hamp

for the next Grange Revival!

Join us for Grange Revival 5.0 in Bryson City, North Carolina, at the Deep Creek Tube Center and Campground from July 19–24, 2027. The thought of adventuring into the rolling green of the Smoky Mountains stirred immediate excitement, and many began planning their next adventure before this one had even ended. As the week wrapped up, a group photo was taken, a simple but lasting reminder of the beautiful memories made in Utah. Goodbyes were hard, softened by the knowledge that these connections don’t end when the campers roll out. They continue across state lines, through visits, calls, and the simple fact that the Grange is a family wherever you go.

Grange Revival 2025 was more than a trip. It was a reminder of why the movement matters. Service, fellowship, and the joy of working and laughing together.

Utah gave us cliffs, canyons, and orchards, but the Grange gave it meaning.

And now, the countdown to the Smoky Mountains begins!

Learn more, see more photos, and access the registration information for 2027 at grangerevival.com.

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

www.nationalgrange.org

11

An important feature of the National Grange’s signature initiative, Project Sustenance, is ideasharing and building a resource library that will help Granges easily adapt projects others have had with success to their communities. The program is gaining traction in Granges across the nation, and Granges have begun submitting their outreach, service and programs to be added to the Project Sustenance website.

PROJECT SUSTENANCE FEATURE

In each issue of Good Day!, we will highlight an activity, event or program submitted by Granges that meet one or more of the pillars – food security, selfsustainability, individual and community resilience – of Project Sustenance. Submit yours online at www.nationalgrange.org/projectsustenance.

Seeds, Garden, and a Shed

by Claudine Mincks and Sara Wade Food Security, Self-Sustainability, Individual and Community Resilience

#670

As of the end of August, eight

Van Duzen River #517 (CA),

Granges across the country have

and VilleWorth #1300 (NC),

reported

or

have put forth the effort to

local

be innovative at educating

their

collaborative

independent

efforts

with

Mansford

#710 (WA), Merced Colony #527

(CA),

Taghhannuck

#100 (CT), Upton #125 (MA),

community partnerships in working

and

towards

growing

(CA),

providing

different

food

security,

resources to work towards

and

resilience

sustainability in growing their

in America’s hometowns as part

own food sources within their

of the National Grange’s Project

own communities.

self-sustainability,

Sustenance.

Hightstown #96 (NJ), Little Lake

These

eight

Granges

had the following projects: little

free

seed

libraries,

Mansford Grange #710 (WA) offered seed packets to their neighbors and community.

Photo provided

organizing plant give and

Members of Hightstown Grange (NJ) welcome their community to the Plant & Seed Swap.

Photo provided

12

takes, hosting seed swaps, full

With summer winding down and

partnering gardens with elementary

fall harvests in full swing it is a perfect

schools, making seed kit gardens

time to highlight these Granges

together,

monthly

nationwide for their unique ideas on

gardening educational classes with

seeds, gardening, and community

hands on in the garden experience,

education in fun and engaging ways

and the ultimate in giving back to the

in the realm of growing one’s own

community by building a gardening

food source.

facilitating

shed from all recycled materials for

We applaud these Granges for

the unique purpose of sharing with

being reat examples in using Project

the community, seeds, plants, and

Sustenance to connect with their

gardening tools.

members and their communities.

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

www.nationalgrange.org

Farm Camp: A Week of Fun and Learning A “Share Your Project’s Story” submission

by Bonnie Mitson & Randee Farmer

National Grange Community Service Co-Directors Thank you to Poteet Grange #1576

(TX)

for

submitting

the

electronic SHARE YOUR PROJECT'S STORY form located at https://www.

nationalgrange.org/our-values/ community-service. Details of their Grange's Farm Camp: A Week of Fun and Learning are shared here.

It is our hope that by sharing a project’s story, details might be helpful suggestions to other Granges on future projects. Thank you and great work, Poteet Grange!

Project Name: Farm Camp: A Week of Fun and Learning Grange: Poteet Grange #1576, Poteet, Texas Approximate Hours Expended:

Members: 11 members (70 hours)

Non-Members: 7 FFA/4-H Members and 2 teachers (20 hours) Funds donated by members and Grange Fundraisers From June 2 to June 6, Poteet Grange was buzzing with excitement as they hosted their

Students participated in Sheep Day activities at the Poteet Grange Farm Camp.

Photo provided Grange Family Craft Show. They learned to candle eggs and crafted their own egg replicas using foam and cotton balls.

Tuesday brought a visit from two

Farm Camp, welcoming students from

2nd

to

8th

grade

adorable rabbits, thanks to FFA

across

member Brooklyn who showcased

Atascosa County, Texas. Dedicated

her Lionhead rabbit alongside a

volunteers from 4-H and FFA

Netherland Dwarf. The kids got

helped make this event a success,

creative with seed art, further

with special thanks to Miss Chelsea,

immersing themselves in the world

one of the Poteet FFA teachers, for

of animals. Our wonderful snack

her support!

team, including Anne, Danielle,

Each day of Farm Camp featured

Loramae,

a different animal theme, providing hands-on learning experiences for

treated

origins and growth of various fruits.

Monday kicked off with Poultry

Wednesday was Sheep Day,

Day, where the guests included a

and the highlight was a delightful

turkey, a chicken, and a duck. The

visit from a mother sheep and her

children learned about the unique

baby lamb. Students engaged in

characteristics of these birds and beautiful

Suzie,

the children were taught about the

the kids.

painted

and

everyone to tasty fruit kebabs while

discussions about shearing and

birdhouses,

wool processing, learned how to

which they could enter in the State

finger crochet, and participated

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

www.nationalgrange.org

13

together. Presentations were shared on what the children learned throughout the week, the history of the Grange, and the benefits of 4-H and FFA. Friday was wrapped up with Science Day, where the kids engaged in exciting experiments. They witnessed dancing corn, created colorful rainbows using Skittles, and explored the concept of surface tension. To top it off, homemade butter was made and enjoyed on fresh bread. The day concluded with a fun challenge where the children split into two teams to create a water maze on the outside fence using pool noodles and funnels.

Overall, Farm Camp was a fantastic opportunity for youth to learn more about where food comes from, the principles of the Grange, and the importance of food sustenance. Poteet Grange can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Farm Camp instructors and volunteers worked with students throughout the week of the camp.

Photo provided in a fun sheep shearing race using pictures, shaving cream, and forks. For snack this day, Grange member Elisa and future Grange member, Pinky taught the kids how to decorate cookies and cakes. The kids were so excited to make their own sheep cupcakes and pig cookies!

Thursday featured a special visit from Rizzo the Boer goat, brought by Landon and his dad. The kids had the opportunity to bottle-feed a baby goat named Turkey and bravely sampled goat milk and cheese. The regular Poteet Grange meeting was held that evening, where parents and youth enjoyed dinner

14

Local FFA and 4-H students served as teen volunteers leaders during the week of Farm Camp, including reading to students during a storytime.

Photo provided

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

www.nationalgrange.org

Along the Way...

The Grange and the U.S. Postal Service

By Norman Houser Author, The Pennsylvania Rambler www.thepennsylvaniarambler.com PA State Grange Membership Director While many states have remembered the first Rural Free Delivery (RFD) services with a simple historical marker, the residents of Climax, Michigan, erected a grand monument to remember the arrival of Rural Free Delivery to their community.

The monument, which is located along North Main Street, sits in a small park with other memorials to the community’s veterans. The 10-foot-tall monument, which originally sat in the middle of the intersection of Main and Maple Streets, was erected with 238 stones – one from each farm on the original RFD routes.

Dedicated on July 26, 1917, on each side of the monument rests a bronze plaque recognizing the efforts of those who brought RFD to Climax: the Michigan State Grange, the D.A.R., the Michigan Rural Letter Carriers Association and the Climax Men’s Fellowship Club. The plaque on the northern face of the monument reads: The first Congressional appropriation to try the experiment of delivering mail to farmers' homes was secured through the strenuous efforts of the national and state Granges in 1896. The amount was 40,000.00 dollars.

This tablet erected by Michigan State Grange, 1917.

Monument Construction Committee: Frank L. Willison William H. Sheldon Simeon E. Ewing

The historical marker dedicated to the start of Rural Free Delivery in Climax, Michigan, including the Michigan State Grange. It is located in the Climax Town Park along North Main Street.

Photo by rossograph Licensed via WikiMedia Creative Commons

It is easy to take the U.S. Postal Service for granted, as we expect packages and letters in our mailboxes every day. However, 125 years ago, many people would not have received their mail daily. Those living in rural areas would make the trip to town to pick up and drop off their mail, not at a post office, but at the general store or inn.

In 1893, the National Grange took a strong stance on the postal system, which would change mail delivery forever. The question addressed was: “If mail was being delivered to the homes of those living in cities, then why can’t it be delivered to the homes of those living on farms?” Farmers had to drive the distance to the nearest post office to pick up their mail.

Among the first to suggest RFD was Milton Trusler, an Indiana farmer and Master (President) of his local Grange, and later President of the Indiana State Grange, who began pushing for rural delivery service as early as 1880.

Trusler would also later serve as State Representative and Senator. The National Grange would support this idea and help make RFD a reality.

Two additional Grangers who led the way for postal reform were National Lecturer and New Jersey State Grange Master (President) Mortimer Whitehead and Pennsylvania State Grange Master (President) Leonard Rhone, who would later serve on the National Grange Executive Committee. Both appeared before

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

www.nationalgrange.org

15

The Hon. Milton Trusler, President of Indiana State Grange and later an Indiana State Representative and Senator, was one of the first leading voices in the push for Rural Free Delivery.

Image via findagrave.com

Congressional committees to voice the importance of RFD. The idea was not popular at first; local businesses complained that RFD would hurt their businesses as farmers no longer had to come to town.

Due to the testimony of Rhone and Whitehead, Congress designated a small amount of funding, so on October 1, 1896, RFD was introduced in a handful of West Virginia towns for a trial. Soon after, other states began experimenting with RFD, and on December 3, 1896, Climax, Michigan, received Michigan’s first RFD service, with mail being delivered by both bicycle and horse and buggy. While Climax saw Michigan’s first RFD, it would not be until almost two years later, May 1898, when the second RFD service was established in Ridgeway.

In 1898, there was an attempt to remove funding for RFD. National Master (President) Aaron Jones and National Executive Committee Chairperson J.H. Brigham appeared

16

before Congress to retain the funding of RFD. Not only were the funds restored, but they were increased, establishing RFD as a permanent part of the postal system.

By December 30, 1899, Carroll County, Maryland became the first county with RFD to all residents within its borders.

Beginning July 1, 1902, RFD became a permanent service. The service was still known as Rural Free Delivery until 1906, when the word “Free” was dropped, and it became known as Rural Delivery, since it was understood by all that the service was free.

While simple markers remember the first RFD services across the nation, the memorial in Climax continues to not only remember Michigan’s first RFD service, but also those who supported the effort and the regional families who benefited from the service.

Although mail was being delivered to rural America, and the Grange had achieved one of its key goals, the Grange continued to push for reform within the postal system. Due to efforts by the Grange, on January 1, 1913, the first parcel post law was passed. Farmers could now afford to have packages delivered directly to them, and could also mail goods from their farm to other places at an affordable rate.

The four plaques on the sides of the historical marker in Climax. From top: the East, South, West, and North faces.

Image via the Historical Marker Database Photo by Duane Hall

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

www.nationalgrange.org

We’re working to drive patient-centered progress in innovation, affordability and access to life saving prescription medicines.

Learn more at PhRMA.org

18

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

www.nationalgrange.org

Grange Foundation Awards Deaf Awareness Grant Award granted to Moosup Valley Grange #26, Rhode Island, for “Play Beyond Words: A Day of Connection”

By Amanda Brozana

culture and the mission of Rhode

National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director Grange Foundation Associate The

Grange

Foundation

is

proud to announce the award of a $1,000

Grange

National Deaf

Awareness Grant

to Moosup Valley Grange #26, part of the Rhode Island State Grange, in support of its innovative project, “Play Beyond Words: A Day of Connection.”

This

inclusive

community

event, scheduled to take place at Goddard Memorial State Park in

Island Hands & Voices.

“Our goal is simple but powerful: to show children and families that

“Play Beyond Words” stands

communication differences should

out as a model of community

never be a barrier to friendship,” said

engagement and deaf awareness.

Makayla Piers, the grant applicant

With interactive games using visual

and

cues, storytelling in American Sign Language (ASL), a deaf magician, and an inclusive 3K “Silent Steps” fundraising walk/run, the event will not only provide a joyful experience for families—it will also advance understanding, friendship

across

inclusion,

and

communication

differences.

The

Grange

Foundation

is

especially proud to support this project’s commitment to accessibility, community outreach, and meaningful connection. From ASL interpreters

event

coordinator.

“We’re

grateful to the Grange Foundation for believing in this mission.”

“We are proud to support this effort of Moosup Valley Grange #26 for their vision and leadership in creating a more inclusive and connected

community,”

Grange

Foundation President Chris Hamp said. “We look forward to the stories, smiles, and impact this event will bring— and to the lasting connections that will grow beyond a single day of play.”

Warwick, Rhode Island, will bring

and

together children who are deaf,

RealTime Transition (CART) services

Grange Foundation is a 501(c)(3)

hard of hearing, and hearing for a

to visual signage and sensory-

nonprofit organization that supports

day of integrated play, crafts, and

friendly spaces, the event exemplifies

youth

celebration. The event aims to foster

the goals of the Grange’s historic

agriculture education and research,

natural connections among children

commitment to the deaf and hard of

improves communities, and fosters

of all communication backgrounds

hearing through the Deaf Awareness

culture, heritage, citizenship and

while raising awareness of deaf

Program.

charitable activities.

F

Communication

Access

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

development,

promotes

19

Where Policy meets Passion and Purpose: Intern team reflects on summer in DC This summer, the National Grange hosted three interns in partnership with The Washington Center, a program that provides college students with an opportunity to spend a semester or summer in Washington, D.C. While in the nation’s capital, students engage in internships, attend night classes, participate in professional development days, and hear from distinguished guest speakers.

The summer interns were: • Annie Johnson – senior agriculture major at Buena Vista University • Chloe Schmitz – senior political science major at the University of Cincinnati • Lily Thomas – senior political science major at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Each intern contributed to a wide array of projects, including writing op-eds, researching policies supported by the Grange, creating a Rural Health Report (see page 33), and creating social media content. Additionally, they participated in the DC Ag Intern Network, attending various events, networking lunches, and panel discussions that exposed them to diverse perspectives from across the agricultural and rural policy community.

National Grange President Christine Hamp poses with the summer interns in front of the National Grange building in July. L-R - Lily Thomas, President Hamp, Annie Johnson, Chloe Schmitz.

20

L

Annie’s Perspective

During my time at the National Grange, I focused my research on the migrant workforce within agriculture and explored potential developments in the upcoming Farm Bill. This role allowed me to attend both Senate and House Agriculture Committee hearings, speak with congressional and committee staffers, and gain firsthand insight into the legislative process. I also had the opportunity to network with other agriculture interns and professionals during industry events.

Outside of work, I enjoyed exploring Washington, D.C. with friends, discovering new parts of the city, reading, and spending time outdoors. My favorite part of interning with National Grange was knowing that my work contributed to supporting rural communities on a national scale. And of course, one of the best parts of being in D.C. was sharing the experience with great friends and making lifelong memories.

Chloe’s Perspective

During my time with the National Grange, I worked on a multitude of projects. My biggest projects included initiating a social media campaign with the goal of reaching younger and new audiences, focusing on a comprehensive rural health report, and publishing an opinion piece on climate change in rural America for Grange Today!.

The Grange presented us with a lot of invaluable experiences outside the office as well. I attended a multitude of congressional hearings, met with various Grange partners, attended lunches with other agriculture interns in DC, and much more. I loved my time getting to see the ins and outs of our government, as well as an inside look at the non-profit and grassroots fields.

One of the most unique aspects of being enrolled in the Washington Center Chloe took some time to see the was the opportunity sights in DC during her time outside to live in Washington, of the office.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

While in DC, Lily got the chance to go on a tour of the White House.

D.C. While gaining invaluable professional experience, I spent a lot of time exploring the Capitol, going sightseeing, and exploring the hidden beauties of the city. Living right in the city presented me with the opportunity to explore all over DC. From getting to wander and see all of the amazing monuments, exploring the museums, getting tours of the Capitol building, to getting involved with the community with farmers’ markets and flea markets, and going to sporting events.

Having the opportunity to explore my interests in government and get to live in a new city proved to be a lifechanging summer, and one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Lily’s Perspective

During my internship at the National Grange, I worked on a wide array of topics and issues, including an op-ed on rural cancer care for the Grange Today! newsletter. Although I did not have extensive prior experience in communications, I learned how to publish and curate a TikTok series to reach and engage the youth in Grange advocacy. One of my favorite—and

more comprehensive—projects was developing a complex health report that covered a wide array of topics facing rural communities.

When I wasn’t working in the office, I attended hearings for the Grange and gained a firsthand look at how our system worked. I loved my time viewing the House Agriculture hearings and the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) hearings. Attending the Ag Network intern lunches was always an excellent opportunity to enjoy good food and learn about other companies and groups in the Agricultural space.

One of the best parts of Washington was the amount of exploring I did!

My favorite exhibits I visited were the Smithsonian American History Museum and the People's House.

Being a Political Science major, I have a fascination with American history. I was lucky enough to score a White House tour at the conclusion of my internship. D.C. has a plethora of farmers' markets and flea markets, which I loved exploring on weekends. I went to a Nationals game with my friends and the congressional baseball game, which were great experiences.

Overall, D.C. was a big change from rural Pennsylvania, but I loved my time here and cannot wait to come back!

Overall, we loved our internship at the National Grange and our time in our nation's capital. All of us come from different areas of the country and have diverse experiences with agricultural issues, but we share a passion for helping rural America thrive. We look forward to our next

L

year of school, but will deeply miss our friends we have made in the big city!

This internship has opened new doors for all of us. It has connected us with not just other internships, but people working in the field that we aspire to be in. This has been an invaluable experience that we will never forget.

The National Grange offers interns a front-row seat to the intersection of policy, advocacy, and rural issues.

Interns engage directly with Grange partners and Congressional offices to explore and advance solutions for rural America. And perhaps most importantly, you don’t need a background in agriculture to make an impact here. All perspectives are welcome and needed to move the conversation forward.

If you're passionate about public service, policy, or supporting rural communities, we strongly encourage you to consider interning with the Grange. You’ll leave with more than just experience—you’ll leave with purpose.

The intern team took turns appearing on the National Grange TikTok channel, creating content to help hook in a new generation of Grange members and rural advocates.

Watch them here: tiktok.com/@nationalgrange

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

21

ARDELYX IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF

Dedicated to improving the lives of patients by discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class therapies that advance patient care

©Ardelyx, Inc. 2024. All rights reserved. Ardelyx is a registered trademark of Ardelyx, Inc. US-COR-0065 02/24

The aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters can be hardest on older rural Americans – here’s how families and neighbors can help

By Lori Hunter Professor of Sociology, Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder Originally published on The Conversation

Hurricanes, tornadoes and other extreme weather do not distinguish between urban and rural boundaries. But when a disaster strikes, there are big differences in how well people are able to respond and recover – and older adults in rural areas are especially vulnerable.

If a disaster causes injuries, getting health care can take longer in rural areas. Many rural hospitals have closed, leaving patients traveling longer distances for care.

At the same time, rural areas have higher percentages of older adults, a group that is more likely to have chronic health problems that make experiencing natural disasters especially dangerous.

Medical treatments, such as dialysis, can be disrupted when power goes out or clinics are damaged, and injuries are more likely around property damaged by flooding or powerful winds.

As a sociologist who studies rural issues and directs the Institute of Behavioral Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, I believe that understanding the risks is essential for ensuring healthier lives for older adults. I see many different ways rural communities are helping reduce their vulnerability in disasters.

Disasters disrupt health care, especially in isolated rural regions

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 20% of the country’s rural population is age 65 and over, compared with only 16% of urban residents. That’s about 10 million older adults living in rural areas.

There are three primary reasons rural America has been aging faster than the rest of the country: Young people have been leaving for college and job opportunities, meaning fewer residents are starting new families. Many older rural residents are choosing to “age in place” where they have strong social ties. And some rural areas are gaining older adults who choose to retire there.

An aging population means rural areas tend to have a larger percentage of residents with chronic disease, such as dementia, heart disease, respiratory illness and diabetes.

According to research from the National Council on Aging, nearly 95% of adults age 60 and older have at least one chronic condition, while more than 78% have two or more. Rural areas also have higher rates of death from chronic diseases, particularly heart disease.

At the same time, health care access in rural areas is rapidly declining.

Nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed or stopped providing in-patient care since 2005. Over 700 more — one-third of the nation’s remaining rural hospitals — were considered to be at risk of closing even before the cuts to Medicaid that the president signed in July 2025.

Hospital closures have left rural residents traveling about 20 miles farther for common in-patient health care services than they did two decades ago, and even farther for specialist care.

S GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE R A www.nationalgrange.org

23

which can cause agitation for people with Alzheimer’s, and patients may resist evacuation.

Living through a disaster can also worsen brain health over the long run.

Older adults who lived through the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami were found to have greater cognitive decline over the following decade, especially those who lost their homes or jobs, or whose health care routines were disrupted.

Social safety nets are essential

Those miles might seem trivial, but in emergencies when roads are damaged or flooded, they can mean losing access to care and treatment.

After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, 44% of patients on dialysis missed at least one treatment session, and almost 17% missed three or more.

When Hurricanes Matthew and Florence hit rural Robeson County, North Carolina, in 2016 and 2018, some patients who relied on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels went without insulin for weeks. The county had high rates of poverty and poor health already, and the healthy foods people needed to manage the disease were also hard to find after the storm.

Insulin is important for treating diabetes – a chronic disease estimated to affect nearly one-third of adults age 65 and older. But a sufficient supply can be harder to maintain when a disaster

24

knocks out power, because insulin should be kept cool, and medical facilities and drugstores may be harder for patients to reach.

Rural residents also often live farther from community centers, schools or other facilities that can serve as cooling centers during heat waves or evacuation centers in times of crisis.

Alzheimer’s disease can make evacuation difficult Cognitive decline also affects older adults’ ability to manage disasters.

Over 11% of Americans age 65 and older – more than 7 million people – have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, and the prevalence is higher in rural areas’ older populations compared with urban areas.

Caregivers for family members living with dementia may struggle to find time to prepare for disasters. And when disaster strikes, they face unique challenges. Disasters disrupt routines,

S GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE R A www.nationalgrange.org

One thing that many rural communities have that helps is a strong social fabric.

Those social connections can help reduce older adults’ vulnerability when disasters strike.

Following severe flooding in Colorado in 2013, social connections helped older adults navigate the maze of paperwork required for disaster aid, and some even provided personal loans.

Friends, family and neighbors in rural areas often check in on seniors, particularly those living alone. They can help them develop disaster response plans to ensure older residents have access to medications and medical treatment, and that they have an evacuation plan.

Rural communities and local groups can also help build up older adults’ mental and physical health before and after storms by developing educational, social and exercise programs. Better health and social connections can improve resilience, including older adults’ ability to respond to alerts and recover after disasters.

Ensuring that everyone in the community has that kind of support is important in rural areas and cities alike as storm and flood risks worsen, particularly for older adults.

Estate Planning for Farmers: Disinheriting Your Kids

By Ryan Baker Partner at Open Advisors Family farms carry history, legacy, and generational labor in their land and operations. However, without up to date planning a parent’s death can result in future generations being totally disinherited. It happened with my family. As a result, I now sit at my great-grandfather’s desk, relocated from the ranch house to my office, where I help ensure other families avoid a similar outcome.

If you live in a farm community, chances are you’ve seen one or two long-standing family farms come to a sad ending.

Very often, the loss of legacy and rise of family strife could have been avoided Hard work isn’t enough to keep the farm in the family—planning is. Estate planning is essential to ensuring your family farm operation continues. with some simple estate planning. I’ve Editorial photo via AdobeStock discovered there are 8 common paths that fact that John had remarried after the death of his first wife lead to accidental disinheritance – that is, unintentionally leaving assets to the wrong people or created complications when his estate went into probate.

His farm, a valuable 400-acre plot, had been worked by entities. This article discusses what I’ve found to be the most frequent and destructive issue that every farm should his sons, Mark and Bill, for over 20 years. However, upon be proactive to avoid: no estate documents - or documents John’s death, the court considered the farm community property and transferred full ownership to his second wife, that are inadequate.

Susan, instead of his sons.

No Estate Documents or Inadequate Documents Mark and Bill continued to work the farm for the rest Many farm owners trust in verbal understandings because of Susan’s life, supporting her life in the family farmhouse, “it worked out alright for me,” or assume their family will with the understanding that the farm would pass to them at “figure it out/know what to do.” As a result, they never her death. After Susan passed, the only estate document complete a will, trust, or succession document, or leave one that could be found was an old will that left all assets in behind that does not fully address the farm’s needs. Even her estate to the two children from her first marriage, even well-drafted documents can become outdated over time. though neither had farming experience, nor had talked to Insufficient legal documents can open the door to legal Susan in years. battles, forced sales, and fractured relationships. Successful Sadly, the court directed ownership of the farm to the farm succession depends on more than goodwill; it requires children from Susan’s first marriage. Mark and Bill had been clear, current estate planning. disinherited; they were left with nothing but a few unwanted Case Study: The Keenan Family and the Forced Sale personal items despite assurances that “things were in order.” of Their Idaho Farm Before you say, “that’s not going to happen with my In this fictional case, John Keenan, a multi-generation Idaho farmer, passed away without a will. He had verbally family, because…” consider there are as many variations expressed his wishes to pass the family farm down to his of this story as there are unique facts and circumstances two children from his first marriage, but no formal, legally unfolding within each family. Even with documents such as binding document was created to ensure this outcome. The a will, revocable trust, or LLC, there are common exposures to disinherit your kids and grandkids.

S GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE R A www.nationalgrange.org

25

Key lessons to take away and apply: 1. No matter how simple the farm and family structure may appear, there is always a need to draft and maintain proper estate planning and farm succession documents.

2. To the next generation: it’s your problem if things go sideways, so be proactive now! This may include asking to have a family meeting to be better prepared to fulfill future roles and responsibilities as well as ask general questions in advance. It’s normal for this to be an uncomfortable ask, especially if estate issues haven’t been discussed before. However, if your motivation is to be a better steward of the family legacy, it ought to be well received. It’s much better to sacrifice some short-term comfort than to risk accepting a long-term problem.

3. To the senior generation: it’s your legacy if things go sideways, so be proactive now! Start communicating what you have put in place, or would like to put in place, and ask for help to ensure it is done well. When you are the person everyone looks to for answers, asking for help can be difficult. Realize this is an area where pride can be very destructive to the family legacy. It is prudent stewardship to consult with an

26

advisor who specializes in this area. A good advisor will also facilitate family meetings so you’re not left alone to explain things.

Final Thoughts Think of estate planning as a seasonal chore vs. something you do once. It needs to be revisited periodically to ensure your legacy remains in the family, not subject to court orders.

You probably spend time maintaining land, equipment, fencing and physical structures, all of which can be lost if you don’t maintain the legal structure (documents) needed to protect them. By avoiding outdated or nonexistent documents you can avoid the probate court system entirely and control both how and when assets are transferred to the next generation. Work with a knowledgeable advisor to craft a plan that fits your farm’s needs today and in the future. Lastly, start the communication process now, no matter which side of the transfer you’re on to preserve both the land and the relationships that matter most.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.

S GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE R A www.nationalgrange.org

Curious about our coverage?

Try it out for free Verizon customers can test drive America’s largest 5G network, for 3 months for free. No-strings attached.

download our app to learn more Network Pass: Eligible for users not already on the T-Mobile network; 1 trial per user. Compatible unlocked device required. Limited-time offer; subject to change. 5G device required to access 5G network. Data available for 3 monthly cycles for approximately 90 days. During congestion, customers on this plan using>50GB/mo. may notice reduced speeds until next monthly cycle due to data prioritization. Video typically streams on smartphone/tablet in SD quality. Tethering not available. Not for international use. Active non-T-Mobile service required; your carrier's terms also apply. You may need to upgrade when you switch to get full coverage. Coverage not available in some areas. See Network Management Policies & Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.T-Mobile.com for additional information. T-Mobile, the T logo, Magenta and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. © 2025 T-Mobile USA, Inc.

How Eating Together Benefits Your Family Courtesy of Family Features Sharing a meal offers far more than a full stomach; the benefits of eating together extend well beyond the dinner table.

In the “2025 World Happiness Report,” evidence shows that sharing meals has a substantial impact on an individual’s wellbeing. Those who regularly eat with others report higher life satisfaction and display higher levels of social support, positive reciprocity and less loneliness.

Learn more about how sharing a meal can improve your family’s overall well-being with these insights from the experts at the FMI Foundation and their “2025 Family Meals Barometer survey,” which delivers research, collaboration and education to address food safety, health and nutrition concerns.

Civil and Respectful Interactions In a world full of distractions, it may come as no surprise the “2025 Family Meals Barometer” survey found poor communication is a leading concern among parents, more worrisome than

Photo Courtesy of ShutterStock schoolwork or chores.

More than two-thirds of respondents expressed a belief that civility in America is worse today compared to 10 years ago, but 74% said family meals are a great time to have and teach respectful interactions. Frequent family meals create a safe environment for families to discuss thornier societal issues.

Better Nutrition Numerous studies have shown families who eat more meals together have healthier eating habits and better diets in general.

Family meals at home typically make it easier to fill plates with food from each food group. What’s more, parents who prepare wellbalanced meals and model healthy food choices allow children to mirror and adopt similar habits.

Improved Family Function In the “2025 Family Meals Barometer” survey, respondents cited having more time to spend together and family meals as the top two ways they feel more connected to family and loved ones.

With busy school and extracurricular schedules, many families are hard-pressed to find quality time together without distractions.

Gathering around the dinner table is an opportunity to connect with one another and talk about what’s happening at work, school and with friends.

Better Grades at School Numerous factors affect students’ academic performance, but eating together as a family helps reinforce many of the variables thought to influence student success. More nutritious meals play a role in stronger cognitive function. Multiple researchers found that children who are part of families that eat together regularly tend to have a stronger vocabulary and higher grades.

Improved Mental Health Another way family meals benefit students at school and beyond is stronger mental and emotional health. In several independent

28

I

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

studies, researchers found a positive correlation between family meals and self-esteem, psychosocial outcomes and other markers of mental health.

Learn how gathering around the dinner table supports your family’s nutritional, social, mental and emotional health at fmi.org/ family-meals-movement.

Make Dinner Prep a Family Affair The benefits of eating together as a family don’t have to wait until everyone is at the table. During dinner prep, parents and

children have a chance to work elbow-to-elbow and talk about their days. When children participate in preparing healthy food, they may be more interested in eating it. As an added bonus, kids who take part in food preparation enjoy the benefits of building their own life skills.

DIY dishes that put kids in charge of what goes on their plates can be a fun way to bring the family together and make meal prep easy. You can customize salad kits with a selection of protein options, create your own personal pizzas or serve a barstyle dinner such as nachos, baked potatoes or tacos that let each family member choose their own toppings.

Stop Medicaid Fraud Before it Starts

by Dr. Mehmet Oz Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Courtesy of Family Features When I took on the role of leading Medicare, one of my primary goals was to crush the chronic fraud, waste, and abuse in the program. Ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and that Medicare resources remain available for those who depend on them is a top priority.

People with Medicare are at the very heart of this effort. Scammers are after your Medicare number to submit false claims for services that were never provided, or for services that are not needed. These fraudulent actions do more than just drain government funds.

They can also compromise your personal medical records, potentially affecting the care you need.

Medicare fraud costs American taxpayers billions of dollars every year.

By staying vigilant and protecting your Medicare information, you can help stop fraud before it starts.

Together We can Crush Fraud

To protect yourself, follow these steps: 1. Guard Your Medicare card like you would a credit card or your social security number.

2. NEVER share your Medicare information with anyone who calls, texts, emails or shows up at your

3.

4.

5.

door uninvited. Scammers may pretend to be from Medicare or act like salespeople. Remember: Medicare will never contact you before you contact them.

Be skeptical of “free” gifts, “free” medical services, discount packages or any offer – If it sounds too good to be true, it absolutely is!

Check your Medicare claims statements to make sure that all services listed are the ones that you received. Also, check for fraud red flags like being billed twice for the same service.

Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Your health care decisions should always be made between you and your doctor, not a salesperson.

Protecting your Medicare isn’t just about saving money, it’s also about safeguarding your health and the integrity of a system we all depend on.

Stay vigilant, stay informed, and together we’ll stop these criminals in their tracks.

With your help, we can crush Medicare fraud.

To learn more, visit Medicare.gov/ fraud. To report potential fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Information

provided

by

the

U.S.

Department of Health & Human Services.

Be Aware of This Growing Scam

Fraudsters posing as salespeople are targeting older Americans, attempting to enroll them in hospice care without their knowledge or consent. They often go door to door, offering so-called “free” services like cooking, cleaning, medical equipment, or even protein shakes.

This is all as a cover to get you to sign paperwork. Don’t do it.

I

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Photo courtesy of ShutterStock

29

Staying Safe with Opioids at Home: The Role of Naloxone in the Care of Older Adults

By Elana Kieffer, MBA Director of Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America Many of us, especially as we age, are prescribed opioids for pain relief, due to health conditions or when recovering from surgery. While opioids used for pain relief as prescribed by a health care provider, especially taken short-term, are generally safe, there is always a risk of an overdose. It is important to note that not all opioids a person may have in their home were prescribed for them by a health care provider. If you or a loved one has opioids in the home, there are many ways to store opioids safely and steps to take if you think someone has had an overdose.

Opioids are powerful and potentially addictive drugs that are sometimes needed for treating severe pain. When you or someone you live with or care for is interacting with opioids, you, family members, caregivers, friends, and other acquaintances must know about the adverse effects of these drugs and how to recognize and respond in cases of apparent overdoses.

There are questions you should ask the prescribing provider when considering opioids for your treatment plan or for someone who you provide care for. There are also important questions to ask your pharmacist about methods for safely and securely storing and disposing of opioids.

Physicians, dentists, and other health professionals grew accustomed over the years to prescribing opioids for a variety of relatively simple surgeries and minor conditions. Many of these situations are now recognized as responding well to nonopioid therapies such as over-the-counter analgesics. Ask your health care provider if nonprescription drugs or other non-opioid prescription medications could be strong enough to relieve pain when considering using opioids.

Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider

• Do I really need opioids?

• Would something with fewer side effects be enough to stop my pain?

• Will you prescribe naloxone in addition to the opioid so that my insurance covers it?

• What is the best way to dispose of leftover medication when I no longer need it?

If you or someone you care for is prescribed an opioid medication, be sure to ask for and fill a prescription for naloxone. Naloxone (also commonly known as the brand name

30

I

Narcan) is a medication that can be used to restore breathing in people who have overdosed on opioids. You can also purchase naloxone without a prescription by paying for it out-of-pocket.

People often do not take all the opioid medication they are given at the pharmacy, and these leftover medications lie forgotten in drawers and medication cabinets for long periods of time. Pets and children may discover and eat them.

Teenagers or adults who are experimenting with drugs or addicted to opioids may find and take these drugs. You never know when naloxone may be needed.

When opioids are present in the home, they must be stored properly—safely away from pets, children, and drug-seeking adolescents and adults. Recommended practices for the storage of opioids include the following: • Use a locked cabinet or a medication lock box or drawer.

• Avoid storage in easily accessible areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.

• Keep opioids and other medications in their original containers with information on proper use and side effects.

• Keep track of the number of tablets or capsules remaining in the home.

• Educate all family members and caregivers on the risks associated with opioid use.

• Avoid storage in purses or bags to prevent theft or pilfering.

• Keep medications in locked containers when traveling and maintain a list of all transported medications.

Just as safe storage is important, opioids should be disposed of properly. The best way to dispose of opioids safely

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

is by taking them to a collection site registered by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). You can find one close to you by going to https://www. deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/ drug-disposal.html and selecting “Search for Year Round Pharmaceutical Disposal Locations.”

These drop-off locations are usually pharmacies or law enforcement agencies.

Consumers can also ask pharmacists for pre-addressed envelopes to mail unneeded opioids back to the pharmacy.

When those options are not available, the next best choice is making the drug products unpalatable or impossible to use before disposing of them in household trash. One method is mixing crushed-up drug products with coffee grounds, cat litter, or dirt. Another is to dissolve the products in water mixed with vinegar or dish soap and then soak up the solution using paper towels.

High-risk products such as hydrocodone and fentanyl can be flushed down the toilet when other options are not feasible. Check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Remove the Risk medication flush list at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposalunused-medicines-what-you-shouldknow/drug-disposal-fdas-flush-listcertain-medicines to determine whether a product can be safely flushed.

Signs of Overdose and How to Help The most common side effects of opioids are sedation, constipation, euphoria, and mood changes. It is important to know how to recognize, prevent, and manage these side effects.

If they do occur, you must monitor the person who is taking opioids and be prepared to take prompt action.

Sleepiness and sedation are difficult to distinguish from opioid poisoning. As a family member or other caregiver, you can take the following actions to detect and manage sedation during opioid therapy: • Watch diligently for signs of

excessive sedation, such as difficulty waking the person, dizziness, or confusion.

• Report to the person’s health care professionals all current medications, supplements, and nonprescription drugs as well as any recreational drug and alcohol use.

• Ensure that the person follows the prescribed dosing instructions and does not take extra doses.

• Encourage the person to avoid alcohol and other sedating drugs, including benzodiazepines such

I

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

as Valium and Xanax.

All these factors make it important for you to be alert to adverse effects or opioid poisoning. People with past histories of substance abuse may be on treatments such as methadone or buprenorphine, and these can increase the risk of opioid poisoning.

Safely using opioids requires attention to these instructions by everyone involved at all times: • Never take more opioids than prescribed without first consulting the health care provider or pharmacist.

31

• Keep a record of any changes in signs and symptoms or reactions to the opioids during treatment.

• Ensure that you know the signs that indicate an emergency situation requiring immediate medical attention.

As shown in the decision tree on page 30, signs of potential opioid overdoses include excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake, walking, or talking. Other signs of an overdose are slow or shallow breathing, snoring or gurgling sounds, pale or cold skin, blue lips or fingernails, or constricted (small) pupils. If these signs are present, call the person’s name loudly, shake them, and rub your knuckles on their sternum (center chest) to try and wake them up.

If the patient does not awaken, immediately administer naloxone. Lay the patient on their back and tilt their head up. Follow the instructions provided with the product you are using. For intranasal sprays, insert the nozzle into the nostril and press until the unit clicks to spray. For injectable naloxone, use the device as directed, injecting the medication into the outer thigh or upper arm (like an Epi-Pen).

Naloxone quickly reverses an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids. It can restore normal breathing within 2 to 3 minutes in a person whose breath has slowed, or even stopped, as a result of opioid overdose. After the naloxone dose is given, place the person on their side with the top leg bent to prevent choking if they vomit.

Call emergency medical services (911 in North America) immediately after administering the first dose of naloxone. Tell emergency services where you are and describe the patient’s condition. If you have experience monitoring someone’s vital signs, record their heart rate, breathing rate, and when possible, oxygenation and/or blood pressure. When help does arrive, give them the patient’s vital signs if you were able to take them.

Stay with the person until help arrives. The effects of

32

I

naloxone only last for up to 90 minutes, and the opioid still in the patient’s system could again suppress breathing.

Continue to observe the patient. If breathing is not restored after 3 minutes, give additional doses of naloxone every 2 to 3 minutes until help arrives. Emergency services can help you on the phone determine when you need to administer another dose.

Opioids are powerful drugs that can control severe pain. However, overdoses still can occur even in those who have been using opioids for a while. The body’s responses to opioids can change, doses can be increased, or therapy may be switched to a different opioid. Family members and caregivers play an essential role in opioid safety. By knowing what signs and symptoms to watch for and what to do for opioid poisoning, you can protect the health and lives of your family and friends.

About the Gerontological Society of America: GSA is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. GSA’s principal mission — and that of our 6,000 members — is to promote the study of aging and disseminate information to scientists, decision makers, and the general public.

Founded in 1945, GSA is the driving force behind advancing innovation in aging — both domestically and internationally. Our members come from more than 50 countries.

The Vision of GSA is Meaningful Lives as we Age. Learn more at www.geron.org.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

2025 Rural Health Report A special report of the National Grange

What is the Grange?

OFFICIAL NAME: The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry ESTABLISHED: 1867 HEADQUARTERS: 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC MISSION: "Strengthening individuals, families and communities through service, education, nonpartisan grassroots advocacy and agricultural awareness.”

MOTTO: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.

STRUCTURE: The National Grange is a grassroots organization with local chapters, also called Granges, in roughly 1,400 communities and rural areas across the United States. Each local Grange sets their agenda for service. education and outreach based on the needs of their community.

MEMBERSHIP: 140,000 KEY PRIORITY ISSUES: Rural Broadband Expansion Farm Bill and legislation favorable for agricultural producers Quality Healthcare & 2 Education

What Is the Grange?

The Grange, founded in 1867, is one of America’s oldest grassroots organizations. Built on values of education, advocacy, and community, it brings together people who care about rural life and want to make a difference.

The Grange Is Grassroots Advocacy We give members a voice—from town halls to Capitol Hill.

Whether it’s protecting farms or expanding rural broadband, Grangers help shape policy and stand up for rural communities.

The Grange Is Community Service Grangers roll up their sleeves to support neighbors— organizing food drives, youth programs, and community events. We know our towns, and we work hard to make them better.

The Grange Is a Family As a fraternal organization, the Grange offers more than membership—it builds lasting relationships. Through shared values and mutual support, members form strong bonds that strengthen both the organization and the communities we serve.

Join Us Whether you're a farmer, a neighbor, or simply someone who cares about your community—there’s a place for you in the A Special Report Grange.ofCome be part of something meaningful. the National Grange

Table of Contents

including graphs, charts, and infographics

What is the Grange? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Setting the Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 -

-

Age-adjusted death rates for the 10 leading causes of death, by urban-rural classification

-

Addressing Safety Beyond City Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Million VMT in Traffic Crashes, by State, 2022 -

Rural EMS Divide

Cancer’s Unequal Burden on Rural America . . . . . . . . . . 7 -

ABCDE Rule: Moles vs. Melanoma

-

Age-adjusted death rates for heart disease, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory disease, by urban-rural classification: United States, 1999–2019

A Cardiovascular Crisis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 How to Spot a Stroke

-

Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke

-

Food Desert Map

Mobile Health Clinics Serve Rural America

Rural Access to Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Disparities in Native and Tribal Nations . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 -

Native and Tribal Death Rates per 100,000

Left Behind: The Rural Disability Health Gap . . . . . . . . 25 Rural Walkability

Expanding Vaccine Access and Education . . . . . . . . . . 27 -

HPV Vaccination Coverage in Rural Areas is

The Rural Nursing Home Crisis: Declining Access to

Diabetes Mortality across Rurality, Time

Long-Term Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 -

Skilled Nursing Facilities - Dually Certified in Rural Areas

Prioritizing Women’s Health: Rural Realities . . . . . . . . 17 -

-

Consistently Lower

The Urban-Rural Diabetes Divide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 -

2013–2022

-

How to protect your skin from the Sun

-

Fatality Rates per 100 Million VMT in Traffic Crashes, by Rural/Urban Classification,

Rural Health Post-COVID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

-

Ratio of Rural to Urban Fatality Rate per 100

Pregnancy-related deaths by urban-rural classifications

Invisible Struggles: Addressing Mental Health . . . . . . 18 -

Suicide rates across the United States

-

Suicide rates for persons above 10 years, by

The Grange’s Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

The Road Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 10 Ways to Improve Rural Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

How to Contact Your Legislator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

urbanization -

Mental Health resources

editorial images in this publication are licensed through AdobeStock

The 2025 Rural Health Report is a publication of the National Grange located at 1616 H St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20006.

Lily Thomas and Chloe Schmitz co-authored and curated this piece. with assistance from Legislative Director Burton Eller and Communications Director Philip J Vonada The Grange is a longstanding advocate for rural communities, championing policies, especially in healthcare, that address the unique needs of rural Americans. We promote civic engagement across all age groups and empower our members to lead in shaping policy. To learn more about the Grange or submit questions regarding this report, please visit https://www.nationalgrange.org/ or contact info@nationalgrange.org.

Reproduction or distribution of any part of this publication is prohibited by anyone other than a Grange member or a chartered Grange without written permission from the National Grange Communications Department.

A Special Report of the National Grange

3

Setting the Stage The State of Health in Rural America

In recent years, rural communities have faced some of the most significant and damaging consequences Five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, for healthcare. Rural hospital closures have persistently both long-lasting and new challenges persist in the continued at an alarming rate, with hundreds more at risk U.S. healthcare system. However, few are as acutely today. Entire regions have been left without proximate access to care, forcing residents to drive hours to obtain experienced as those confronting rural America.

Healthcare has been in the national spotlight for even basic services. Access to insurance has become decades; yet, debates over the Affordable Care Act, increasingly complex, and critical public programs that Medicaid expansions, supplemental nutrition programs, these communities rely on face ongoing threats.

Jimmy Gentry, North Carolina and rural hospital funding have once State Grange President, recounted again taken center stage. While the In recent years, rural having to drive over 50 miles to the pandemic faded from our daily lives, communities have city to see a specialist, a journey in its wake, it left a trail of deepened faced some of the most infeasible for many rural Americans. disparities and reshaped lasting While many of these issues are not significant and damaging issues, especially in the small towns new, they are becoming more urgent. and communities that form the consequences for Lack of preventative care, heightened backbone of rural America. healthcare. exposure to environmental risks, Age-adjusted death rates for the 10 leading causes of death, by urban-rural classification (2019)

4

A Special Report of the National Grange

occupational hazards, increased cancer and chronic disease rates, deepening financial insecurity, and a plethora of other issues all contribute to the unremitting health crisis in rural America.

As the future of healthcare continues to be debated, one thing remains clear: rural communities must not be excluded in the coming wave of reform and funding. They risk falling even further behind, perhaps irreversibly so.

erosion of the healthcare system in rural America has now been thrown into a full-blown emergency.

The issues themselves are neither surprising nor new. For decades, rural hospitals have operated on a fine line and thin margins, struggling under inadequate funding, lack of

support, increasing competition from major systems, and rising demand.1 The pace of the closures is increasing at an alarming rate, with no sign of slowing down.

Charlene Shupp Espenshade, a Grange member from Pennsylvania, recounts her father having to drive over an hour to find a doctor to do his CDL physical. As debates over some major funding and support systems continue, the question of how rural hospitals will function without additional funding is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

Some of the most crucial national programs supporting these hospitals now face growing political threats. The Affordable Care Act, which helped reduce the uninsured rate from 23.8% in 2010 to 12.6% in 2023,2 remains at the forefront of repeal and rollback efforts. These smaller rural hospitals already

Where Does It Start?

The cracks within rural America’s healthcare system have widened in recent years. While some may view them as separate, most of these issues stem from a single foundational issue: the persistent lack of access.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the collapse of rural health systems has become an increasingly visible and pressing crisis. Since 2005, over 180 rural hospitals have closed, with many more undergoing major conversions.1 As of today, over 700 rural hospitals are at risk of closing or are facing significant cuts.1 The slow

A Special Report of the National Grange

5

Rural Health Post-Covid Since COVID and 2020, 35 rural hospitals have closed.

23%

of rural hospitals are at risk of closure

PANDEMIC’S ZOOMTOWN EFFECT

Remote workers moving to rural areas during the pandemic drove up housing demand, causing home prices and rents to spike.

Longtime residents are facing possibilities of being priced out of their own communities.

Small, rural hospitals faced major losses from privately insured patients during COVID. With less post-pandemic funding, many still struggle to recover.

6

A Special Report of the National Grange

operate at a significant disadvantage, often losing money on Medicaid and uninsured patients.2 Unlike larger hospitals, which can offset those losses with profits made from private insurance, rural hospitals are regularly underfunded and inadequately reimbursed by those same private plans.1 Some hospitals and medical centers remain standing only through state grants or local tax measures, which are not always guaranteed. Without meaningful intervention, the financial instability of rural hospitals may push even more communities to the edge of a healthcare void.

At the same time, these same rural hospitals face a chronic shortage of qualified medical personnel.3 Several contributing factors are at play, including ruralurban pay disparities, fewer professional development opportunities, isolation, and resource strain.3 Despite the urgency of this problem, no long-term fix has been introduced.

In rural communities, where there are higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, maternal and infant mortality,3 and many other chronic conditions, the effects are especially grave. Many residents go undiagnosed or untreated simply because there are no providers available or wait times for future appointments are unreasonably long.4 Without nearby hospitals or accessibility to specialized personnel, many rural Americans are left

with limited choices. In fact, rural areas across the country face dramatically lower access to primary care physicians. According to the USDA, these areas lag far behind urban areas in terms of the number of doctors per capita.5 The shortage of medical personnel, combined with limited access to hospitals, is resulting in significant delays in care. Specialists, such as OBoGYNs and other healthcare professionals, are often entirely unavailable within a reasonable driving distance, forcing patients to travel hours for basic care – adding even further costs to already expensive procedures – or to forgo it altogether.6 At its core, this is not just a crisis of infrastructure; it is a crisis of access. The inability to find care, whether due to closed hospitals, lack of providers, unaffordable insurance, or sheer distance, has become a defining feature of healthcare in rural America. The lack of access has shown its cascading effect, contributing to the increased dangers of chronic conditions, delaying early intervention, fueling preventable deaths, and deepening health disparities.

The following report examines the wide-ranging consequences of this crisis, including worsening public health outcomes and gaps in care that inequitably burden rural communities. Unless addressed directly, these interconnected problems will only worsen.

Cancer’s Unequal Burden on Rural America Across rural America, where grasslands and fields can stretch for miles, a health crisis is unfolding. Cancer has become a disproportionately lethal threat in these communities, largely due to persistence and widening disparities in healthcare access. While cancer affects individuals across all demographics, rural residents are more likely to die from it, not because they are diagnosed more frequently, but because the systems meant to detect, treat, and support them is often fragmented and inaccessible.

One of the most pressing issues in rural cancer care is the widespread shortage of healthcare infrastructure and medical professionals. Since

“If I was sick from chemo... help was 75 miles away... and you’re driving an hour and 20 minutes... just to get treatment.”

- Kimberly Buchmeier, cancer survivor 2005, over 180 rural hospitals have closed, and an additional 700 are at risk of closure due to financial instability.6 For millions of rural Americans, the nearest hospital may be hours away. Access to oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists is even more limited, resulting in A Special Report of the National Grange

dangerous delays in screening, diagnosis, and treatment that can significantly lower survival rates.

Kimberly Buchmeier, a lung cancer survivor from Auburn, Nebraska, described the toll vividly: “If I was sick from chemo… help was 75 miles away… and you’re driving an hour and 20 minutes… just to get treatment.”7

Access Barriers and Survival Disparities According to the CDC, cancer mortality rates are 8% higher in rural areas than in urban ones, even though rural areas have a 2% lower incidence rate of new cancer cases.6 This disparity highlights

7

the reality that survival depends not only on the biology of the disease but also on the timeliness and quality of care. Rural patients often present with more advanced-stage cancers, in part because they lack access to preventative screenings, face transportation barriers, or delay seeking care due to cost, inadequate insurance, or lack of trust in the healthcare system.6 Economic challenges further compound the crisis. Rural Americans are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured. Approximately 12.3% of rural residents are uninsured, compared to 10.1% of urban residents.8 Many work in industries such as agriculture, construction, or service jobs that do not offer employer-based health coverage or paid time off for medical care.9 Even insured patients often face high deductibles, limited networks, and prohibitive out-of-pocket costs, which can deter them from seeking timely medical care.9 Lodging assistance is an overlooked but vital component of rural treatment accessibility.

These barriers contribute to later-stage diagnoses and poorer outcomes, widening the rural-urban survival gap.

Significant Difference Seen for Rural People in Some Cancers One of the most alarming trends in rural cancer epidemiology is the increasing incidence of early-onset

8

colorectal cancer. A 2023 study found that people in rural counties had a 13% higher rate of early-onset colorectal cancer compared to those in metropolitan areas.10 This is particularly troubling given that, nationally, colorectal cancer rates have declined over the last two decades due to increased screening and awareness.11 However, rural populations are not benefiting equally from these improvements. According to a 2019 JAMA study, rural residents—especially those under the age of 50—are facing rising rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, while urban populations have seen a 15% decline in colorectal cancer among adults aged 50 to 75, largely due to greater access to early screening and colonoscopy services.11 A key factor driving this disparity is the underutilization of screening in rural areas. Only 60% of rural adults aged 50 to 75 are up to date on colorectal screenings, compared to 69% in urban settings.6 Many residents are unaware of the new guidelines recommending screening to begin at age 45, and the ongoing shortage of primary care providers in rural areas means that routine preventive care is often delayed or neglected.

Genitourinary (GU) cancers, such as kidney, bladder, and prostate cancer, also show troubling patterns in rural populations. A study analyzing cancer trends in Pennsylvania found that while overall GU cancer incidence has declined, kidney cancer incidence increased by 7% in rural counties between 2010 and 2020, and bladder cancer rates remained steady compared to the declining rates in urban areas.12 These outcomes are likely linked to a lack of access to urologists and diagnostic imaging, as well as nutritional challenges linked to rural food deserts.13

A Special Report of the National Grange

Skin cancer also presents a significant concern in rural America. Rural residents, especially those working in agriculture or construction, often have high occupational exposure to the sun. In a study done in Utah, melanoma incidence is 80% higher than the national average, and mortality is 31% higher.14 Utah is an incredibly rural state, and this shows the staggering disparities in skin cancer.

Despite these statistics, awareness and use of sunscreen or protective clothing remain low.

Efforts to improve education, prevention strategies, and dermatological access are essential to reduce these disparities. As a result, rural populations face worse outcomes due to late-stage diagnosis and limited access to dermatological care.

Why Cancer Rates are Rising in Rural Communities Rising cancer rates in rural America are fueled by a combination of factors, including environmental exposure, behavioral risk factors, and systemic healthcare

barriers. The trends have become increasingly visible in public health and portray the widening disparity between rural and urban cancer outcomes.

Environmental exposures are another underrecognized contributor to cancer disparities. A recent study by Stanford University linked chronic pesticide exposure in rural farming communities to increased prostate cancer incidence.

Counties with the highest application rates of herbicide 2,4-D showed a 10-20% increase in prostate cancer incidence compared to those with minimal usage or exposure.15 The Stanford report also notes that rural counties with the highest herbicide use saw not only increased cancer incidence but also higher age-adjusted mortality rates, suggesting cumulative environmental and health system effects.

Additionally, radon exposure, which is a known cause of lung cancer, remains a pertinent issue in rural states.

In Iowa, 71.4% of homes exceed EPA’s radon action level four, which contributes to approximately 400 radon-related lung cancer deaths annually.16 Behavioral

Age-adjusted death rates for heart disease, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory disease, by urban-rural classification: United States, 1999–2019

A Special Report of the National Grange

9

roughly 30% of rural households, making telehealth less accessible.17 Geographic isolation and economic hardship often prevent rural patients from participating in clinical trials or accessing cutting-edge treatments, further deepening the disparity.18 Bringing care closer to rural communities and improving healthcare literacy are essential to improving survival outcomes.

Bridging the Gap: Innovations in Rural Cancer Care

risk factors in rural America also increase cancer incidence. Rural adults are more likely to smoke and be exposed to second-hand smoke than their urban counterparts.6 This exposure can correlate to increased cancer incidence due to carcinogen exposure.

Cultural and Structural Barriers to Care Cultural factors further complicate cancer care in rural communities.

Many rural Americans place a high

10

value on self-reliance and may delay seeking care until symptoms are severe. For example, farmers and agricultural workers, who are a critical part of the rural workforce, frequently cannot afford to miss a day of work, even when facing serious health concerns.

This issue is further complicated by structural barriers, including a lack of transportation, inadequate broadband for telehealth, and a limited number of local cancer care centers. More than 60% of rural counties lack an oncologist entirely.

Broadband limitations affect A Special Report of the National Grange

Despite these challenges, innovative strategies are being developed to bridge the rural-urban cancer care divide. Telemedicine has demonstrated significant potential in bringing oncology consultations to remote areas, although broadband access remains a barrier in some regions. Mobile health units equipped with diagnostic tools are being used to deliver cancer screening and preventative services to underserved communities.

In several pilot programs, the use of mobile screening units has lead to a 25% increase in mammogram participation in highly needed rural areas.17 Community health workers are also playing a vital role in rural cancer care. By building trust and educating rural residents about cancer risks, symptoms, and screening, these local individuals often prove more effective than external providers in engaging patients. Their cultural familiarity and community presence help bridge gaps in communication, promote health-seeking behaviors, and connect individuals with critical medical resources.

A Cardiovascular Crisis Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, but for rural Americans, it is an even more formidable threat. The roots of this disparity in healthcare access, socioeconomic strain, behavioral risk factors, and environmental conditions exacerbate rural residents’ vulnerability.

As PBS NewsHour correspondent William Brangham put it, “It is about all of the days and weeks and months before you get to a doctor’s office.”

In rural America, these days are often shaped by limited resources, long distances, and gaps in access to preventive care.

A Deadly Disparity: Rural Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease

face a 34% higher likelihood.20 This disparity cannot be A landmark study published in the Journal of the attributed to the biology of people in rural America; American College of Cardiology examined cardiovascular social and structural disparities such as reduced access mortality from 2010 to 2022. The study reveals that to healthcare, transportation limitations, food scarcity, rural adults aged 25-64 experienced a 21% increase in and under-resourced medical facilities contribute significantly.

CVD-related deaths, compared to just A 2023 NIH study analyzing over a 3% increase for the same age group 19 27,000 adults found that rural residents in urban areas. These stark contrasts Adults in rural areas were far more likely to experience key reflect a mortality trend in healthcare have a 19% higher risk factors for heart disease. Heart disproportionately affecting rural risk of developing disease diagnoses were more common communities. heart failure than in rural areas, with 7% compared Dr. Rishi Wadhera, a cardiologist and those in urban to 4% in their urban counterparts. lead researcher on rural heart disease, Hypertension affected 37% of rural regions. noted, “Leading up to the pandemic, adults compared to 31% of urban cardiometabolic health was deteriorating adults; high cholesterol impacted in rural areas.” He surmised that “...

29% of rural adults compared to 27% in urban areas.21 rural areas may have been more severely affected due to greater interruptions in access to health care and These seemingly small percentage differences represent millions of lives affected by conditions that elevate their worsening socioeconomic conditions.”

This illustrates that beyond individual health risk of cardiac events. behaviors, broader systemic and structural challenges including economic disruptions have deepened rural America’s cardiovascular crisis. Data supported by the National Institutes of Health further illustrates this trend.

Adults in rural areas have a 19% higher risk of developing heart failure than those in urban regions. The risk is even more pronounced among black men in rural areas, who

When Minutes Matter: Rural Gaps in Stroke Care and Outcomes A leading cause of long-term disability and death, strokes follow the same pattern of rural-urban disparities.

While stroke mortality has declined nationally, rural

A Special Report of the National Grange

11

areas have not shared equally in this progress. A comprehensive review of stroke trends from 1999-2020 found that while stroke mortality fell in urban regions, it remained relatively stable in rural ones, indicating a persistent gap in stroke prevention and care.22 A major driver of this disparity is reduced access to time-sensitive interventions.

Rural patients are significantly less likely to receive advanced therapies such as intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy, treatments that must be administered within narrow time windows to be effective.23 A study published in Stroke found that patients in remote rural areas experienced the highest odds of in-hospital mortality following a stroke, a disparity that persisted over time.24 Patients in remote, rural areas experienced the highest odds of death compared to their urban counterparts, a disparity that has persisted over time.25 Regional studies add further weight to this trend. In West Virginia, a largely rural state, stroke incidence and mortality were significantly above national averages.

These outcomes were linked not only to hospital access but also to limited access to primary care, which delays the detection of early signs.25 Access to emergency care in critical cardiac events is essential, yet rural residents face systemic delays. An analysis published in PubMed found that rural patients were significantly less likely to receive timely life-saving interventions such as coronary artery bypass grafting or thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke.26 Consequently, 30-day mortality rates were higher in rural hospitals for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke.26 This aligns with additional findings that delays in ischemic stroke treatment are tied to lower survival rates in rural hospitals.27

The Hunger-Obesity Paradox: When Malnutrition Leads to Disease Obesity plays a central role in the rural heart disease epidemic, acting as both a driver and a consequence of systemic rural health disadvantages. According to the National Library of Medicine, 41% of rural adults meet the criteria for clinical obesity, compared to just 30% of

12

adults in urban settings.28 This disparity is not merely the result of individual lifestyle choices but reflects structural and environmental disadvantages. Rural residents are more likely to live in areas with fewer opportunities for physical activity. Rural communities often lack access to public parks, recreational areas, walking trails, and safe sidewalks. Rural schools may lack a robust physical education program or extracurricular sports due to limited funding. Furthermore, the long distances and time constraints associated with rural work and commuting often reduce the time available for necessary and lifesaving exercise.

Although one might believe that because farmers produce food, they must also have unlimited access to it, but this is not the case. One of the most significant contributors to rural obesity is the high prevalence of food deserts. Food deserts are areas where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. These are defined by both geographic distance from grocery stores and socioeconomic barriers to transportation or food affordability. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 17-20% of rural counties are classified as food deserts, affecting over 2 million Americans.29 In these food deserts, convenience stores, dollar stores, and gas stations often serve as primary food sources. These outlets rarely stock fresh produce, meat, or whole grains. Instead, they offer highly processed, calorie-dense items that are inexpensive but nutritionally inadequate. A study published in Obesity Research &

A Special Report of the National Grange

Source: St. Francis Healthcare

A Special Report of the National Grange

13

Clinical Practice emphasized that rural residents often consume more sugar-sweetened beverages, highsodium snacks, and processed meats due to their affordability and accessibility.29 This structural lack of access to healthy food options directly correlates with higher obesity rates. Research has shown that individuals living in food deserts are more likely to be obese and develop related health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.30 Moreover, food insecurity has been associated with an increase in obesity. This is known as the “hunger obesity paradox.”

Food Deserts in the contiguous United States, using 2019 data.

Source: USDA Economic Research Service, ESRI

This phenomenon occurs because people facing food insecurity often consume high-calorie foods that are low in nutrients, resulting in a cycle of overeating and undernutrition.31 A recent study by the American Heart Association found that individuals with peripheral artery disease living in food deserts were 17% more likely to experience serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, or death, compared to those with better access to healthy food options.32 This highlights how barriers to nutritious food increase the likelihood of life-threatening conditions for rural populations.

Policy, Access, and Hope for Rural Health Heart disease, stroke, and obesity are issues plaguing rural America. Addressing these challenges requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, food access, and education.

It will also require focused intervention to solve the mortality gap between rural and urban Americans. With targeted policies and community-driven solutions, there is endless potential to improve rural health outcomes and ensure that geography is no longer a predictor of illness.

14

A Special Report of the National Grange

The Urban-Rural Diabetes Divide Diabetes is quietly becoming one of the most pressing issues facing rural communities. In urban areas, advances in treatment and prevention have decreased diabetes mortality and prevalence; rural Americans have faced a growing burden. Diabetes is 17% more prevalent in rural counties than urban ones.33 Yet for many rural Americans, diabetes management is a constant struggle made more difficult by the inaccessible and under-resourced healthcare systems in their communities. For many, glucose readings are a guess. “When I met her, she hadn’t used [her glucose monitor] for weeks… She manages her diabetes by feel mostly,” said a nurse working with a patient in rural Alabama.34 Without reliable broadband access, even basic monitoring tools become inaccessible. High-speed internet is essential for glucose monitor readings to be sent to doctors and allow the new technology to be adequately used.

Additionally, the nearest endocrinologist or diabetologist may be miles away, discouraging consistent care and diabetes management for many rural Americans. Jimmy Gentry, North Carolina State Grange President, recounted how insulin prices were catastrophically high for rural American before an insulin Healthcare Access and Infrastructure Challenges price cap was instituted by the federal government.

The healthcare worker shortage has also had a profound Diabetes-related mortality has declined steadily in urban areas over the last twenty years. This reflects impact on receiving diabetes treatments and education improvements in care and early interventions. In stark in rural communities. The scarcity of endocrinologists, contrast, rural counties have seen little change–and in diabetes educators, and primary care providers inhibits some areas, increases – in diabetes-linked deaths. The early diagnoses in rural communities. Without routine more shocking increase has been in younger adults access to these providers, many rural diabetics receive and the rural Black populations.35 These trends reveal fragmented or delayed care, increasing the risk of disease the underlying medical challenges, as well as social progression. Research from the University of Maryland found that individuals with diabetes are more likely to inequities, for rural Americans. develop severe outcomes such as endOne of the largest obstacles facing stage kidney disease, heart failure, and Over 62% of rural rural residents is the lack of Diabetes heart attacks.36 These complications Self-Management Education and counties lack access are incredibly costly, both financially Support (DSMES) programs. Over 62% to ... vital resources and physically. Rural Americans lack of rural counties lack access to these vital that empower the healthcare resources to prevent this resources that educate and empower patients to control catastrophic progression. patients to control their disease.34 their diabetes.

Due to the prevalence of food These programs provide education on deserts in rural America and a lack of diet, medication, and lifestyle. Cost is reliable access to nutritious foods, such one of the most significant barriers, as rural residents often have lower incomes or are limited as good sources of protein, fresh fruits, whole grains, to no insurance coverage. Farmers and other agricultural and vegetables, diabetes management can be nearly workers commonly lack employer-based health insurance, impossible. Poor nutrition spikes blood sugar and increases the risk of deadly complications. which can deter them from accessing costly treatments.

A Special Report of the National Grange

15

Innovations and Solutions in Rural Diabetes Care

rural Americans from accessing healthcare.

Diabetes in rural America is a complex and growing

Despite these challenges, promising initiatives are beginning to bridge the gap in diabetes care. Telehealth has emerged as a critical tool in connecting all of America with reliable and cost-effective healthcare. Specialists nationwide can be reached at the click of a button, regardless of location, as long as those in need have

health crisis marked by higher prevalence and increased mortality. The challenges stem from multiple, interrelated issues, including limited healthcare resources, economic hardship, and environmental limitations. Closing this gap is multifaceted. Expanding broadband to all rural Americans so they may access telehealth must be prioritized. Ending the food desert crisis will allow

access to reliable internet. Mobile clinics and community

increased

health programs bring Diabetes Self-Management

the unique needs of rural communities can ensure all

Education and screenings directly into rural towns. This

Americans can live healthier lives free from the burden

eliminated the transportation barrier that prevents many

of diabetes.

diabetes

self-management.

Addressing

Source: The Changing Burden of Diabetes in Rural and Urban, Texas A&M School of Public Health, Southwest Rural Health Research Center, courtesy of The Daily Yonder

16

A Special Report of the National Grange

Prioritizing Women’s Health: Rural Realities Women living in rural America face unique and often overlooked challenges when it comes to healthcare and are currently on the precipice of a potential crisis.

While healthcare access remains a challenge across rural communities, the gaps are extremely dangerous for women, whose medical care requires specialized, consistent, and preventive care throughout their lives.

Roughly 35% of U.S. counties are considered maternity care deserts, leaving residents with zero access to a hospital that offers obstetric services, or access to any OB-GYNs.37 This inaccessibility issue leaves over 2.5 million women of childbearing age without access to adequate prenatal and maternal care. In rural areas, 67.4% of counties lack a single obstetric hospital, and 57.7% have no OB-GYN services.38 Even as pregnancy complications arise, many women must travel 30 to 60 miles or more to reach a hospital with the necessary equipment and staff. In situations where minutes mean everything, this lack of access is extremely dangerous and concerning.

Higher Risks, Fewer Resources: Maternal Health Outcomes As a result, rural women are at a significantly higher risk of serious pregnancy-related issues.

According to the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, women in rural areas are 9% more likely to suffer from life-threatening complications during childbirth, including higher possibilities of hemorrhages, sepsis, and eclampsia.38 Women are being put in overwhelming danger due to the tremendous lack of access to healthcare.

Beyond maternity care, there is an alarming disparity in cancer detection and outcomes. Cervical and ovarian cancers, which are the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer if caught early on, are more likely to go undiagnosed or be detected later due to reduced access

Source: Rural Health Information Hub

to early screenings, adequately trained and qualified specialists, and lengthy wait times for appointments.39

Insurance Insecurity: The Fragile Safety Net There is a necessity in rural America for public health and insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare, with rural women placing a great deal of dependency on them. Rural practices treat up to four times as many Medicaid patients as their urban counterparts, yet the ongoing threats to the funding of these services, along with the complex eligibility requirements and gaps in coverage, leave many women underinsured or uninsured in coverage.40 Without these essential services, many rural women are forced to skip out on routine care or delay seeking treatment until it is too late.

Even in areas where services are available, they are often functionally inaccessible. From reduced schedules, lack of personnel, and overwhelming demand, it is difficult for women to access timely care. According to the National Partnership for Women and Families, many rural women face difficult decisions, having to choose between missing work, finding often costly childcare, or forgoing care.41 All decisions that no one should have to make to access the most basic care.

A Special Report of the National Grange

17

Invisible Struggles: Addressing Mental Health One of the most pressing and rising issues facing rural America is mental health. While mental illness is a growing concern nationwide, rural communities face unique, severe, and systemic barriers that have only deepened the crisis.

According to Rural Minds, rural Americans experience higher depression and suicide rates, with suicide rates in rural counties being 64-68% higher than those living in urban areas.42 Compounding the issues is the stark shortage of mental health care providers, with roughly 65% of rural counties lacking a single psychiatrist and 95% lacking access to child psychiatrists, leaving entire communities without yet another specialized care option.43

Recent data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that 7.1 million rural adults reported experiencing mental illness in 2022, with 1.9 million experiencing serious thoughts of suicide.43 The alarming lack of treatment options in rural areas exacerbates these rates. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that only 47.5% of rural adults with mental illness receive any treatment at all.

From cultural stigma to a lack of access, the disturbing rates of lack of treatment are actively damaging these communities.44 Without intervention, this crisis will continue to escalate, worsening the broader collapse of rural

Source: Rural Minds

18

A Special Report of the National Grange

health systems. Key risk factors, including social isolation, economic instability, opioid addiction, and persistent provider shortages, are forming a brutal cycle that perpetuates this suffering.44

Economic Stress: A Dual Burden Economic stress is one of the most powerful contributors to poor mental health in rural America.

Declining industries, persistent poverty, and a lack of affordable insurance options all compound the increasing mental distress within rural communities.45 Farmers face volatile and uncertain markets, climate threats, and increasing debt loads. There is a growing mental health crisis among American farmers, who are reporting overwhelmingly high levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Many contribute cultural stigmas and shame as barriers keeping residents from seeking help, along with cost and geographic inaccessibility.

When care is available, it is often very expensive, making it frequently prohibitive to access, and even further exacerbating the economic stress of the situation.44 Without crucial programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which can help pay for some of these services for uninsured individuals altogether, those facing a mental health crisis are frequently prevented from receiving care until it becomes an emergency.

This financial barrier leaves many rural residents forced to choose between paying for care, or for necessities like food and electricity.

Confronting Addiction in Rural Communities Substance abuse is a growing and urgent public health concern across rural America, with alcohol and opioids standing out as the largest contributors. While both have long and persistent histories in America, recent decades have shown a dramatic rise in their impact on rural communities.

The opioid crisis has deeply affected rural areas, where residents are more likely to be prescribed opioids for pain management caused by the physical demands of common rural occupations.45 Not only are there high rates of overdoses, but it is also compounding the mental health crisis. According to the CDC,

rural counties saw significantly higher overdose death rates, particularly from the likes of fentanyl.46 Opioid addiction can be tied to untreated trauma, chronic pain, and economic despair, all of which are widespread and often unaddressed issues in rural areas.

According to the Rural Health Information Hub, opioid deaths in rural areas have surpassed those of urban areas.46 In 2020, the opioid overdose death rate in rural counties was 19.8 per 100,000 people, compared to 15.7 in urban counties.

Despite this, access to treatment remains alarmingly limited; only about 3% of rural counties have opioid treatment programs. Less than half of rural primary care practices offer medication-assisted

treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, despite its proven efficacy.

Left with few options and support, individuals suffering from addiction and associated mental health disorders, like depression, PTSD, and anxiety, continue to struggle.

Remaining consistent with the opioid struggle is the equally pressing alcohol use disorder crisis in rural America. In many small communities, heavy drinking is normalized and even ingrained culturally. 19.8% of rural youth, as young as 12 years old, reported using alcohol, while 18.4% reported illicit drug use.46 With stressors such as poverty, isolation, and lack of recreational opportunities, these crises are exacerbated.

According to Rural Minds, nearly

Source: The Hospitalist

A Special Report of the National Grange

19

themselves or seek help. Additionally, creating safe, shame-free group environments led by licensed practitioners, where individuals can come together to discuss the issues they are facing may be helpful.

A Crisis Solutions

1 in 4 rural adults engage in dangerous binge drinking habits, a rate that is ever increasing.47 Alarmingly, alcohol-related deaths in rural areas increased by almost 46% between 2000 and 2020. With only 14% of U.S. behavioral health outpatient treatment being in rural communities, these statistics are dangerously pressing.48

The Silent Struggle: Social Isolation as a Risk

Comprehensive

The rural mental health crisis is not a singular issue, but one that is deeply intertwined with systemic economic, infrastructural, and cultural factors. It demands a multifaceted approach, enhancing affordable care, strengthening community networks, destigmatizing mental illness, and investing in local resources.

If left unaddressed, the crisis will not only continue to take lives but also erode the long-term vitality and resilience of rural communities. Rural America deserves support and recognition, providing the necessary care, promoting community spaces, and expanding discussions surrounding mental health. Not only is this support needed for unique challenges, but also for any hope of recovery and potential to thrive.

Social isolation is an escalating contributor to the rising mental health crisis in rural America. Geographic remoteness, sparse populations, and limited public transportation all contribute to this decrease in community interaction. The Rural Health Information Hub highlights the lack of social infrastructure in many rural areas.45 Spaces that promote social engagement and, therefore, mental well-being, such as libraries and community centers, are often not available in rural communities.

Rural isolation has been linked to elevated rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even cognitive decline in older adults. Contributing to this crisis is the overwhelming cultural stigma that surrounds mental health in rural communities. This stigma can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, which makes it more difficult for individuals to reach out for help.

Promoting and revitalizing spaces where rural residents can gather and interact with each other is crucial to help mitigate this growing issue. Building community centers, local programs, and public spaces will go a long way in promoting community. The mental health crisis in rural communities would benefit greatly from promoting these types of spaces, offering an environment where people are not afraid to express

20

Demanding

A Special Report of the National Grange

Addressing Safety Beyond City Limits Rural roads present a frequently overlooked public speeds with limited visibility. They are often passed by health challenge, with higher vehicle fatality rates than impatient vehicles, which can be extremely dangerous. those in urban areas. While only about 20% of all U.S. Most crashes involving farm equipment occur during daylight and clear conditions, which residents live in rural regions, over 40% of suggests that fast rural road speeds and all motor vehicle fatalities occur on rural While only about 20% conditions are a key problem. roads.49 This disparity largely stems from of all U.S. residents The use of proper lighting and under-maintained rural infrastructure live in rural regions, markings on farm equipment, including characterized by limited lighting, sharp over 40% of all motor slow-moving vehicle employees curves, and higher average speeds. and reflective tape, has been shown Individual seatbelt use tends to be lower vehicle fatalities to significantly reduce crash risk. in these areas, and emergency response occur on rural roads.

States with stronger enforcement of times are typically longer, increasing the these standards tend to have fewer likelihood of fatal outcomes.50 According to the CDC, “Deaths from motor vehicle equipment-related collisions.52 Steven A. Freeman, a professor in agricultural and accidents in rural areas are much higher than those in urban areas.” The Center for Disease Control and biosystems engineering at Iowa State University, said, Prevention reports that seatbelts were not used by 61% “Every year there are thousands of collisions between of drivers and passengers in fatal crashes in most rural motor vehicles and farm machinery on our rural roads… it requires everyone if we are going to make the roads counties in 2014.51 Another key factor in rural roadway hazards is the safer. Motorists need to slow down and be patient, and presence of farm equipment. Tractors, combines, and farmers need to make sure their equipment is marked…” other agricultural vehicles often travel between fields However, adoption and compliance can be a difficult or to local markets on public roads. They travel at low test. Tractor rollovers remain one of the leading causes of Ratio of Rural to Urban Fatality Rate per 100 Million VMT in Traffic Crashes, by State, 202254

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation

A Special Report of the National Grange

21

Fatality Rates per 100 Million VMT in Traffic Crashes, by Rural/Urban Classification, 2013–2022

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation

farm-related deaths. Rollover Protection Structures, alongside seatbelts, can prevent nearly all fatal rollovers.53 Many older tractors lack these lifesaving features, and many rural farmers cannot afford this costly new equipment.

Improving rural road safety requires a combination of road infrastructure investment, safety education, and policy enforcement. Promoting road safety awareness during peak agricultural seasons could save lives. Adding sidewalks and widening roads can save the lives of walkers in rural communities.

Developing programs to modernize farm equipment with safety features could help prevent fatal tractor rollovers on farms.

As rural roads tend to be maintained by a combination of the state Department of Transportation and local township or municipality road teams, investment in these roads is crucial to keeping rural Americans safe and alive.

22

A Special Report of the National Grange

RU RURAL ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION N Public transportation options are scarce but vital for supporting al rural America’s access to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential services. While systems may be smaller in scale than in urban areas, they play a crucial role in sustaining rural livelihoods and economic resilience.

SHIP Ports can play a vital role in shipping scarce products to rural communities along major rivers or in communities such as Hawaii and Alaska.

BUS

In rural areas, bus services are limited.

Offering affordable Off f ering aff ff f ordable and accessible ff travel for disabled residents is critical.

Many rural roads are outdated and unsafe, putting school buses and d children at risk.

PLANE

Rural airports can provide transportation for Emergency Hospital Access in critical situations; however, many rrural ural c ommunities a re d istant communities are distant from a major international or domestic airport.

TAXI & RIDESHARE Taxi and rideshare services are rare in rural America, making travel difficult especially diff f icult for residents who ff cannot drive.

TRAIN

High-speed rail lines don’t reach rural America.

Subways and metros are nonexistent, and interstate rail stations are often hours away.

A Special Report of the National Grange

23

Disparities in Native and Tribal Nations Native and tribal communities are often located in rural and remote areas, facing many of the same challenges as other rural Americans regarding healthcare disparities.

The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) said, “American Indian and Alaska Native populations living in rural areas experience significant health disparities related to limited access to healthcare, higher rates of chronic diseases, and socio-economic disadvantages”.55 This is a common theme found in rural America.

Rural tribes often suffer from inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Most hospitals and doctors’ offices are understaffed and underfunded.

Connecting long-distance communities to adequate facilities is difficult due to a lack of transportation and cultural barriers. Native American populations face discrimination in healthcare settings, which can deter individuals from

seeking timely medical help.56 Cierra George, a Navajo woman, recalls her healthcare experience, stating, “She asked the usual questions, but

Native and tribal death rates per 100,000

24

A Special Report of the National Grange

it wasn’t what she asked, it was how she delivered it to me and almost made me feel ashamed of my answers.”

The neglect and mistreatment of her medical issues because of her Native American status is prevalent in this experience.57

Administration, and $13,185 for Medicare.58 As of 2017, there were only 26 IHS hospitals serving 2.2 million people, which is critically low. Mental health professionals are also in chronic lack in tribal communities.

Only 101 mental health professionals per 100,000 people are in Native American communities versus 173 per 100,000 in the general U.S. population.59 Recognizing Understanding Tribal Healthcare Systems unique needs is essential in closing the healthcare gap and ensuring adequate care.

Healthcare in tribal communities is unique due to its Beyond the healthcare struggles, tribal communities relationship with the United States government. Tribal face a housing crisis. Reports indicate that “rural Native healthcare services are primarily provided through the American populations are disproportionately affected by Indian Healthcare Service (IHS). This is a federally funded housing insecurity and substandard living conditions,” agency within the Department of Health and Human which directly impacts health outcomes.54 Improving Services. tribal health in rural America IHS is tasked with fulfilling requires culturally appropriate As of 2017, there were only 26 the federal government healthcare services, Indian Healthcare Service hospitals obligations stated within investments in infrastructure, serving 2.2 million people, which is treaties and providing and policies to address the healthcare to eligible Native critically low... only 101 mental health housing crisis. Rural Americans Americans.

There is a professionals per 100,000 people are and Tribal communities are staunch alignment with rural in Native American communities. often overlooked when it healthcare programs, as IHS comes to their health and has long been chronically well-being. Working together underfunded. with these communities could be an opportunity for In 2017, IHS per capita spending was $4,078 compared collaboration and economic growth. to $8,109 for Medicaid, $10,692 for the Veterans Health

Left Behind: The Rural Disability Health Gap People with disabilities represent a significant portion care, and limited public transportation and infrastructure of the population in the U.S. with one in four adults supporting people living with a disability can make it having some sort of disability. However, they face a great much more difficult for rural resident with disabilities range of experiences across the United States due to to receive consistent care, engage in employment, or geographic influences. In rural communities, people with participate within the community.61 disabilities face unique and often exacerbated health, For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, economic, and social challenges due to long-standing rural living can present a compounding set of barriers. A disparities ranging from access to care, infrastructure, report by the Center for Research on Women and Families and support services.60 highlights that blind adults living in According to the CDC, disability rural communities often face social According to the CDC, rates are higher in rural areas than isolation, high unemployment rates, disability rates are higher in urban ones with one in three and limited access to technology. in rural areas than in individuals in rural communities All of which are exacerbated by urban ones with one in experiencing some sort of living in less densely populated 59 three individuals in rural disability.

Geographic isolation, areas where resources are often very fewer healthcare providers who are communities experiencing scarce, or very expensive.62 Many confident in their ability to provide blind individuals must rely on public some sort of disability.

A Special Report of the National Grange

25

R U R A L RURAL RU UR RA AL W A LLK K A B IIL LLI IIT TTY Y WALKABILITY WA AL KA AB BI LKA BILITY Rural children often walk more than urban children, despite rural areas being less walkable, due to transportation limited transporta tat ta ation options.

Access to fewer crosswalks in rural areas increases pedestrian risk due to low driver awareness and longer distances between safe crossings.

Unlit or poorly lit roads make walking at night dangerous, especially without sidewalks or marked crossings.

School routes in rural communities often lack sidewalks or safe crossings, which puts greater children at a a great a er risk at during their commute.

26

A Special Report of the National Grange

services, but in rural regions these services are largely unavailable.

Access to care is an ongoing critical issue for deaf and hard-ofhearing individuals in rural America.

Many providers often lack American Sign Language interpreters, or the cultural competency needed to deliver accessible care.63 While there are many emerging solutions like telehealth, many rural regions struggle with getting broadband access in general, which places a great limit on the reach of these services.

To improve the daily lives of people with disabilities in rural areas, efforts must reach beyond those of traditional interventions.

From expanding broadband access for telehealth services to increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural providers and incentivizing specialists to practice in underserved areas. These steps are crucial

to modernizing and innovating the infrastructure of rural communities to provide this community with the services and resources needed to survive.

Expanding Vaccine Access and Education Vaccination coverage in rural America continually lags urban areas, which poses a significant public health concern. This issue is especially prevalent in light of the recent resurgence in vaccinepreventable illnesses such as measles. Rural communities face unique challenges that contribute to lower immunization rates, including transportation barriers, provider access, and vaccine misinformation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children in rural areas are less likely to receive the recommended preventative vaccines on schedule for their age compared to urban children.

A 2021 CDC report found that rural counties had lower vaccination rates and coverage for key childhood vaccines such as measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines.63 Some areas reported vaccination rates below

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

the 90% threshold needed for herd immunity, putting them at risk for mass outbreaks.64 In 2024, the United States experienced an outbreak of measles cases, with over 160 confirmed cases by mid-2025.65 High concentrations of measles cases were found in rural communities where declining vaccination rates and lack of

A Special Report of the National Grange

healthcare infrastructure contribute to the spread. The outbreaks have highlighted the importance of herd immunity and the consequences of low vaccination coverage, even in areas that do not typically see these outbreaks.

Rebuilding trust in the healthcare system is critical for rural vaccination rates. Misinformation, often spread

27

through social media, disproportionately affects rural communities due to lower digital literacy and reduced access to legitimate medical perspectives from doctors.66 Addressing these issues requires outreach efforts and strong partnerships with local rural community groups to provide education. Expanding rural access to mobile vaccination clinics is also key.

Improving vaccination education and rates is essential to protecting public health and preventing deadly outbreaks. Supporting mobile health clinics is key to

expanding vaccination to rural communities.

Partnerships with community groups for increased vaccine education will provide the proper knowledge to rural communities who may be susceptible to disinformation on social media. Without these focused interventions, the disparities in vaccination coverage may continue to widen, which could pose long-term health threats.

Access to nursing homes is a growing concern in

The Rural Nursing Home Crisis: Declining Access to Long-Term Care rural communities across the United States. As rural populations age, the demand for long-term care is increasing, but availability is rapidly declining. This gap is creating health and social challenges for rural elderly and their families.

Between 2015 and 2022, over 550 nursing homes closed nationwide, with a disproportionate number of those being in rural areas.67 According to the National Rural Health Association, 70% of rural counties now lack access to long-term care facilities.68 In many rural states, nursing home closures have left entire counties without a single skilled nursing facility.

Several factors contribute to this alarming trend. The financial crisis is a major problem. Rural nursing homes often heavily rely on Medicaid reimbursements, which typically do not cover all care costs. The Kaiser Family Foundation found Medicaid covers about 70% of nursing home residents nationwide but only pays 80% of the cost of care, making it difficult for rural facilities to remain open.

Bureau of Labor projects a need for over 1.2 million additional direct care workers by 2030, a shortage that will cripple rural facilities.70 The profound consequence of this crisis is affecting our rural elderly and their families. Individuals are being forced to relocate to urban nursing facilities, farther away from their families, leading to social isolation. Travel burdens are increasing on their relatives’ decreasing visits and their support systems. Efforts to address these issues require targeted investments and attention to rural facilities. Protecting our nation’s vulnerable population is essential.

69

Workforce shortages also play a critical role. Recruitment and retention are difficult for these rural facilities due to geographic isolation and lower pay. The United States

28

A Special Report of the National Grange

The Grange’s Position The National Grange has long acknowledged that access to quality health care is essential to the well-being and longevity of rural communities.

Our commitment to rural health is grounded in our strong policy that supports both immediate improvements in care and infrastructure investments in the systems that sustain rural America.

As these challenges continue to face our rural communities, it is critical to analyze how the Grange remains proactive in addressing these issues.

First and foremost, the Grange supports maintaining federal block grants and matching funds for state-run community health clinics. These clinics are often the first and only point of access to healthcare for rural residents, who can often be hours from advanced care. By advocating for continued funding, the Grange recognizes the need to advance localized care in underserved areas.

Incentivizing healthcare providers, especially medical residents, to practice in rural communities is another longstanding priority. The Grange policy explicitly calls for programs that encourage doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to practice in areas where basic healthcare is not readily available.

A federal program rolling out increased funding and stipends for these professionals would transform rural care. In addition, there is strong support for an education loan repayment program that helps alleviate student debt in exchange for service in

designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and other underserved regions.

The Grange has also taken a strong stance on the integration of telemedicine into rural health care. We support building the necessary infrastructure to expand telehealth services and advocate for the removal of regulatory barriers that hinder the widespread adoption of broadband. This policy position reflects the Grange’s understanding that technology can be a powerful tool in bridging the geographical care gap for isolated populations.

Importantly, our organization continues to promote the preservation of home healthcare services.

Opposing cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates and the imposition of new patient co-pays that would make care unaffordable for rural Americans who may be on a fixed income.

Another important legislative measure is the CARE (Caregiver, Advise, Record, and Enable) Act, which helps family members to assist in delivering medical tasks at home, which is especially important in rural settings where professional support may be limited. We further support robust Medicare and Medicaid programs that treat rural and urban communities. Our policy calls for equal reimbursement rates for rural providers, streamlines the processing of claims, and expands coverage that includes hearing aids, dental and eye care, immunizations, and revolutionary technologies like continuous glucose monitors and early cancer detection testing (MCED).

A Special Report of the National Grange

Mental health is another area of Grange advocacy where we have been proactive. National policy encourages public awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma of mental illness in farming and rural communities. We support legislation that funds stress management training for federal agriculture employees and convenes rural mental health task forces. Additionally, the Grange actively partners with mental health organizations such as Rural Minds Inc. to expand education, outreach, and suicide prevention efforts.

Grange advocacy also includes food security as a public health concern. Hunger and malnutrition have a direct impact on health. We support community-based hunger relief initiatives, such as the American Farm Bureau’s “Harvest for ALL” campaign, which engages farmers in donating food and time to local food banks. This aligns with our beliefs that rural America must not only produce food but also protect our vulnerable neighbors who may be facing food insecurity.

Lastly, we recognize that none of this progress is possible without reliable infrastructure. The Grange supports full broadband

29

deployment to cover “the Last Mile,” areas of America not yet receiving this coverage.

Recognizing that access to high-speed internet is essential for telehealth, education, and

emergency response.

In conclusion, the Grange’s rural health initiatives are supported by our devoted Grange members from across America. Advocating for health care, mental health,

food security, and infrastructure, the Grange remains committed to ensuring that rural America will continue to have the resources and opportunities to thrive for generations.

The Road Ahead The state of rural health in America reflects a crisis that is both urgent and expansive. With the impending threat of the collapsing hospital infrastructure stems many issues. From rising rates of chronic conditions, increasing financial stress, mental health crisis, to hundreds of thousands at risk of losing health insurance, rural communities are facing a public health emergency.

Forced to endure barriers like geographic isolation, underfunded services, workforce shortages, and limited access to nutritious food, all of which are contributing to the worsening conditions of health outcomes, higher mortality rates, and avoidable suffering.

These challenges are not separate, but intersectional and compounding across issues like cancer care, maternal health, mental illness, addiction, and chronic disease management. The devastating consequences of delayed or unavailable treatment simply due to lack of access are compounded by policy failure and economic constraints that continue to increase the urban-rural divide.

However, this intersectional crisis is not unbeatable.

With services like telemedicine innovations, mobile clinics, community health workers, and targeted investment in policy offer a glimmer of hope. With organizations like

30

the Grange working to support policies that will provide rural hospitals with the resources they need, not only to survive but to flourish, increase broadband access, and fighting for crucial programs like Medicaid that provide rural Americans the opportunity to receive the care they need, the fight is just beginning. The resilience of rural communities has long been evident, and now the political will and sustained support of this community will match it.

It will take a lot more than just one person; it will take a community. From voicing your opinions, your stories, expressing how much these programs are needed and just how crucial the ongoing support to sustain rural health is, you can make a difference. Identifying and calling your representative voicing what you care about or sending a personal letter providing a testimony on just how you are being effective by policies is just one way to join.

Rural America cannot fall further behind. Equity in healthcare access must be a national priority, one that must be shown through tangible action. Only then will every American, regardless of where they live, has a fair shot at a healthy life.

A Special Report of the National Grange

10

WAYS TO IMPROVE RURAL HEALTH

Increased Rural Hospital Funding Provide Rural Residency Opportunities for Medical Students Mobile Clinc Access Increase Broadband Access for telehealth Early Cancer Detection Screenings

Promote Proper PPE Usage Combat Food Deserts Community Addiciton Services Access to Faster and Skilled EMS Mental Health Education and Advocacy

A Special Report of the National Grange

31

HOW TO

CONTACT CONTACT

YOUR Y OUR LEGISLATOR LEGISLATOR Find out who represents you at

https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

BE CLEAR, RESPECTFUL, AND MENTION YOU’RE A CONSTITUENT!

What to do?

Call their office — district or capitol numbers Email or use their official website contact form Send a letter to their district or legislative office Attend town halls or public meetings to speak directly Engage on social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)

For more information, visit:

nationalgrange.org

32

or email us: info@nationalgrange.org

A Special Report of the National Grange

Sources Harold D. Miller, The Crisis in Rural Health Care, Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, accessed July 3, 2025, https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Overview. html.

2 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Access to Health Care in Rural America (Washington, DC: HHS, October 2024), https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/ files/documents/6056484066506a8d4ba3dcd8d9322490/ rural-health-rr-30-Oct-24.pdf.

3 Michael Goldberg, “Mississippi’s Rural Hospitals Are in Peril, and Threats to Closures Mount,” Associated Press, January 23, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/health-mississippi-state-government-nursing-care-access-to-0f71d4b70b41e46c26f6abc9f26789f6.

4 S. Jane Henley et al., “Invasive Cancer Incidence, 2004– 2013, and Deaths, 2006–2015, in Nonmetropolitan and Metropolitan Counties—United States,” MMWR Surveillance Summaries 66, no. 14 (2017): 1–13, https://www.cdc. gov/mmwr/volumes/66/ss/ss6614a1.htm 5 Paula Chatterjee, “Causes and Consequences of Rural Hospital Closures,” Journal of Hospital Medicine 17, no.

11 (November 2022): 938-39, https://doi.org/10.1002/ jhm.12973.

6 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, “Rural Counties Had Fewer People Move Out During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Charts of Note, September 11, 2023, https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/charts-of-note/chart-detail?chartId=106760.

7 “Nebraska Woman Shares Story after Long Battle with Lung Cancer,” KLKN-TV, November 3, 2022, https://www.klkntv. com/nebraska-woman-shares-story-after-long-battle-withlung-cancer/.

8 U.S. Census Bureau, “Health Insurance in Rural America,” United States Census Bureau, April 25, 2019, https://www. census.gov/library/stories/2019/04/health-insurance-rural-america.html.

9 Erika C. Ziller, Jennifer D. Lenardson, and Andrew F. Coburn, “Health Care Access and Use Among the Rural Uninsured,” Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved 23, no. 3 (August 2012): 1327–45.

10 Hardcastle, Kimberly, Leah L. Zullig, and Scott M. Lippman. “Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Incidence Is Higher among Rural vs. Urban Populations.” Cancer Prevention Research, 2023, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/ PMC10557857/.

11 “Trends in Colorectal Cancer among Young Adults in the United States.” JAMA, vol. 321, no. 13, 2019, pp. 1247– 1248, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2735806.

12 Xiaoyu Wang et al., “Disparities in Rural Genitourinary Cancer Incidence: A Pennsylvania Case Study,” Current Oncology 31, no. 12 (2023): 597, https://www.mdpi.com/17187729/31/12/597.

1

Angela D. Liese et al., “Food Store Types, Availability, and Cost of Foods in a Rural Environment,” Journal of the American Dietetic Association 107, no. 11 (2007): 1916– 1923, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2007.08.012.

14 Gopal K. Singh et al., “Rural–Urban Trends and Disparities in Melanoma Incidence and Mortality in the United States, 1990–2020,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 9 (2021): 3999, https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8162144/.

15 “Pesticides and Prostate Cancer Risk.” Food & Wine, 2023, https://www.foodandwine.com/pesticides-prostate-cancer-risk-8739772.

16 “Radon in Iowa,” Iowa Cancer Consortium, 2023, https:// canceriowa.org/radon/.

17 “Advancing Cancer Care in Rural and Underserved Communities,” Cancer Research Institute, 2023, https://www. cancerresearch.org/blog/advancing-cancer-care-in-rural-and-underserved-communities.

18 Cohen, Elan, et al. “Disparities in Access to Oncology Clinical Trials in the United States.” Cancer, vol. 126, no. 14, 2020, pp. 3102–3110. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.32849.

19 Jennifer L. Warren et al., “Cardiovascular Mortality Trends in Rural and Urban U.S. Adults,” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2023, https://newsroom.heart. org/news/deaths-from-cardiovascular-disease-increasedamong-younger-u-s-adults-in-rural-areas.

20 National Institutes of Health, “Risk of Developing Heart Failure Much Higher in Rural Areas vs. Urban,” NIH News Release, 2023, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/risk-developing-heart-failure-much-higher-rural-areas-vs-urban.

21 Garcia, Marc, et al. “Social Factors Help Explain Worse Cardiovascular Health Among Adults in Rural Versus Urban Communities.” National Institutes of Health, 2023, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/social-factors-help-explain-worse-cardiovascular-health-among-adults-rural-vs-urban-communities.

22 Amelia K. Boehme et al., “Stroke Mortality Trends in the United States by Urban-Rural Status and Race/Ethnicity,” Stroke 53, no. 3 (2022), https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/ full/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.029318.

23 Pooja Khatri et al., “Rural Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Face Delays and Limited Access to Advanced Therapies,” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2020, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2020/stroke-patients-rural-areas-face-lower-quality-care-higher-risk-death.

24 Augustine O. Odoi et al., “Rural-Urban Differences in Stroke Mortality in the United States,” Stroke 51, no. 6 (2020), https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.029318.

25 Lisa M. Rainey et al., “Stroke Disparities in Rural West Virginia,” PubMed, 2022, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/35125784/.

26 Karen E. Joynt Maddox et al., “Care Quality and Mortality Among Medicare Beneficiaries Treated at Rural and Urban Hospitals for Acute Cardiovascular Conditions,” PubMed, 2022, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35057913/.

13

A Special Report of the National Grange

33

Arvind Ganesh et al., “Rural-Urban Differences in Timeliness and Use of Reperfusion Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke,” Stroke 51, no. 8 (2022): 2501–9, PubMed, https:// pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32833593/.

28 Christie A. Befort et al., “Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults from Rural and Urban Areas of the United States: Findings from NHANES (2005–2008),” Obesity Research & Clinical Practice 12, no. 2 (2018): 103–10, PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34295580/.

29 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, “Food Access Research Atlas,” USDA ERS, 2023, https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/.

30 Kimberly Morland et al., “Neighborhood Characteristics Associated with the Location of Food Stores and Food Service Places,” American Journal of Preventive Medicine 22, no. 1 (2002): 23–29 31 Brandi Franklin et al., “The Hunger-Obesity Paradox: Exploring Food Insecurity and Obesity,” Public Health Nutrition 20, no. 15 (2017): 2676–81.

32 “Food Insecurity Linked to Increased Heart Risks for People with Peripheral Artery Disease,” American Heart Association Newsroom, July 1, 2024, https://newsroom.heart.org/ news/food-insecurity-linked-to-increased-heart-risks-forpeople-with-peripheral-artery-disease.

33 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Diabetes in Rural America: A Policy Brief (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023), https://www.cdc.gov/rural-health/ php/policy-briefs/diabetes-policy-brief.html.

34 Commonwealth Fund, “In Rural America, a Weak Signal Can Mean Worse Health,” The Dose, May 23, 2025, https:// www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/podcast/2025/ may/in-rural-america-weak-signal-can-mean-worse-health.

35 S. Kendall et al., “Trends in Diabetes-Related Mortality in Rural and Urban Areas, 1999–2019,” Diabetologia 65, no. 5 (2022), https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/ s00125-022-05785-4.

36 University of Maryland School of Medicine, “People with Diabetes Who Live in Rural Areas Are More Likely to Develop Complications of the Disease,” University of Maryland School of Medicine News, 2024, https://www.medschool. umaryland.edu/news/2024/people-with-diabetes-wholive-in-rural-areas-more-likely-to-develop-complicationsof-the-disease-um-school-of-medicine-study-finds.html.

37 OBHG, “National Rural Health Day: Women’s Health by the Numbers,” OBHG, November 21, 2024, accessed July 8, 2025, https://obhg.com/national-rural-health-day-womens-health-by-the-numbers/.

38 University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation, “Rural Women at Higher Risk of Life-Threatening Pregnancy Complications,” IHPI News, published December 2019 (approx.), accessed July 8, 2025, https:// ihpi.umich.edu/news/rural-women-higher-risk-life-threatening-pregnancy-complications.

27

34

Healio, “Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Incidence Higher Among Rural vs Urban Populations,” Healio: Hematology/Oncology News, November 25, 2020, accessed July 8, 2025, https://www.healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20201125/earlyonset-colorectal-cancer-incidence-higher-among-rural-vs-urban-populations.

40 Rural Health Information Hub, “Maternal Health,” Rural Health Information Hub, accessed July 8, 2025, https:// www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/maternal-health.

41 Anna Derrick, “Overburdened and Underserved: How Rural Women Fall through the Cracks,” National Partnership for Women & Families (blog), January 15, 2025, accessed July 8, 2025, https://nationalpartnership.org/ overburdened-and-underserved-how-rural-women-fallthrough-the-cracks/.

42 Rural Minds, Serving Rural America: Mental Health Resources and Support, accessed June 25, 2025, https:// www.ruralminds.org/serving-rural-america.

43 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “2022 NSDUH Detailed Tables,” CBHSQ Data: National Survey on Drug Use and Health, last modified February 13, 2025, accessed July 8, 2025, https://www. samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh-detailed-tables 44 Rural Health Information Hub, Substance Use in Rural America, accessed June 25, 2025, https://www. ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/substance-use.

45 Rural Health Information Hub. “Substance Use and Misuse in Rural Areas.” Rural Health Information Hub. Last updated March 13, 2025. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www. ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/substance-use.

46 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Opioid Use Disorder: Rural Policy Brief. CDC Rural Health Policy Briefs. Last updated July 24, 2024. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/rural-health/php/policy-briefs/opioid-overdoses-policy-brief.html.

47 Rural Minds. “Serving Rural America.” Rural Minds. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.ruralminds.org/serving-rural-america.

48 Strand, Chuck. “Confronting Alcohol and Drug Addiction in Rural America.” Rural Minds Blog, April 11, 2025. https:// www.ruralminds.org/rural-minds-blog/confronting-alcohol-and-drug-addiction-in-rural-america.

49 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths: How Is the U.S. Doing? Last modified July 7, 2017. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/motor-vehicle-safety/index.html.

50 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Traffic Safety Facts: Rural/Urban Comparison of Traffic Fatalities.

2023. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.nhtsa.gov/.

51 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Motor Vehicle Safety: Rural Policy Brief. Last updated July 24, 2024.

Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/rural-health/ php/policy-briefs/motor-vehicle-policy-brief.html 39

A Special Report of the National Grange

Hyle, Emily P., Ian S. Davis, Lauren Race, Stephanie Weddington, and Peter Hitchens. “Lighting and Marking Policies Are Associated with Reduced Farm Equipment–Related Crash Rates: A Policy Analysis of Nine Midwestern US States.” Traffic Injury Prevention 17, no. 3 (2016): 260–68. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC5013097/.

53 Myers, John R., et al. Tractor Overturn Deaths — 1992 to 2010. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2014. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.cdc. gov/niosh/docs/2014-131/.

52

54

United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Center for Statistics and Analysis, Traffic Safety Facts 2022 Data: Rural/Urban Traffic Fatalities, DOT HS 813 599 (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, July 1 2024), https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/77525.

55 National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH). Accessed July 9, 2025. https://nosorh.org/.

56 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rural Tribal Health: Challenges and Opportunities. 2024. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/rural-health/php/policy-briefs/motor-vehicle-policy-brief.html.

57 George, Cierra. “An Indigenous Patient’s Perspective on Healthcare.” Tribal Health. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://tribalhealth.com/an-indigenous-patients-perspective-on-healthcare/.

58 U.S. Government Accountability Office. Tribal Epidemiology Centers: HHS Actions Needed to Enhance Data Access.

GAO-19-74R. November 2018. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-19-74r.pdf.

59 Indian Health Service. American Indian and Alaska Native Behavioral Health Briefing Book. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.ihs.gov/sites/dbh/themes/responsive2017/ display_objects/documents/AIANBHBriefingBook.pdf.

60 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Prevalence of Disability and Disability Types by Urban Rural County Classification – United States, 2016,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last updated April 8, 2025, accessed July 17, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/disability-and-health/ articles-documents/disability-prevalence.html.

61 Kayla Alvis, “Individuals with Disabilities in Rural America: The Need for Health Services Research,” AcademyHealth Blog, November 15, 2023, accessed July 17, 2025, https://academyhealth.org/blog/2023-11/individuals-disabilities-rural-america-need-health-services-research.

62 Diana M. Zuckerman, Blind Adults in America: Their Lives and Challenges (Washington, DC: National Research Center for Health Research, 2004), accessed July 17, 2025, https://www.center4research.org/blind-adults-america-lives-challenges/.

63 Allee Mead, “Enhancing Services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind Patients in Rural America,” Rural Monitor, (Washington, DC: Rural Health Information Hub), October 2019, Rural Health Information Hub, accessed July 17, 2025, https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/rural-monitor/enhancing-services-for-deaf.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Vaccination Coverage Among Children Aged 19–35 Months — United States, 2021.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2022. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/ volumes/71/wr/mm7139a1.htm.

65 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Measles Cases and Outbreaks.” CDC, 2025. Accessed July 9, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html.

66 Baumgaertner, Bert, Robert D. Carlisle, Joshua M. K. Leung, and Evan S. Lieberman. “The Influence of Political Ideology and Trust on Willingness to Vaccinate.” PLOS ONE 13, no. 1 (2018): e0191728. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0191728.

67 LeadingAge, Nursing Home Closures and Trends, September 2022, https://leadingage.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Nursing-Home-Closures-and-Trends-2.pdf.

68 National Rural Health Association, National Rural Health Association, accessed July 10, 2025, https://www.ruralhealth.us/.

69 Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicaid Financing: The Basics, March 21, 2023, https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/ medicaid-financing-the-basics/.

70 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Home Health and Personal Care Aides: Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified April 17, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/ home-health-aides-and-personal-care-aides.htm.

64

A Special Report of the National Grange

35

BENEFITS OF

National Grange MEMBERSHIP

Educational Programs

Access to free online webinars, workshops, and a YouTube library with topics relevant to local Granges and communities.

Public Relations

Enhanced Grange profile and influence through professional partnerships and media relations.

Trademark Protection

A nationwide network of members sharing talents, skills, and experiences to develop each others’ greatest potential

National Convention

An annual grassroots policy-focused National Grange session, which also provides resources for members nationwide.

Grange Month Resources Provides a theme and resources to promote Grange visibility.

Volunteer & Leader Training

Programs like SHIPmates and Communication Fellows for local leadership and professional development.

Unified Identity

A cohesive “brand voice” uniting urban, suburban, and rural communities nationwide.

Policy and Advocacy

Website Services Free website and email for Granges, plus a “Find a Grange” locator listing.

Consistent Governance

Charters issued and reissued to standardize Grange governance.

Legal protections for the Grange name, brand, and reputation.

36

Fraternal Network

Skill Preservation Programs

Celebrations of folk arts and homemaking skills to preserve traditional knowledge.

Legislative Engagement

Annual Legislative Fly-In event in Washington, D.C., where members can advocate directly to lawmakers.

Historical Preservation

Management of historical documents, including 19th-century agricultural records and artifacts not found in other collections.

Membership Recognition

Professionally created certificates, pins, and awards for recognizing member contributions and accomplishments.

A Special Report of the National Grange

A full-time nonpartisan lobbyist in Washington, D.C., representing Grange policy issues, with updates on lobbying efforts and current legislative and rural issues.

Communication Updates

E-newsletters and the Good Day! magazine, highlighting member and Grange achievements, and programs to be a part of.

Conference Support

Help with organizing state and regional conferences, including arranging speakers and experts.

Discount Programs

Partnerships with service providers offer substantial discounts to members.

Community Resources

Collaboration with organizations to provide local resources, such as mental health support and grants.

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org

New Era of Fellowship and Connection Ushered in with Grange Engage

By Amanda Brozana National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director

Connecting to other members, resources and valuable benefits the Grange has to offer has never been easier after the September launch of Grange Engage, a digital platform designed to carry the organization’s fraternal spirit into the 21st century.

From digital spaces, called Digital Halls, for each Grange and various interest groups to opportunities for mutual benefit through an online member business hub and swap meet to an area for Granges to post details about fundraisers they are hosting that may appeal to others outside their local membership, Grange Engage truly meets needs that are both forward facing and honoring our heritage of mutual cooperation.

“This is about more than just putting our resources online,” said National Grange President Christine Hamp.

“Grange Engage is about making sure every member — from the most seasoned officer to the newest person walking through the Grange hall doors — has a place to learn, connect and be connected to the larger national fraternity paid to be a part of. It offers access to exclusive resources, and a way to interact that reflects the Grange’s unique values.

Hamp said she is also excited to allow members to tell their own Grange story using the platform.

“We will each have the space to celebrate our membership by populating living profiles that will become part of our digital archives,” Hamp said. “For me, that means recounting my family connection and honoring the generations that came before these digital records and to talk about the opportunities that I enjoyed such as Junior Grange or as National Youth Ambassador, and more.”

The launch of Grange Engage follows the late August debut of the redesigned nationalgrange.org website, which itself represents a major step toward modernization.

The site launch came earlier than expected after the National Grange website and the grange.org sites for local Granges were affected by a malware attack.

The incident prompted an immediate shift to bring the nearly finished redesign online.

“We were already within weeks of unveiling the new site when the malware issue arose,” said National Grange IT Director Stephanie Wilkins.

“Because we had the infrastructure in place, we were able to quickly switch gears and ensure that the National Grange’s online presence was protected. I was proud that we could not only safeguard our members but also roll out something fresh and forward-looking in the process.”

The revamped site offers a modern design, improved navigation, and a seamless integration with Grange Engage, creating a cohesive digital ecosystem for the organization.

Gaining Access

Members whose email addresses were on file with their State Grange offices have or will soon receive invitations to create online profiles and have access to all the Grange Engage features.

But nobody needs to wait. A registration link allows members to get started immediately: https://grange.biz/ Engage (it’s case-sensitive).

After creating login credentials, users are verified against official state membership lists. Once verified, additional features automatically unlock, providing full access to resources, benefits and Digital Halls.

If a state has not yet provided complete member data,

Create your profile through the Member Login button shown on the desktop (above) or on the mobile web (inset at left).

Screenshots from National Grange website

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

www.nationalgrange.org

69

registrants may experience a short delay before seeing certain features.

Members who belong to multiple Granges are encouraged to confirm that all affiliations appear under the “My Info” tab.

Your Halls are Waiting for You Digital Halls are available for every Grange,

and

based

upon

your

member data provided by your State Grange,

you

should

automatically

find your local Grange, and Pomona where applicable, in the Your Groups section on the Grange Commons.

If you need to correct information about what Grange or Granges you hold membership, you should email National Grange Membership and Leadership

Development

Director

Amanda Brozana at membership@ nationalgrange.org.

The information will also be provided to your State Grange Secretary.

“Just like in 1867, too often people feel isolated, and small community Granges may struggle to feel connected to the larger organization,” Brozana said. “This platform reminds every member that they are part of a national network of people who care deeply about service, fellowship and civic engagement, and can strengthen fraternal bonds that have defined the Grange for nearly 160 years.”

Hamp said the creation and adoption of this online platform for the Grange aligns with our organizational history and mission.

“Our founders were ahead of their time and champions of innovation, but we have waited almost too long to embrace this form of technology and fellowship that new members expect and crave,” Hamp said. “To honor our roots, we must embrace the technology that connects us while keeping us nimble and relevant.”

Hamp said a central goal of Grange Engage is to add tangible value to

70

membership. For business-owning members, the platform provides space to highlight services, post special offers or discounts for fellow members, and strengthen the Grange’s long-standing ethic of mutual support.

A full tutorial video, produced and edited by member Eugene Fletcher, that guides users through features such as profile customization, the Commons and resource libraries, can be found on the home screen of Grange Engage after you create your profile and log in.

A Digital Hall for Every Member

At the heart of Grange Engage is Grange Commons, a virtual gathering space for each Grange and various “communities of interest,” said National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director Amanda Brozana. Within the Commons, members will find Digital Halls that mirror their local and state Grange membership, as well as interest-based groups covering everything from quilting to agricultural policy and practice. The Digital Halls allow members to post discussion topics, hold online meetings, and upload resources relevant to that Grange, such as meeting minutes, bylaws, event flyers and brochures.

The Commons also features a social feed and idea-exchange forum, designed to spark collaboration between members who may live hundreds of miles apart. Leaders hope it becomes a vibrant hub where traditions are preserved and innovations are shared.

“From its founding, the Grange has been a place where people could come together to support one another,” Brozana said. “Now, we’re extending that spirit into a digital space that is accessible to every member, everywhere. It’s not just about software — it’s about building resilience for our organization, ensuring that the Grange remains a vital part of rural America for decades to come.”

More on the horizon

Brozana said she is most excited to develop and deploy onboarding resources for new members.

“I’m most excited about the learning platform that is on the horizon and how we will be able to onboard new members at their convenience,” she said. “Too often we hear from new members that they are confused, uninformed or overwhelmed. Some Granges that have had large groups of new members join without mentorship in place have also struggled to understand and embrace some of the most central tenets of Grange, such as our nonpartisanship or inclusive process that empowers every member. Grange Engage can change all of that.”

Hamp said Grange Engage is ready for users, but that there are more resources to come.

“This is just the beginning,” Hamp said. “Every week, we’re adding something new — whether that’s a resource guide, a video or a new discussion space. The base is in place, but the potential is limitless.”

Every Hall needs Administrators Granges should identify the member or members they would like to have administrative rights on Grange Engage and in their Digital Hall. Presidents and Secretaries make sense, but we understand some do not want to be responsible for their Grange’s Hall or profile. If you would like to claim access and administrative rights for your Grange, you must email membership@nationalgrange.org with your name, Grange state, name and number, office you hold (if any) and the name and contact information for your Grange’s President and/or Secretary. Your Grange may adopt a motion to allow you to request administrative rights, and adopted minutes may be attached to your email. Otherwise, your request will be verified by your local or State Grange.

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

www.nationalgrange.org

Honoring THE BUILDERS OF OUR

125 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE • Kendrew #891 (NY) • Oxford #894 (NY) • Rhinebeck #896 (NY)

L egacy

®

MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES 85 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP New Hampshire • Lloyd Lessard, Wingold #308

75 YEARS (cont.)

New York • Stephen E. Curtis, Owahegena #1358 • Paul Dedrick, Dryden #1112 • Helen Childs Houck, Kendrew #891 • Kenneth S. Masters, Kendrew #891 • John Zweig, Brunswick #1337

80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Connecticut • Rena Bigotto, Hemlock #182 New York • Barbara Denhoff, Dryden #1112 • Riley Hemingway, Jr., Dryden #1112

Ohio • Mary Jo Dye, Mile BRanch #933 • John Lothes, Morgan #829

Washington • Robert Heller, Ten Mile #399

Pennsylvania • Alice H. Moroney, Russellville #91 • Robert Seip, Pioneer #1777

75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

Washington • William A. Tucker, Fargher Lake #853

Connecticut • Jack Cable, Winchester #74 • Frances Cooper, Winchester #74 Maine • William Benner, Willow #366 New Hampshire • Nancy Blaney, Wingold #308 • Eleanor Ward, Wingold #308

Anniversaries listed on these pages are collected from certificates requested by local and State Granges.

If you want to ensure your members are recognized for their continued service in Good Day! Magazine, you can send in their anniversaries to Philip Vonada at pvonada@nationalgrange.org.

We also highly suggest that local Granges request anniversary certificates, Silver Star and Golden Sheaf recognitions, or commendation letters from the National Grange. If you have questions about how to do so, contact Loretta Washington at lwashington@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (202) 628-3507 x109.

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

www.nationalgrange.org

71

50 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Colorado •

Sharon Arnold, Westminster #184

Connecticut • Louis Accomero, Hemlock #182 • Jacqueline Delldonna, Hemlock #182 • Albert F. Gordon, Jr., Hemlock #182 • Cheryl Ann Gordon, Hemlock #182 • Mary Grustas, Winchester #74 • Kim Mele, Whigville #48 • Kathryn E.A. Ruff-Hill, Hemlock #182 • Maureen Sanborn, Hemlock #182 • Priscilla W. Schmartz, Hemlock #182 Illinois •

Karen Harter, Beaver Valley #1791

Maine • Linda Brooks-Nighman, Perry #324 • Ashton C. Reardon, South Sangerville #335 • Brian E. Reardon, South Sangerville #335 • Douglas Drown, Bingham #237 • James Owens, Bingham #237

•

Steven Rudisill, Clear Creek Valley #1843

•

Roberta Saunders, Clear Creek Valley #1843

•

Stephanie Smith, Clear Creek Valley #1843

Pennsylvania •

Edward Pensinger, Pioneer #1777

•

Tammy Schaeffer, Pioneer #1777

•

Tim Schaeffer, Pioneer #1777

•

David Schantz, Pioneer #1777

•

Melinda Tercha, Pioneer #1777

•

Robert Tercha, Pioneer #1777

Vermont •

John Buscemi, Caledonia #9

•

Martha Kirchner, Bomoseen Valley #273

•

Phyliss Reed, Bomoseen Valley #273

Washington •

Riley Beerbower, Matlock #357

•

Lee J. Brickey, Jr., Burbank #630

•

John C. Campbell, Kellogg Marsh #136

•

W. Bruce Carlson, Burbank #630

•

Carl Goodburn, Matlock #357

•

Carla Kneeland, Kellogg Marsh #136

•

Albert F. Meyer, Burbank #630

•

Ken Miller, Ohop #812

•

Penny Paxton, Burbank #630

•

Rush Slater, Burbank #630

New Hampshire • Agnes Ellis, Concord #322 • Tracy Healey-Beattie, Gilman #1 • Beth Merrill, Antrim #98

•

Kenneth Stodden, Matlock #357

•

Nanette Walkley, Burbank #630

•

Edith Ward, Laurel #208

•

Perry Wood, Ten Mile #399

•

•

Scott Wood, Ten Mile #399

Massachusetts • Angus Dun, Shelburne #68 • Laurel Dun, Shelburne #68 • Carole A. Keeler, Pittsfield #14 • Linda Rollins, Pittsfield #14 • Robert Stratton, Guiding Star #1

Patricia Washburne, Crown Point #65

New York • Charles Ballard, Brunswick #1337 • Kathyn K. Barringer, East Pembroke #1157 • Carol Rogers, North Barton #45 • Carol Rohrmoser, Lamson #588 • Alan Searles, North Barton #45 •

James C. Spaulding, North Barton #45

Ohio •

Noah Blosser, Clear Creek Valley #1843

•

James Bramble, Goshen #578

•

Russell Cahill, Goshen #578

•

Kathy Flowers, Goshen #578

•

Laura Kinsley, Pleasant #1615

•

Karen Lynn, Mile Branch #933

•

Carolyn Mann, Robertsville #1784

•

Mary Neibling, Pleasant #1615

•

Serena Penry, Goshen #578

72

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

www.nationalgrange.org

Welcome New Members TO THE Grange Family California

Bachelor Valley #667 Lisa Benavides Julia Carrera Diane DeVries James DeVries Katie DeVries Shirley Dutcher Mary Friedrich Ray Friedrich Ben Guenther Levi Huntley Jessica Johns-Torres Aiden Kelly Daniella Lazares Casey Mahoney Donna Kay Manning Jini Reynolds Eric Sneathen Melanie Sneathen Donna Swoffer John Swoffer Armando Torres And 3 Junior members Fort Bragg #672 Loga Agnew Sean Agnew David Carlisle Kimberly Carlisle Elise Cox Michael Cox Julia Dakin Robert Felch Mary Glanvilla Dorine Real Lea Smith Raquel Marie Taylor Lee Tepper Stonyford #686

Joyce Ann Bond

Cherie Sintes-Glover

Patty Crosby

Angie Vana

Lee Davis

Dylan Vana

Melissa Davis

Loren Vana

Brenda Dunn

Nickolas Vana

Vincent Fletcher

Kenny Watkins

Logan Gregory

Molly Watkins

Les Hill

Colorado

John Jacob Nicole Jacob

Enterprise #25

Donald Jones, Jr.

Paul Dannels

Julie Lazarus

Nancy Sells

Jeffrey Moore

Golden Gate #451

LaVerne Moore

Amanda Gierhart

Greg Olewinski

Braelyn Young

Liz Poulson

Mt. Lookout #336

Gina Provenzano

Gail Mallin

Ann Seaton

Collette Meechong

Maudrie Smith Caroline Stanton

Pleasant Park #156

Debbie Turk

Peter Bartmann

Dwain Whitney

Redlands Mesa #487

Richard Zuffanelli And 1 Junior member Woodbridge #482 Bryan Galluzi Caidence Galluzi Grey Galluzi Roaric Galluzi

Wayne Martin

Charles Montgomery

Harrison #422

Judy Rodriguez

Lydell Bill

Richard Rodriguez

Brandi Howe

Iowa

Brock Montgomery

Kathleen Morelos

Abigail Howe

Clay Hounshell

Merilee Conley

Elston Bill

Matt Butcher*

Dana VanHeusen

Ryan Hansen

Jennifer Morelos

Christie Butcher*

Sunflower #162

Judd Conley

Jennifer Montgomery

Mica Flats #436

Paradise Valley #389

Jessica Hansen

Cheryl Bill

Woodbridge #482 (CA)

Meredity Sears

Edgemere #355

Bernadine Bill

Stonyford #686 (CA)

Madison Howe

Curtis Hansen

Frank Morelos, Jr.

#143 (WA)

Rose Hill #256

Debbie Brotnov

Colette Hansen

Ronald Beiter

Marion Junior Grange

Dustin Howe

Clearwater #299

John Glover

Amanda Morelos

Fort Bragg #672 (CA)

Larry Haak

Idaho

Mason Galluzi

Susan Ashley-Knight

Bachelor Valley #667 (CA)

Richard Fulton

Clara Salisbury

Taylor Montgomery

The following Granges were newly-chartered or reorganized since our last issue.

Kristine Bianchi

Jeffry Ritchie

Judith Adams

Welcome New Granges!

Wanda Irish Kuna #59 Michaela Costa Leah Hintz Chris Mays

Bloomington #2057 Charles Gerard, Sr Rachel Hahn Rebekah Kelso Hahn

Michigan

Maple Leaf #940 Lori Barcroft Carol Dawe Kathy Pryor Russell Pryor Pittsfield Union #882 Reuven Anaf Shalom

Laci McRae * Denotes Associate Member

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

www.nationalgrange.org

73

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

New York

Ausable Valley #973 Janne Lanzoni Bethlehem #137

Mount Pleasant #349

Star #778

Eagle Creek #297

Dolores Ahart*

Kana Dutton

Rocky Barnes

Steven M. Rogers*

Paul Dutton

Kelly Fitzpatrick

Oak Grove #873

Austin Holcomb

Enterprise #489

Lena Dickel

Sandra Holcomb

Rick Dickel

Unity #1761

Wanda Embshoff

Otisville #1020

William Jones

April Gervasi

Andrea Goldsmith

Wayne #262

Rose Marti

Jennifer Moore

Pierstown #793

Laurie Carbetta

Patrick Moore

Cary D’Avino

Champion #18

Mary Lou D’Avino

Oregon

Brett Axle Rachael Axle Samantha DiCicco William DiCicco

Ken Embshoff

Levi Rose Fernwood #770 Daniel Engstrom And 3 Junior members

Maria Lazarich

Abernethy #346

Dan Leary

Plattekill #923

David Golding

Hope #369

Brian Sech

Christopher Dawes

Bellview #759

Matthew Dedek

Jack Sech

Gregory Dawes

Caroline Granat

Copake #935

Rhinebeck #896

Chetco #765

Susan Arterian

Ben Wheeler

Vi Kraft

Susan Moore

Rose Wheeler

Gina White

Rusty Wheeler

Clarkes #261

Cuyler #449

Sarah Wheeler

Liana Eliopoulos

Norm Jarvis

Colleen Bowers

Glen Charles

Derek Renninger

Stanford #808

Mary Grace Diones

Greenfield #807

Jacob Lyman

Jon Elliott

Shelly Emery

Stone Church #1561

Marchia Elliott

Alisha Charles

Dena Evenson

Susquehanna Valley #1552

Timothy Helmer

Lillian Dibble

Milton #685

Walton #1454

Lewis Albers

Isaiah Dunkleman

Carol Atwater

Dixi Manzer

Kenneth Badaszewski

Ohio

Mount Hope #902

Pike #1669

Vrelin North Laura Pampalone

Tom Dickinson

Felicity Pitcher

Clair Moody

Barry Stith

Isabel Sochnlen

Jessie Wolfe

Creswell #496

Michael Little

Kirkland #684

Holly Greenwood Irving #377

Salisbury Center #624

Ryan J. Ford

Hurricane Creek #608

1 Junior member

Michael Larry

Lorraine Fiorino

Keta Tom

Carol Ford

Hamm Brushland-Vitrifex Emily Johnson Ariel Schulze And 1 Junior member Kinton #562 Sean Browning Andy Zepp

Jan Fuller

Lake Creek #697

Sabastian Furlong

Danielle Degli Esposti

Tonja Furlong

Duccio Degli Esposti

Bonnie Jennings

Grace Degli Esposti

Cindy Kent

Livia Degli Esposti

Jake Pfander

Renzo Degli Esposti

Carl Skeel

Clara Mantua

And 1 Junior member

Jonathan Matua

Dixie Mountain #860

Joseph Mantua

Michael Hennessey

Nickole Mantua Kala Self Randy Self

Dawn Stith

HAS YOUR GRANGE RECENTLY WELCOMED A NEW MEMBER? Make sure they are recognized!

Most names listed are submitted by State Grange leaders, but anyone may submit the names of new members so they can be recognized in Good Day! by emailing Philip Vonada at pvonada@nationalgrange.org. ®

74

NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30, 2025

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

www.nationalgrange.org

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Liberty #613

Skyline #894

Frankfort Springs #1989

Ontelaunee #1617

Matt Harshman

Andrea Flint

Tami Reed

Dan Brown

Karen Patton

Lex Flint

Lisa Chillot

Little Deschutes #939

Anne Rocheleau

Halfmoon #290

Gearold Clayton Lowell #745 Greg Hampton Lisa Hampton Linda Reinhart

Collin Strid And 3 Junior members South Fork #605 Alex Regan Springwater #263

Mike Reinhart

Connie Erickson

Marys River #685

The Sandy #392

Susan Binder Yasha Duggal New Bridge #789

Upper Rogue #825

Nicole Farris

Mary Tumbusch

Seth Farris

Winona #271

Martha Pennock

Molly Burns

North End #820

Walter Darrah

Lindsay Wilsey

Emery Olson

Timothy Wilsey

Pennsylvania

And 2 Junior members Pleasant Grove #475

Virginia Dumm

Bill Sachse

Big Knob #2008

Bryce Sullivan

Elizabeth Hewitt

Quincy #321

Jaime Loschihskey

Dan Lovegren

Skip Ruckert

Ryan Lovegren

Canusarago #27

Redwood #760

Lillian Foust

Hartslog Valley #375

Adam Swartz

William Stout

Plumsteadville #1738

Harveys-Aleppo #1444

Joan Cannon

Todd Siple Hickory #1285 Kyle Barr Judy Heitzenrater Harry Kunselman Heidi Kunselman

Susan Diamond Christine Kennedy Kevin Kennedy Janice King Patsy Ruth King Tara Zarka Red Lion #1781 Scott Hunt Russellville #91

George Sipe

Gayle Reyburn

Katie Sipe

Sewickley #1897

Hookstown #1980

Carey Franicola

John Stewart, Jr.

Darcy Franicola

Howard #297

Shavers Creek #353 1 Junior member

Penny Thompson Sherri True Kathy Witherite Kimmerlings #1529 Bryn Fox-Reich

Michael Loschihskey

Mary Lovegren

Danny Morrison

Hayfield #800

Banner #1115

Connie Kilby

Emma Wenrick

W. Thomas Waters

Cassie Ogden Zacain Ogden

Perry Valley #1804

Donald Jacobs

Chyna Baney-Ogden

Alberton Safra

Merissa Arnold

Tuscarora #774 Curtis Dunn Brooks Owens Valley #1360

Trey Fox-Reich

Lisa Lafferty

Harlee Kushmanick

Virginia

John Lipinski Logan Rhoad

Goodwill #959

Connie Buell

Eagle #1

Lori Zook

Catherine Burton

David Buell

Jeanne Brooks

Deb Burg

Maxine Ravert

Long Branch Community #2072

Terrapin Neck #932

Rockwall #679

Elizabethtown #2076

Lisa Glawinski

Terry L Lavell

Colby Reedy

Tom Glawinski

Row River #835

Enterprise #1352

Brandon Plunko

Washington

Jessica Campbell

Kayla Komar

Joe Leonhardt

Trevor Komar

McCollum

Fairdale #1157

Sauvie Island #840

Albert Lyman Palmer

Karalyn DeWalt

Eleanore Palmer

Siletz Valley #558

Forest #853

James Buisman

Barbara Koeber

Kathy Buisman

Jeffrey Motzer

Christine Wilkinson Mike Wilkinson Middletown #684 Jessica Bloomfield Joseph Bloomfield Grady Wilkoski Katie Wilkoski Jessie Wilkoski Josh Wilkoski

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

www.nationalgrange.org

Kristen Farry

Adna #417

Leeroy Wisner Barberton #571 Erika Thorpe Timothy Thorpe Trinitee Thorpe Camden #687 Derrek Nicholas Linda Pangerl Mike Pangerl

75

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Collins #893

James Koski

Prosperity #315

South Bay #250

Kevan Inman

Mary Scott

Rebekah Keiser

Bret Childers

Joseph Smith

Sarah K. Small

Roswitha Morrison

Rachel Eaton

Columbia #87

Horseshoe #965

Teri Ramsauer

Megan Saskell

Todd Andrews

Steven Emler

Rome #226

Spring Hill #909

Lincoln Creek #407

James Flores

Tami Harper

Erin Peterson

Terry Harper

Andrea Rowe

Jerri Preedy

Julie Shootkevich

Stillaguamish #1058

Jitka Frys Paul Frys Brian Hinde Christian Stein John Tiffany David West Cowlitz Prairie #737 Kaidence Brown Laurie Eaton

Natalie Fenwick Teresa Fenwick Thomas Fenwick Ken Reiger

Elizabeth Volkart

And 1 Junior member

Larry Volkart

Long Beach #667

Sammamish Valley #286

Hans Bruher

Mark Bailey

Lexi Shirley

Crescent #1123

San Juan Island #966

Mike Shirley

Amanda Azous

Don Irving

Lummi Island #925

Keri Crawbuck

Davis Lake #501

Tom Brokaw

Bobby Coleman

Di Kegeles

Maria Coleman

Tom Kennedy

Tim Whitlock

Kathy Zaiser

Fargher Lake #853

Manor #1101

April Giese

Jeanne Ellis

Summer Giese

Alaina Patton

Forest #153

Danielle Toma

Hilary Day LaConte Carole Kosturn Theora Moench Laura Norris Eric Rezabek Kristen Rezabek Dawna Tsering Dan Whitman

Debby Anderson

Matlock #357

Jo Coleman

Edward Damounti

Carrie Emery

McLane #383

Sarah Holmes Savannah Holmes Shane Holmes Robin Jacques Enrique Sanchez Maria A. Sanchez

CJ Cusick

Amanda Zee Sharon #800 Angela Arreola

Tammy Eltrich

Angi Aubuchon

Larry LeMaster

Matt Aubuchon

Heather Senn

Toni Aubuchon

John Senn Menastash #1054

Manetta Pfrimmer Swauk Teanaway #984 Shelley Emmons Juli Jobin Ten Mile #399 Tammy Brandvold Emily McQuarrie Courtney Paton Bradley Stirling Sarah Stirling Jeff Van Beek Adrianna Paige Veloz Terrace Heights #586 Jack Ketchum Kate Ketchum Stephanie Ketchum Wesley Ketchum Twisp Vlaley #482 Mary Kolts Waitsburg #1 Lillian Ferguson

Shelley Aubuchon

William Ferguson

Richard Bailey

West Virginia

Charlie Allenbaugh

Randi Balderston

Russ Allenbaugh

Marc Brasel

South Fork Grange #520

Brandy Allmand

Ericka Jackson

Wanda Bartlett

Keith Allmand

Linda Johnson

Marli Mushrush

Austin Gordon

Ester McBride

Brittany Gordon

Stacy Munson

Aspyn Sandnes

Trevin M. Shepherd

Morgan Wilmart

Tiea Vaughn

Tommy Wilmart

Roberta von Reichbauer

And 7 Junior members

William von Reichbauer

Oroville #985

Skamoka #425

Mike May

Kimberly J. Howell

Glenwood #94

Derrick Shaw

Cindy McCullough

Pleasant Hill #101

Skookumchuk #584

Kelly Scott And 1 Junior member Fort Colville #533 Rebecca Augert And 1 Junior member Fruitland #999 Robert Culp Kimberly LaBiosa Bonnie stevens Fruitvale #348 Douglas White

Lloyd McCullough

76

Zachary Davis

Reflections Unlimited, LLC

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

www.nationalgrange.org

MEMORIAL NOTICES MICHAEL K. LYNCH

Past President, Delaware State Grange (2012-2020) Michael Keller Lynch, age 72 of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 19th, 2025. He was born on October 25th, 1952, in Buffalo, NY, to the late Gerald Ackley and Marion Hedding Lynch.

A proud graduate of Newark High School, Class of 1970, Michael continued his education by attending classes at The University of Delaware. He then went on to serve his Country with honor in the United States Marine Corps, embodying a spirit of dedication and bravery that defined his life. He worked for Acme Markets for 41 years. His life was a testament to dedication, service, and compassion. Michael was a dedicated and lifelong member of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows I.O.O.F., joining Centreville Lodge #37 in 1989. He served with great honor in numerous leadership roles, including Past Grand Master, Past Grand Patriarch, and Past Grand Secretary of Delaware. Michael was also a proud member of The Canton and The Rebekahs. In addition, he was an active member of The Delaware State Grange, where he served as State Master from 2012-2020 and was named Granger of The Year in 2021. His commitment to service was recognized nationally when he was awarded a Quilt

of Valor at the National Grange Session. Michael was a member of Harmony Grange #12.

Michael was a passionate fan of baseball and football.

He was a lifelong supporter of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles, rarely missing a televised game. He also found joy and serenity in nature, especially during quiet moments spent fishing, golfing, or traveling with friends. Above all, Michael was a man who cherished friendship and family. He was blessed with many lasting friendships and met the love of his life, Helen Pierce Lynch, in 1986. They were married in October of 1989 and shared over 35 wonderful years together. Michael was a faithful member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church, joining in 1990, and served on several committees.

Michael is survived by his loving wife Helen, sister Jane Ackley Lynch, his Goddaughter Alyssa Patel, Godson Aidan Blanco, and many loved ones.

A celebration of Michael’s life was held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Ebenezer United Methodist Church. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to his church, EUMC or your favorite charity in Michael’s name.

-----Cards & Condolences may be sent to: Helen Lynch 1113 Maplefield Rd Newark, DE 19713

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

www.nationalgrange.org

77

VERA LAVERNE REICHARDT SCHIF SMITH

Past First Lady, Kansas State Grange (1984-1987) Vera LaVerne Reichardt Schif Smith, 88, Burlington, KS, passed away on Thursday evening August 7, 2025, at the Life Care Center, Burlington.

LaVerne was born February 25, 1937, in Spring Creek Township (LeRoy, Kansas) to Raymond Arthur Reichardt and Elva Ann (Clason) Reichardt. She was the oldest of three children with brothers Raymond Arthur Reichardt, Jr. (Valley, AL) and Clason LeRoy Reichardt (Hoyt, KS). As a child, she loved playing with her brothers, visiting with aunts and uncles and traveling by train from Burlington to Gridley, all by herself, to visit grandparents. She lived at Kaw, Newton, Elmendaro, Olpe, Avon, then Burlington where she graduated from Burlington High School in 1954.

She married Robert Randall Schif on August 26, 1956. They lived at the Schif Family Farm west of Burlington where she and Randall ran a dairy cow operation, the first automated dairy farm in Coffey County, raised cattle and hogs, along with tending field crops. They became the parents of five children, Randee Renee, Sheree Lynne, Kevin Keith (infant, deceased), Kristee Kaye, and Robert Randall II (Bob). Many happy memories were made on the dairy farm for the entire family until Randall’s health required the sale of the milk cows. In 1978, the family moved to Burlington where LaVerne worked at Douglass Realty and Auctioneering and then later Farm Bureau Insurance. Randall passed away on August 2, 1987. On July 27, 1991, LaVerne married Merle “Smitty” Smith and opened her heart to more family.

They enjoyed years of fishing, traveling to Branson, and attending grandchildren’s activities. Merle passed away on December 5, 2013.

Randall and LaVerne joined Otter Creek Grange #1493 and Pomona Grange #3 after being married and became involved on the local, county, state and national levels.

They represented Kansas as Young Couple of the Year in national competition in 1963 where they were named National Runner-Up. She served as State Flora from 1970 to 1978, State Youth Director from 1978 to 1984, First Lady of the Kansas State Grange (Randall being President) from 1984 to 1987, and State Treasurer from 1990 to 2000.

She was honored as Kansas Granger of the Year in 2006.

LaVerne was proud of her immediate family’s involvement in the Grange. One of her proudest moments was having

78

38 family members including children and grandchildren and their spouses and greatgrandchildren attend and be recognized at the National Grange Convention in Wichita, Kansas as a 7th generation Legacy Grange family. Merle, of course, became a member when he and LaVerne were married and they were named Kansas State Grange King and Queen in 2001.

LaVerne was a member of Martha Chapter No. 73 of the Order of Eastern Star, Burlington. She volunteered with Friends of Coffey County Health System.

LaVerne loved being with immediate and extended family and friends. Not having any sisters, she treasured the friendships of sisters-in-law and special ladies that came into her life. She drove tractors, cooked for the farm hands, helped with the milking and sewed for her daughters from toddler age to wedding dresses. She enjoyed growing beautiful flowers, baking sugar cookies, coloring greeting cards for military, playing solitaire, working on crossword puzzles and word searches. Fried chicken was her favorite food group. She always had a sweet smile and kind word for those she had the pleasure of spending time with.

LaVerne was baptized March 27, 1949. She attended both the Burlington United Methodist and Christian Churches in her adult years. She thoroughly enjoyed the many visits and kindnesses of church members, including the tied prayer blanket presented to her following shoulder surgery this year. It was very much a comfort to her throughout the remainder of her life.

LaVerne was preceded in death by husbands Randall Schif and Merle Smith, infant son Kevin Keith Schif, brother LeRoy Reichardt, brother-in-law Larry Schif, and sister-inlaw Donna Schif.

She is survived by her daughters, Randee Farmer (Michael), Augusta, KS, Sheree Damashek (Terry), Burlington, KS, Kristee Strawder, Burlington, KS; and son, Bob Schif (Jean), Derby, KS; her grandchildren, Aimee Damashek, Nicole Wallace (Travis), Katee Lee (Zach), Nathan Strawder (Sarah), Nolan Strawder (Abby), Mandee Shaver (Jake), Jamee Funk (Colby), Kelsee Romero (Dom), Austin Farmer (Brittany), Aaron Schif, Ashlee Schif, Baylee Holmes (Keaton) and Jacob Schif; great-grandchildren, Marlee Wallace, Holden Wallace, Magnolia Lee, Nellie Lee, Hudson Strawder, Haven Strawder, Ellee Shaver, Landon Funk, Jace Funk, Langston Farmer, Henry Farmer, Ainslee Romero, Xander Romero, and Lillee Holmes; brother, Raymond Reichardt (Elizabeth); sister-in-law, Sandy Reichardt; nieces; nephews; stepchildren, Gary Smith (deceased), Sandy Garrett (deceased), Robin Acree, Karla Brown, Linda Mattox, spouses and families; and many other family and friends. She loved and was loved, there is no greater joy.

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

www.nationalgrange.org

As public safety’s partner, we are bringing better connectivity to public safety when and where they need it. Now with more than 2.99M square miles of coverage, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T has the largest network footprint in the country, covering more first responders than competing commercial networks. And we’re continuing to expand FirstNet with purpose-built FirstNet sites—based on public safety’s direct feedback and network considerations—focused on rural, tribal and remote areas of the country.

To learn how we’re supporting first responders across America, visit

attconnects.com

© 2025 AT&T Intellectual Property. FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Junior Grange Our States: Florida Associated with The United States Passport #34 What is the postal abbreviation for Florida? _______ On what date did Florida receive statehood? ________________________ What is the State Capitol? _________________________ The biggest city in the state is _____________________________.

What is the population of the state? _________________ How many square miles is Florida? _____________ What is the state motto? ___________________________________________ State’s official Animal? _______________________ State’s official Flower?_____________________ Name one Indigenous tribe that lives in Florida _______________________ How many counties does Florida have?________________________ What city in Florida attracts more visitors than any other amusement park destination in the United States? ____________________ Florida leads the nation in the production of sugar cane: T___________ F_____________ What is the largest lake in Florida?_______________________________ Who are the two U.S. Senators from Florida? _______________________ (party: ________) _______________________(party: ________) Provide a name of one U.S. Representative from Florida ________________________ (party: ________) Where is the John F Kennedy Space Center located in Florida?________________________ What city in Florida has the highest average temperature in the United States?_________________ Who is the current State Grange President of Florida?_____________________________ 80

J

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

J

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

81

82

J

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Investing in and Supporting Our 100% U.S. Based Employees From competitive pay and great benefits to tuition-free degrees and selfprogression programs, we’re supporting our workforce and their long-term growth with Charter.

Our newest investment extends our support to an important constituency: our employees’ children. We recently joined the federal “Invest America” Trump Accounts initiative – a new program that will see the U.S. government deposit $1,000 into an index fund in the name of every American child born from January 2025 through December 2028. We will match the federal government’s $1,000 contribution for our employees’ children, doubling the program’s impact for many working families across the country.

Learn more about how we’re investing in our employees and their families at policy.charter.com.

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

83

Chea’s Recent Rural Reads

By Chea Parton Founder, Literacy in Place and Reading Rural YAL

Summer is reading season for me. I try to catch up on all the titles I’ve been adding to my “To Be Read” pile.

Audiobooks are my favorite because I can walk, plant flowers, and go about my summer barn chores while immersing myself in a story. In this issue, I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite reads from the summer – one of which is perfect for the upcoming spooky season.

An Ugly World for Beautiful Boys by Rob Costello One of the things that I appreciate most about Rob Costello and his work is that neither shies away from difficult topics. Rob’s work constantly reminds me that even though I try to balance the scales by showing people all of the good that exists and often gets ignored about rural areas, he reminds me that there are still shadow aspects of rural places, cultures, and communities that are often the reason for stereotypes and need to be confronted if progress is to be possible.

Here’s the jacket summary: Self-styled “beautiful boy” Toby Ryerson dreams in stardust but lives in the dirt. Haunted by the specter of his mom’s overdose, he itches for a life of fun and fabulosity far from his backwoods, Adirondack town.

Toby knows his older brother Jimmy didn’t sacrifice everything to raise him so he could waste his life on men and partying like Mom did. But why can’t Jimmy see that he is their mother’s son? When Toby outs the boy who broke his heart in a fit of rage, the web of lies he’s spun to manage Jimmy’s expectations quickly unravels. A brutal beating leads to a campaign of cyberbullying, culminating in even greater disaster.

Enter Gabe, a sexy stranger from Mom’s past who seduces Toby with the keys to the Big Apple.

But when Toby’s dreams of a fabulous life in the city quickly turn into a nightmare, will Jimmy’s love be

84

Y

enough to save him, or will he end up just like Mom? An Ugly World for Beautiful Boys is a gritty and harrowing queer coming-of-age novel as well as a love story between two mismatched brothers coping with the burden of secrets and a legacy of shame.

Costello’s writing is masterful, the characters are beautifully complex and nuanced, and the story inspires readers to participate in deep introspection as they consider their own strengths, flaws, and relationships. It is jarring at times and doesn’t always paint the most idyllic picture of rural areas, but it invites us to confront the bad so we can get and make things better. The audiobook (read by Myles Dabbs) is fabulous, so if that is your preferred mode of reading, I highly recommend it.

Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris I love a good Dolly Partonadjacent story. I loved A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy, and just finished up Once Upon a Time in Dollywood by Ashley Jordan and enjoyed them both immensely, so I had to pick up Every Time You Hear That Song. I was delighted by the story in which Decklee Castle (a sort of AntiDolly) takes her biggest fans on a scavenger hunt to discover unheard music after her death.

Like Costello’s novel, Voris’s work explores the complexity of people and the particular challenges that come with being a rural person.

Here’s the jacket summary: They say never meet your idols. But nothing about digging up their deepest secrets.

Seventeen-year-old aspiring journalist Darren Purchase has been a lifelong fan of country music legend Decklee Cassel, who’s as famous for her classic hits as she is for her partnership with songwriter Mickenlee Hooper. The same Mickenlee who mysteriously backed out of the limelight at the height of their careers, never to be heard from again. Now Decklee’s televised funeral marks the unveiling of her long-awaited time capsule. But when it’s revealed to be empty, a trail of scavenger-hunt clues unfolds, leading to a whopping cash prize for

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

whoever finds the real capsule. Darren knows there’s a story there—and she’s going to be the one to break it. Even if it means a spontaneous road trip with her coworker Kendall.

Flashback to 1963, when a young runaway Decklee has her sights set on fame and glory. As she claws her way to the top over the years that follow, it’s Mickenlee’s lyrics that help rocket her to stardom. But as their relationship evolves beyond the professional, it threatens everything Decklee has worked for. What else will she sacrifice to hold on to her dreams?

Told in alternating perspectives, Every Time You Hear That Song is a beautiful tale told across lifetimes. There’s more to Decklee’s story that Darren ever could have guessed, but the real story she has to tell is her own.

My colleague, Rachel Kuehl, and I recently wrote an article about the difficulty of finding your place in the world as a rural person. Living in a literal/physical margin as well as a social one makes it more difficult for rural teens especially to buy in to the idea that in order to be successful, in order to be “somebody” they have to leave their rural places, and this novel questions that in a way that I think is really important for rural teens. I read this one in audiobook format as well and enjoyed the way the narrators (Emily Lawrence and Allison Strong) brought the story to life.

Bittersweet in the Hollow & Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue by Kate Pearsall Spooky Season is one of my favorite times of year! The crunch of leaves and the witchy feelings in the air bring me so much joy – as

ability. She can taste what others are feeling, but this so-called gift soured her relationship with the vexingly attractive Cole Spencer one fateful night a year ago... A night when Linden vanished into the depths of the Forest and returned with no memories of what happened, just a litany of questions—and a haze of nightmares that suggest there’s more to her story than simply getting lost.

Now, during the hottest summer on record, another girl in town is gone, and the similarities to last year’s events are striking. Except, this time, the missing girl doesn’t make it home, and when her body is discovered, the scene unmistakably spells murder.

As tempers boil over, Linden enlists the help of her sisters to find what’s hiding in the forest... before it finds her. But as she starts digging for truth—about the Moth-Winged Man rumored to haunt the Hollow, about her bitter rift with Cole, and even about her family—she must question if some secrets are best left buried.

In Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue, the story follows Linden’s sister, Rowan, as she works to sniff out (literally) the hidden lies in Caball Hollow and how they’re connected to the mysterious pattern of objects going missing around town.

Both books are wonderful fall reads whether in print or audiobook. I enjoyed each of these books immensely, and I hope you get the opportunity to check them out!

did both Bittersweet in the Hollow and Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue.

All book cover images are the respective property of

Pearsall crafts these around the

the copyright holders, and are used with permission for

myth of Moth Man and the ancient

educational purposes.

mountains and magic of Appalachia.

As a member of the Appalachian diaspora (my grandparents migrated north in the 40s), I felt at home in these books.

Here’s the jacket summary for Bittersweet in the Hollow: In rural Caball Hollow, surrounded by the vast National Forest, the James women serve up more than fried green tomatoes at the Harvest Moon diner, where the family recipes are not the only secrets.

Like her sisters, Linden was born with an unusual

Y

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

85

WE'LL NEVER STOP LOOKING FOR ANSWERS FOR PATIENTS WHO NEED THEM.

86

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

NOTES FROM A SMALL TOWN

Markers, Headstones, and History

By Christopher Dean First Gentleman, Massachusetts State Grange

Before the town had its first permanent residents, what was to become Rockport was part of the city of Gloucester and was uninhabited—except for seasonal workers who lived in shacks for a few months at a time while they cut granite for use in breakwaters, wharfs, and building foundations.

For perhaps a hundred and fifty centuries before that, the area was inhabited by members of varying indigenous peoples, the most recent being the Agawam tribe, who were displaced and then killed off by disease and slavery, so that for several decades no one lived in the northeast corner of the island of Cape Ann. That is, until 1690, when Richard Tarr settled there with his wife, in a small house just off what is now Main St, where they had ten children. This little domestic event is commemorated by an iron historical marker that was installed in the general location in 1930. Other settlers were to follow the Tarrs, and they still have many descendants living in the area. In 1732, the original Mr. Tarr himself died and needed to be put to rest in the ground that he owned, and the town had granted him permission to use for burials.

The plot where he was buried (which still exists) overlooked the beach and a narrow path that led from the main part of the settlement to the northern tip where the granite quarrying took place. It was called simply the “Burying Ground” until the town of Rockport broke off from Gloucester in 1840 over a debate about how hard it was to get to the meeting houses in the middle of Gloucester.

The Burying Ground was renamed The First Parish Burying Ground, and most of the oldest burials occurred there until the middle of the nineteenth century, when the Union Cemetery was opened, followed by the Beech Grove Cemetery in the early twentieth century.

The First Parish Burying Ground is an attractive little place, on the side of a hill, bounded by parking lots for two nearby inns and at the highest point by small but handsomely modest houses; among them is one of the oldest surviving houses in town. The later headstones are carved in white New Hampshire marble, while the early ones were stern slate, and almost all of them in the cemetery are getting a bit—to put it politely—higgledy-piggledy as they now skew slightly downhill.

Most of the headstones are almost completely covered

H & L

The First Parish Burial Ground, features some “higgledypiggledy” tombstones that date back to the mid-1700s.

Photo by Christopher Dean

by splotches of two different kinds of lichen, a gray species and an orange one, which obscure the inscriptions carefully carved there to honor locals, some of whose names are still known to residents, though most are now completely forgotten. The wonky headstones remind you of all those cartoons that you see in October: looking spooky, all bare trees and picturesque decay.

The town’s historical society finally said, “Enough is enough, this has to be cleaned up, it’s a historic site, and it’s a mess.” Last summer, they hired a small company to straighten out a section of the place so that the town could see how it would look all cleaned up. This summer, they put out word on Facebook and in the local papers that the company would show residents how to clean the headstones of lichen so that they could be straightened up later after being cleaned by hand. I went to the second cleaning session to find out how it was done, and it turned out to be easy enough.

First, wet down the headstone with plain water, then spray the wet stone with a mild detergent called D2, let it sit for a few minutes, then start scraping off the nowdamp lichen using a plastic paint scraper; it’ll mostly come off without too much effort. Then, rub a plastic brush over everything in a circular motion. Wash down the surface every now and then; eventually, it’ll all come off. When it

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

87

looks pretty clean, wash the surface

no streets with that name, no beaches,

of Witham who had recently died in

with water and stand back to admire

no town hall buildings, or conference

Gloucester, right next door, and there’s

what you’ve just accomplished.

rooms (I checked). It was just an

a Witham Road that I’d never heard of

The first stone I cleaned revealed

ordinary name from the past, Hannah

in the southern end of town.

itself for the first time in about a

Goss, and her husband was apparently

So here were some real people,

century. It said in weathered white

a lawyer. Decent. This made me wonder

one with a few descendants and one

marble,

where they might’ve lived. Had they

with, apparently, none by the name.

had children? Did I go to school with

I’d lived here or spent time here for

Mrs. HANNAH

their descendants? And there was also

my entire life, and these people had

Consort of

this question: “consort?” What’s that

walked on many of the same streets,

James Goss, Esq.

about? This might mean a trip to the

seen many of the same churches and

Died Jan. 30, 1827

historical society at some point.

houses. In fact, my own childhood

Aged 52 years

That same day, I did a second

home would’ve been familiar to them,

There it was: a name from almost

headstone, just because it was so easy

cocked off to one side, at an odd angle

exactly two hundred years ago. A

to do, and when I finished, I found

to King Street, along with several other

name I’d never heard before, there are

this after I’d washed away dirty soap

houses on the same street. Our current

suds with water, also on weathered white

home was still about twenty years in the future for Mr. Witham, but my childhood home had already stood for

marble:

a century and a half.

CHARLES WITHAM son of

to help with the cleaning puts them

Joshua and

in touch with their/our history. In

Hannah Witham

fact, the man cleaning the headstone

Died

next to my first one was descended

March 22 1830 Aged 23 years Nothing

could

plainer.

There

be were

punctuation

variations the

two

between stones,

and there was the

A sketch of the tombstone for Mr. Eleazer Boynton, as sketched by the author following the cleaning and restoration of the stone.

Illustration by Christopher Dean

88

H & L

This idea of getting local residents

from the Haskell family that was also early settlers, he was thrilled that the headstone he had arbitrarily picked was for one of his own ancestors. I’ve also decided that I’m going to draw each of the headstones that I clean as a sort of documentary art project, I’ve got four drawings, so far, with more to come.

coincidence of the

As far as I’m concerned, the whole

name “Hannah” for

idea turns the cleaning of the burying

his mother. After I got

ground into a town-wide event, it gives

home, I immediately

all of us who participated a sense of

found online a woman

ownership in our shared past. It’ll also

with the maiden name

look really cool when it’s done.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

We believe in driving change in unordinary ways.

From the medicines we've pioneered, to the ways we get them to people, to how we see and treat the whole body.

Real change requires true accountability. And you can count on us.

Learn more at www.novonordisk-us.com

© 2025 Novo Nordisk All rights reserved.

US25NNG00078 July 2025

H & L

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

89

Reimagining medicine, together With approximately 35 research and development projects across solid tumors, hematology and radioligand therapy (RLT), Novartis is committed to using technology, leading science and patient-centered research to deliver pioneering cancer care for all those in need.

Follow our journey at novartis.com

90

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

What’s Up, Doc?: Carrots!

By Ann Olson Bercher President, Minnesota State Grange Certified Culinary Specialist Fall ends the growing season in Minnesota, and the last to be harvested in my garden are usually the root crops. Apparently, America’s favorite root vegetable may not be the potato, no matter how many French fries are consumed; instead, we prefer the humble carrot.

According to several sources on the internet, each American will consume 10,866 carrots in a lifetime - I am guessing that each baby carrot counts as one whole carrot. That means California—the largest producer of carrots in the US, providing 94% of the crop—needs to keep up the good work!

Carrots were domesticated over 5,000 years ago in the ancient empires, including modern-day Iran and Afghanistan. Upon their arrival in ancient Greece and Rome during medieval times, carrots were used for medicinal purposes. At that time, the color of carrots was not orange; instead, they could be black, white, red, or purple in color. The iconic orange color was created in the

Netherlands during the 17th century through selective breeding. This was done in tribute to the House of Orange, the royal family.

Today, carrots are colorful jewels on any plate, whether they are roasted, stewed, or sautéed, whole or sliced, pickled or fresh. There are many ways to enjoy a great carrot!

Many cuisines employ carrots in their recipes, from Asian to Middle Eastern, African to European. And, of course, American.

Interestingly, while carrots are a fabulous source of fiber, betacarotene, and antioxidants, their nutrition is best released once it has been cooked. Why are carrots so tasty? They have the highest sugar content of any vegetable.

(The second-highest source of sugar in a vegetable is beets, but that’s for another article.) So, are carrots still healthy? Yes! Carrots have a low glycemic index, usually lower than that of refined sugars found in many processed foods, and the fiber content of carrots slows down the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream.

There are some fun myths to share about carrots.

Most popular is the one that led to the belief that eating carrots helps to improve night vision: During World War II, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) used a secret radar technology that helped them pinpoint the location of enemy bombers during the night. RAF pilot John “Cat’s Eyes” Cunnigham was the first pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft using this new technology. He would go on to record 20 more victories, 19 of them occurring during the night. The

The British propaganda campaign about carrots being good for night vision even rolled into the “Dig On for Victory” campaign (the UK version of Victory Gardens). This propoganda poster by artist Peter Fraser prominently features carrots.

Image in Public Domain Accessed via WikiMedia Commons

F GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & R ™

www.nationalgrange.org

91

Ministry of Information developed a

your skin orange: This is actually true!

propaganda campaign and told the

A condition called “carotenemia” will

newspapers that Cunnigham and

give your skin a yellowish tint. This

pilots like him were so successful

is not too serious, as it is reversible

because they ate so many carrots.

if you quit eating so many carrots.

The

British

bought

into

the

However, too much carrot juice, like

campaign and began eating more

1 gallon a day, just might kill you with

carrots. The Food Ministry even took

a Vitamin A overdose.

it a step further and encouraged the

Lastly,

those

fabulous

baby

use of carrots as an alternative to

carrots that are so conveniently

fruit in cakes and tarts because of

bagged up and ready to eat are not

the natural sweetness of carrots. (see

naturally miniature: They are full-

above). Carrots were also stuck onto

grown carrots that are cut, peeled,

to grow carrots as part of the Dig on

Bugs Bunny is almost always portrayed with a carrot, like in this 1997 US Postal Service stamp - perpetuating the myth that rabbits love carrots.

Image courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute

for Victory program. But the target of

your immune system.

the 1980s. He hated throwing out

sticks and given to children instead of lollypops. People were encouraged

and shaped into those perfect pieces due to the genius of a California farmer, Mike Yurosek, and his son in

this campaign was not the British, it

Rabbits eat a lot of carrots: A

so many carrots because they were

was directed toward the Germans to

favorite childhood cartoon character,

blemished or oddly shaped, so he

distract them from the evidence of

Bugs Bunny, is rarely seen without

started the process of cutting and

their fantastic radar technology.

a carrot in hand, er paw, while

peeling them to make them appear

delivering his famous, “What’s up,

perfect. This mechanized process

Doc?” mantra. It turns out that while

can be viewed on YouTube.

While carrots may not improve your night vision, they are good for eye health, your skin and boosting

rabbits may like carrots, one carrot

For more fun carrot trivia, facts,

for a rabbit is equivalent to a human

and recipes, I recommend that you

eating 20 carrots. The sugar content

visit the World Carrot Museum. This

in carrots is too much for a rabbit.

is a virtual museum that celebrates

Excessive carrot consumption upsets

all things carrot.

their digestive system and disrupts the bacteria levels in the gut. If you raise rabbits, offer carrots as an occasional treat.

carrotmuseum.co.uk/index.html.

With all of this to ponder, the following are a few recipes that use

Eating too many carrots will turn

92

You can access it at https://www.

F GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & R ™

www.nationalgrange.org

carrots in a number of different ways.

Moroccan Style

Carrot Dip

1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced thin 3 tablespoons water 1 ½ garlic cloves 1 teaspoon ginger, grated Pinch cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil Pinch of salt

Carrot

1. Place carrots and water in saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer gently 25-30 minutes shaking pan from time to time until carrots are soft. If any liquid remains, increase heat to boil off liquid, keep stirring so carrots do not scorch.

2. Transfer carrots to food processor bowl.

3. Add remaining ingredients to processor bowl and blend to form a smooth puree.

4. Check seasonings and add salt and cayenne as needed.

5. Chill well before serving.

Pancakes

makes 20

¾ cup milk 1 teaspoon vinegar ½ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup quick cooking oats 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon salt 2 cups finely diced carrots 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 egg

1. Combine milk and vinegar in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Place four oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a food processor bowl and pulse for one minute.

3. Add milk/vinegar mixture, carrots, vanilla, vegetable oil, and egg to dry ingredients. Process until pureed.

4. Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat.

5. Pour or scoop ¼ cup of batter onto skillet.

6. Brown on both sides.

F GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & R ™

www.nationalgrange.org

93

President’s Recipe Carrot Raisin Salad A family favorite, you could always count on

shared by President Christine Hamp

my Grandma Alice Ohlsen, a Golden Sheaf member of Tualco Grange #284 (WA), to bring this salad to picnics.

Ingredients: 2-½ cups coarsely grated carrots ½ cup raisins ½ cup mayo or Miracle Whip 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions: Mix well. Refrigerate. Serve.

Cookies

Oatmeal Carrot ¾ cup butter softened ¾ cup brown sugar, packed 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda

makes 20

½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground cloves 2 cups rolled oats (not quick cooking oats) 1 cup shredded carrots

½ cup raisins ¼ cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until creamy.

3. Add egg and vanilla extract and beat until incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the allpurpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.

5. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until well combined.

6. Fold in the carrots, oats, raisins, and walnuts.

7. Drop large mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheet.

8. Bake for 12 – 15 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.

94

F GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & R ™

www.nationalgrange.org

Carrot & Ginger Soup

makes 6 cups

2 tablespoons olive oil ½ cup minced onion 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups chicken stock

4 cups peeled and diced carrots ½ cup half and half Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to taste Salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat oil in a large, deep saucepan over high heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 8 minutes.

2. Add chicken stock and carrots. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until carrots are tender, about 30 minutes.

3. Puree the mixture in batches or use an immersion blender.

4. Reheat over low heat. Add half and half, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Heat until warmed through.

Gratin

Carrot, Parsnip, and Potato 1 pound carrots, thinly sliced* ½ pound parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced* ½ pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced*

1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced ½ teaspoon salt

serves 8

½ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg 1cup half and half ¼ cup heavy whipping cream ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese

*use a mandolin to make equally thin slices 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, then transfer to the baking dish.

3. Cover and bake for 35-45 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

4. Uncover and bake until the cream has thickened.

5. Add cheese and continue baking until cheese has melted.

6. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving

F GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & R ™

www.nationalgrange.org

95

Roasted

Carrots and Chickpeas with

Tahini

1 large bunch of carrots, about a pound 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 4 tablespoons sesame oil, divided 4 tablespoons cider vinegar, divided 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil.

2. Cut carrots in half lengthwise and place on baking sheet. Top with chickpeas.

3. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk well to combine. Drizzle this mixture over the carrots and chickpeas, toss until completely coated. Spread carrot mixture in a single layer.

serves 4

½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper ¼ cup tahini 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup 2 tablespoons water

4. Roast the carrots until tender and chickpeas are beginning to get crispy, 25 – 30 minutes.

5. In a small bowl, combine tahini, maple syrup, 3 tablespoons vinegar, 2 tablespoons oil, and water.

Whisk until well combined.

6. Transfer roasted carrots to a platter. Drizzle with 1/3 cup tahini sauce. Serve with remaining sauce on the side.

rough the Grange h t e l b a l i a v Store Now a for digital download

1976

1986

1979

www.grangestore.org issuu.com/grangegoodday 96

F GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & R ™

www.nationalgrange.org

THE LAST

Word

By Alan Morgan

CEO, National Rural Health Association

Rural By Choice The national media often portrays rural communities as left behind, forgotten, and, in the worst case, dying.

National data and interviews with rural residents clearly show this is not an accurate perspective. At the National Rural Health Association, we work closely with organizations like the Grange to tell an authentic story of rural America.

A growing body of research shows what many of us inherently know: Rural residents choose to live in small towns, and for good reason – including access to local, high-quality health care services.

The challenges are real: rural populations are older, sicker, and poorer than urban residents. There are longstanding rural health care workforce shortages, and rural hospitals are closing and facing difficult financial headwinds. But these challenges also drive health care innovation in small towns across the country. The cuttingedge approaches to delivering primary care pioneered in rural communities help create a sustainable future for health care as a whole.

Some noteworthy rural innovations include using telehealth to improve access to specialty care, allowing artificial intelligence to take on the time-consuming tasks of medical documentation, and employing community health workers to bridge the gap between patients and health care providers. These are just a few of the many ways rural providers are breaking down barriers to care.

These innovative approaches are only the beginning of what we expect to see in the near future. The Rural Health Transformation Program (recently signed into law within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress)

provides $50 billion dollars over the next five years to transform the rural health care delivery ecosystem.

Through innovative, system-wide change, the program aims to reimagine rural health for future generations.

If you have seen one rural community, you have seen one rural community. This fact necessitates that flexibility be a central aspect of this new program. Funded by the federal government but administered at the state level, the program allows each state to create its own guidelines for implementation and determine how the funding will be used. We can expect to see a focus on four areas of innovation including workforce, financial viability of rural facilities, technology, and health prevention.

But what will this mean for our nation’s farm families?

As early as 2026, the funding will reach your local communities with the goal of keeping the doors open at your local hospital for generations to come. It is the expectation that your local health care provider will be able to spend more time with you during your visit and have more resources available to meet your needs and assess your health.

Another longstanding goal is to move the entire rural health system away from sick care and towards what is known as value-based health care and prevention. This system aims to empower rural residents to take control of their own health more efficiently through technology, with a particular focus on healthy eating and lifestyle. At the heart of this transformation is the concept of paying health care providers to keep you and your family well and out of the emergency room.

That is a lofty goal – providing you with tools,

L GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE W www.nationalgrange.org ™

97

resources, and information to maintain your best health while building communities that promote healthy aging.

That means empowering you with the ability to track your current health status, make healthy food choices, and have easily accessible and frequent support in maintaining your health.

If this all sounds complicated and difficult – that’s because it is.

With all of the promises and goals come just as many questions. How will this secure emergency medical services, and how will this address mental health? How will increased funding and “transformation” address the rising cost of health insurance? At this point it is difficult to find satisfactory answers. But these are exactly the questions that you, as a Grange member, should be asking your state and local officials right now, as well as your small-town doctors and nurses. Start the conversation now, before the funding arrives, before the

JEWELRY

decisions are made, and help drive the change that is yet to come.

What we do know is that local access to high-quality health care services matters. Health care is often the largest employer in any rural county, and access to maternity care is necessary for young families, while access to 24/7 emergency room services is necessary for elderly residents. Far too often, program goals and aspirations are forgotten in the implementation process, and it takes community leaders to ensure that this funding actually makes a difference for you locally.

Through innovation, many rural communities have successfully navigated the challenges they face. With the right leadership, advocacy, and guidance, hopefully this new transformation program will ensure rural residents and health care providers can continue to thrive.

People, Pride, and Progress

by David M. Howard This history book chronicles the impact of the Grange over the first 125 years of the organization.

Was $12.00, now discounted to $6.00.

1-inch pins!

Junior Grange pin - $5 4th Degree pin - $10

Redesigned Silver Star Pin $15 Recognize members who have reached 25 years of continual membership!

Member recognition pins are

10” Grange Decal Sticker This shiny and reflective sticker is sure to make your display or sign a stand-out!

Just $3.50 each LIMITED AVAILABILITY

available in 5-year increments from 5 years through 80 years All Past Office (Master, Lecturer, Secretary, and Past Junior Master) pins, and various Degree charms and ties bars are on sale!

Prices vary.

Lapel / Grange Officer sash pins Buy 3 or more for a discounted price.

Available: E, F, H, L, M, O, P, S

98

Grange Orientation Kit 225-piece kit includes new brochures to help recruit and introduce new and prospective members to the Grange. $30 each, plus shipping.

Packs of individual brochures are also available to purchase.

Order at www.grangestore.org or call (202) 628-3507 ext. 109

L GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE W www.nationalgrange.org

S U B S C R I B E F O R J U S T™$ 1 6 A Y E A R !

GIVE A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION OR START YOUR OWN TODAY www.nationalgrange.org/goodday

KEEP AMERICA’S HEARTLAND CONNECTED

F

ounded in 1910 as a local phone company, Great Plains Communications (GPC) provides broadband and communications services that allow communities to thrive.

GPC is a leader in providing fiber-driven services and technology solutions to nearly 200 communities in Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky and Nebraska. GPC’s commitment to connecting their customers includes investing in a 19,000+ mile (and growing) fiber network. Learn more at gpcom.com.

GPC is more than a provider of world-class telecommunications services. From college scholarships to educational grants to local technicians and employees living and working in the communities they serve, GPC is a true technology partner devoted to the success of their customers.

Pictured:: Great Plains Communications CEO Todd Foje and city officials celebrating the kick-off of fiber services in Ralston, Nebraska.

“The future of connectivity is not a one-size-fits-all solution. By investing in our network and learning directly from our customers, we create solutions tailored to fit the way people live and work in their homes and businesses. Our commitment is to deliver solutions that empower growth and opportunity.”

TODD FOJE, CEO, GREAT PLAINS COMMUNICATIONS

Visit USTelecom.org

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

99

In Essentials,

Unity In Non-Essentials, Liberty In All Things Charity - Grange Motto