The NH Rural Health Report 2004 (74 pages) is the result of a study that explores differences in the health and health-related statistics between rural and non-rural parts of New Hampshire. Using a unique rural definition designed to reflect the nature of the state, the study draws on a wide range of existing data sources to identify and quantify differences in underlying demographics, health care access, health related behavior, and health outcomes. Although there are many aspects of rural health and health care delivery for which data are not readily and uniformly available, the findings of this study highlight that there are real, significant, and observable differences in the health profile of the state's rural and non-rural communities. These differences impact the health and safety of rural residents of the state, and continually challenge the state's rural providers to remain viable while providing access to high quality health care services.
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