TOMORROW: Iowa Democratic Party to Launch “Republican Rural Health Care Crisis Tour” with Tim Gannon and J.D. Scholten
Budget cuts under the Reynolds-Branstad administration, including the closure of fourteen medical and mental health facilities, have particularly affected rural communities. These facilities have been shut down due to a lack of funding from the state and private health insurers, and five were closed due to Governor Reynolds disastrous privatization of Medicaid.
Rural Iowans are committing suicide at a higher rate than non-rural Iowans, with many pointing to lack of mental health services as a potential cause. Governor Reynolds has cut $4.3 million from Iowa’s Department of Human Services, the department that manages the state’s mental health services.
Democrats believe all Iowans, regardless of geography, deserve access to quality and affordable health care. Tim Gannon and J.D. Scholten believe that protecting our rural communities starts with ensuring access to health care services, including doctors and hospitals that don’t require individuals to travel hundreds of miles to access the care they need. No Iowan should have to drive hours to fulfill their basic health care needs.
Members of the press who are interested in attending events with Tim Gannon or J.D. Scholten should RSVP to Sydney McDevitt at smcdevitt@iowademocrats.org.
REPUBLICAN RURAL HEALTH CARE CRISIS TOUR
CLAY COUNTY
WHO: J.D. Scholten and Members of Clay Community
WHAT: Rural Health Care Roundtable
WHEN: Tuesday, September 25, 9:30 AM
WHERE: Clay County Democrats Office, 404 Grand Ave, Spencer, IA
JASPER COUNTY
WHO: Tim Gannon and Members of Jasper Community
WHAT: Rural Health Care Roundtable
WHEN: Tuesday, September 25, 12:00 PM
WHERE: Poppy’s Family Restaurant, 124 N Walnut, Colfax, IA