Guest Author Post: My Passion for Rural Health

My Passion for Rural Health

My Passion for Rural Health

Authored by Samar Farooqui, MHA, (Pronounced: Summer Far rue key) | Public Relations Specialist | Adapt Integrated Health Care

This post is part of OPCA’s NEW guest writer series, where CHC professionals share their reasons for building and supporting Oregon’s health care safety net

Rural health has always held a special place in my heart because it represents more than just healthcare; it represents equality, dignity, and hope for communities that are often overlooked. Living and working in rural regions has shown me how deeply health outcomes are shaped by access, resources, and understanding. When people in small towns struggle to find care, the consequences affect not just individuals, but entire families and generations. That reality fuels my commitment to ensuring that rural communities receive the same quality, compassion, and opportunity as anyone else.

This is exactly why I chose to work at Adapt Integrated Health Care. Adapt’s mission to serve vulnerable and underserved populations mirrors my own values and passion for meaningful impact. I believe in the work we do bringing behavioral health, addiction treatment, and support services directly to those who need them most, often at the moments they need them most. Being part of an organization that prioritizes access, empathy, and whole-person care inspires me every day.

What motivates me even more is the incredible dedication of the people who make Adapt what it is. As a Public Relations Specialist, I have the privilege of lifting their voices, sharing their stories, and ensuring the community sees the life-changing work happening across our programs. Our teams show up with heart, resilience, and a deep commitment to healing. I am passionate about highlighting their work because I have seen firsthand how transformative their efforts are – how a counselor, case manager, peer support specialist, or nurse can change the trajectory of someone’s life. Telling those stories and amplifying their impact is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.

Ultimately, rural health is not just my professional focus, it’s a personal mission. Working at Adapt allows me to contribute to a vision where everyone, regardless of geography or circumstance, has the chance to thrive. I am grateful to support an organization that turns that vision into action every single day.

Additional Information about Adapt Integrated Health Care

Adapt Integrated Health Care is dedicated to removing barriers to healthcare and ensuring that everyone in Southwest Oregon can achieve their optimum health, regardless of their ability to pay.

From Adapt’s beginnings in 1971 to the comprehensive services they offer today, their journey reflects a deep commitment to healthcare excellence, community service, and innovative care delivery.

Adapt’s mission is to provide our communities access to world class primary care, addictions treatment, behavioral health care and prevention services to promote health and restore lives.

Additional Information About Rural Population Health in Oregon

About one-third of Oregonians (33%) live in rural areas and another 2% live in frontier counties. Source: OHSU
While one third of Oregonians live in rural and frontier areas, only about 16% of all health care providers are based in those areas. Source: OHA Rural Health Project, page 4
Rural and frontier communities experience higher-than-average death rates for the state’s top 10 causes of death and higher rates of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, coronary heart disease, depression, and hypertension. Source: OHA Rural Health Project, page 2
Rural health clinics and rural federally qualified health centers are often the only accessible source of comprehensive, affordable health and social services for whole communities, filling the gaps left by provider shortages, hospital closures, and geographic isolation.