Rural Health Disparities for Men
Blog Contributor: Shelby Leventhal
* The thoughts, opinions, and viewpoints of this blog do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint or stances of Men’s Health Network.
In many ways, a man’s zip code can be one of the major influences on his lifestyle.
Rural communities in the United States have faced a multitude of healthcare disparities for generations. These communities seldom possess places for men to receive physical and mental health care. Not only are there a lack of healthcare locations, but there are also fewer recreational spaces to exercise, sky-high insurance payments, and fewer places to purchase healthy food.
These challenges divide quality of health between urban/ suburban and rural communities and are a cry for help in these rural communities.
Without awareness and assistance from public health officials, mortality rates among men from chronic illnesses in these rural communities will continue to rise while there are families, friends, and workplaces counting on these men.
Though we have primarily focused on physical health, mental health is just as important.
According to the National Library of Medicine, mental health and mental disorders were ranked as the fourth most important rural priority in Rural Healthy People 2020. Autism rates are 1 in every 59 children, but parents in rural communities face difficulties receiving assistance and report long waitlists for care like therapeutic services. The lack of resources also contributes to suicide rates being double what they are in rural communities compared to those in urban communities.
Rural communities are not all the same, and each faces different challenges, especially with healthcare access. For example, a rural community in Appalachia often struggles with geographic isolation, poverty, and fewer nearby healthcare facilities, while rural Midwest communities may deal more with hospital closures and provider shortages.
This shows that rural healthcare challenges vary by region and need different solutions.
As discussed in a previous blog entry, social determinants of health are important to take into consideration. These healthcare challenges are influenced by a number of these social determinants such as socioeconomic status, education, and environment. Many of these limited resources and lower tax bases were worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic and as younger people tend to move away from these rural communities, the older residents are left to pick up the pieces with rising chronic illness and a lack of places to receive help for them.
There is a stigma that rural communities do not prioritize their health, but the truth is more complicated than that.
There is simply a lack of knowledge about healthcare which would be so easy to change. When blame is placed on these communities, larger issues such as limited access, high costs, and poor construction are swept under the rug. When these communities are made to feel at blame, there is a lack of trust in public health officials who can truly make the difference in these communities. The community members must be approached patiently using respectful language. Public health officials should also listen to the testimonies of community members and ensure they are included in making new policies. When community leaders and members are included, it feels collaborative and not like scolding.
It is not difficult to take small steps towards conquering these disparities. Because all rural communities are unique, so must all the solutions be. A few simple ways to begin are local partnerships, spreading the word about possible solutions locally, and mobile healthcare options such as the mobile Medic Regional bus that offers blood and plasma donation out of Knoxville, TN.
However, we must remember that having healthcare options in these rural communities is not going to solve the problem itself, it is providing education about the importance of healthcare and healthy living that will make the overarching difference.
Attending college in Kentucky and being from Tennessee, I have seen my fair share of health disparities in rural communities in both states. Tennessee has the highest rate of opioid use disorder diagnosis (56.60) in the United States with Kentucky trailing close behind at 55.60. Many of these opioid use disorders occur in rural communities due to the lack of knowledge of the consequences of drug abuse. Kentucky also experiences some of the nation’s most severe rural healthcare disparities with 8 of 13 counties reporting declining life expectancy and overdose rates recording the highest ever in 2017.
As a college woman who cares about our future, I think students should receive more knowledge about the disparities these rural communities experience. I can confidently say that without previous exposure to these rural communities, most students would not know about these struggles. I also think the university offering volunteer options for students in these rural communities can boost awareness allowing for students to advocate and work towards a healthier future in these rural communities.
With everyday activities like tabling events, or even giving students in organizations the opportunity to do hands-on work, we as a young generation are moving towards a common goal.
As a college woman who has witnessed these struggles, I believe it is important to use my voice to advocate for men in rural communities. These men are a crucial part of the foundation of their families and communities, yet frequently lack resources they need to stay healthy. By increasing awareness, sharing compassion, and supporting community-based solutions, we can begin to close the gap between rural and urban healthcare.
Every man, regardless of where he lives, deserves access to quality care and the opportunity to lead a long and health life.
About the Author:
Shelby Leventhal is a senior at the University of Kentucky, pursuing a degree in Communications and Journalism. She is a Spring 2026 intern with Men’s Health Network and an avid writer. She is also a dedicated member of Delta Zeta sorority, and is known for her vibrant personality, leadership, and commitment to fostering a sense of community.
Outside of academics, Shelby enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her dynamic interests. She’s an enthusiastic participant in recreational sports, a lover of music, an adventurous cook, and a devoted friend to all things furry. Whether she’s cheering on her Wildcats or spending time with her sorority sisters, Shelby brings creativity and energy to everything she does.
