In the last few years, we’ve all seen that health is deeply connected to community well-being, our economy, and the strength of our nation. When healthcare access is out of reach for some, we all feel the ripple effects.
That’s why we’re launching this blog series, “Care Within Reach.” Each week, we spotlight a different piece of the puzzle: telehealth, community clinics, policy solutions, or the everyday heroes helping neighbors navigate the system.
Our mission is simple but ambitious: to make quality healthcare a reality for every American, regardless of income, background, or ZIP code.
Why We’re Talking About Healthcare Access—Right Now
Tens of millions of Americans were struggling to get the healthcare they needed before the pandemic, with some Americans living hours away from the nearest healthcare provider. Other Americans couldn’t afford a copay, lacked insurance, or faced language barriers.
For many, it was a combination of all these issues and more. Then COVID-19 hit, and the cracks just broke apart entirely.
Rural hospitals are closing in increasing numbers, and low-wage workers are losing employer-based insurance. Telehealth took off, but not everyone had internet, while communities of color were hit disproportionately harder by COVID-19 in deaths and long-term impacts.
These unfortunate facts remind us that our healthcare system doesn’t work equally for everyone and that health equity isn’t a luxury but a necessity for a growing, thriving society.
What ‘Healthcare Within Reach’ Really Means
The Access to Health Foundation believes “access” isn’t just about having a doctor nearby, though that helps. Access is getting the care you need when you need it without jumping through hoops or draining your savings.
It means:
- Affordable care that doesn’t bankrupt a family
- Local services that don’t require a two-hour bus ride
- Culturally respectful providers who listen and understand
- Telehealth that works for people without high-speed internet
- Support systems, like community health workers, who help people navigate it all
Access should be practical, equitable, and tailored to real people’s lives.
Our Approach: Practical Solutions, Grounded in Community
We don’t chase theoretical fixes or one-size-fits-all answers but focus on what works and the best solution in the real world. This focus means:
- Research that’s grounded in lived experience and community needs
- Policy partnerships aiming to remove systemic barriers
- On-the-ground programs that fill gaps, from rural health vans to mental health outreach.
We work in cities, small towns, and everything in between. And no matter where we are, we start by listening.
What to Expect in This Blog Series
We’ll take you inside the work of expanding healthcare access in ways that are innovative, effective, and often under the radar. Some of the topics we explore include:
- The role of community health workers
- How telemedicine is reshaping access
- Affordable care models that are working
- The barriers people face to get in the door
- Policy efforts that are moving the needle.
We want to share insights from the frontlines of healthcare on what patients, providers, and organizers are experiencing. No matter who you are, we invite you to follow along.
Why It Matters to All of Us
This isn’t only about healthcare but also about dignity. It’s about creating a system in which people should not have to choose between filling a prescription and paying rent.
We should never have a ZIP code determine a child’s life expectancy and have uninsured people continue to be invisible. Healthcare equity strengthens families and supports healthier communities by building a more resilient, compassionate America.
And in many places, it’s already happening. We work on health care access daily, so would you like to join us in making this happen in even more places?
Explore our four support options to determine which one works best for you. We’re glad you’re here.
Follow along with “Care Within Reach” every week and join us in reimagining what healthcare access can look like—together.