The California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology is hosting a significant event—the Rural Healthcare Symposium—on March 27, 2024, in Sacramento. This symposium aims to develop strategies to enhance health equity in California’s underserved rural areas. Participants have the option to attend in person or join virtually, making the event accessible to a wider audience.
Addressing Key Issues in Rural Healthcare
The agenda for the symposium includes a comprehensive overview of HR1, discussions on the current state of rural health, and an exploration of the barriers these facilities face. Attendees can expect updates from legislators on ongoing initiatives that aim to address these challenges. Among the speakers is Elizabeth Bamgbose, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, who spoke with KCRA 3 on the significance of the event.
Bamgbose emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “We wanted to come together with regulators, legislators, and the community to take a much deeper dive into what’s happening in rural healthcare, how we can achieve overcoming some of our challenges, and what are some possible solutions that maybe we’re not thinking of.” This sentiment highlights the collaborative approach intended for the symposium.
Encouraging Community Involvement
The symposium is designed not just for healthcare professionals but also for community members who want to engage in discussions about healthcare access and quality in rural regions. Bamgbose expressed the desire to work closely with the community, saying, “Our main wish is to really work with the community at large and look at what we can do to put our heads together and make sure that Californians are taken care of.”
Those interested in participating in the symposium can find additional details and registration information on the California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology’s website.
The event underscores the ongoing efforts to address healthcare disparities in rural California, aiming to foster a more equitable health system for all residents. Through initiatives like this symposium, stakeholders hope to identify actionable solutions that can be implemented at both local and state levels.
