Over 1.4 million Tennesseans — more than 1 in 5 — live in rural communities with limited access to consistent healthcare.93 out of 95 counties in Tennessee are officially designated as healthcare shortage areas, meaning access to doctors, dentists, and mental health providers is critically limited. Rural hospital closures continue to rise — Tennessee has lost 16 rural hospitals since 2010, one of the highest rates in the nation. More than half of rural women in Tennessee live over 30 minutes from a birthing hospital, creating serious risks for maternal and infant health. Rural heart disease death rates are 51% higher than in urban areas — a clear sign that access to preventative care is failing communities.