Whereas over 60,000,000 hard-working individuals in the United States live in rural communities; Whereas, according to the United States Census Bureau, 97 percent of the total landmass in the United States is designated as rural ; Whereas individuals in the United States in rural areas live in pursuit of the common good and keep values of the United States alive by fostering a spirit of generosity and respect among neighbors; Whereas rural health care providers and patients showcase a selfless and community-minded spirit; Whereas rural areas in the United States are places of opportunity for— (1) mission-minded health professionals to provide individualized care to their communities; and (2) fueling innovations in rural health infrastructure, quality, and delivery; Whereas health care providers in rural areas are uniquely positioned to deliver value-based holistic care; Whereas rural health care providers are known and trusted by their patients; Whereas residents in rural areas tend to experience lower life expectancy and poorer health status due to structural, behavioral, and geographic factors; Whereas residents in rural areas face barriers to accessing health care due to higher rates of uninsurance and underinsurance, lack of reliable transportation options, often increased exposure to public health and occupational hazards, and a limited number of available providers, especially those providing specialized care; Whereas rural health facilities in the United States face systemic challenges, including clinician workforce shortages, difficulty accessing certain technologies such as telehealth, and lower volumes of services spread over fixed costs; Whereas these challenges have made it more difficult for rural health care facilities to keep their doors open and serve patients, and have contributed to 150 rural hospital closures since 2010