Utahns speak out for rural health care, in this week’s Inside Voices

Happy Saturday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.

One of the most interesting parts of my job is when one particular issue garners the interest of several different Utahns. And it’s not always an obvious issue.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve received several op-eds from contributors across the state and in various industries expressing concern about the future of rural health care. Each one pointed to various challenges and solutions.

Dallen Calder, an aspiring pediatrician, shared his concerns about Utah’s physician shortage “reaching a breaking point.”

“Historically, rural areas have been hardest hit by access shortages due to unequal distribution of resources and services — a reality I witnessed firsthand during my clerkship,” he writes. “Now, with rapid growth in urban and suburban centers, Utah faces the added risk of physician shortages in these areas as well, compounding the state’s access challenges.”

Moe Hickey, the Executive Director of Voices for Utah Children, warned that a new rural health care grant won’t be enough to make up for federal cuts to Medicaid.

“Utah’s leaders should be clear-eyed about what these proposals mean for children,” he writes. “Accepting deep Medicaid cuts while celebrating a limited rural grant sends the wrong message and puts families at risk. We can support rural innovation and protect children’s health at the same time — but only if new investments add to, rather than replace, the foundation families depend on. Utah’s children deserve stable coverage, accessible care and a health system that works for them — not budget trade-offs that leave them worse off in the end.”

Aahana Sharmacharya, a physical therapy technician who works with rural patients, called on insurers and lawmakers to make physical therapy more accessible across the state.

“In a state that values independence and is reliant on a robust hands-on workforce, mobility shouldn’t be such a large issue. Yet, it is,” she writes. “By ensuring early access to physical therapy, we are not creating dependency. Rather, we are restoring the very self-reliance that Utahns prize and letting people continue to work and contribute to their families and communities.”

Similarly, Robyn Thompson, the Program Director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Weber State University, pointed to a potential workforce crisis on the horizon.

“Weber State University and other institutions of higher education in Utah work diligently to keep health care education affordable and accessible,” she writes. “Programs are designed to serve Utah students, many of whom are from rural communities, who wish to stay and practice in the state. But even the most affordable public institutions cannot overcome a federal system that limits borrowing to $20,500 per year when real programs and living costs far exceed that amount. Utah cannot afford a health care workforce built solely on who can pay upfront.”

I appreciate those who shared their unique perspectives, and I hope you’ll read these op-eds and learn something new — like I did.

Have a story to tell? I want to hear it. Reach out to voices@sltrib.com.

Utah Voices

The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.

Utah’s zoning rules are creating a housing shortage. Here’s how it can be fixed.

“Legalizing multi-family housing, lifting onerous lot-size and parking mandates, and unleashing ADUs are all strategies that have been used successfully by other states,” writes Sara Bronin, the founder of the National Zoning Atlas, a George Washington University law professor and the author of “Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World.” “Political momentum to implement these strategies can be buoyed by evidence. The Utah Zoning Atlas shows why reform is needed, and gives Utahns the data to get reform right.” Read more.

Expanding affordable housing in Washington County starts with building entry-level homes

“Too much of today’s new housing is designed for retirees or high-income buyers, while the simple, entry-level homes that once allowed young families to get their feet in the door have nearly disappeared,” writes Emily Merkley, the Chief Executive Officer of the Washington County Board of Realtors. “When we eliminate the first rung on the housing ladder, the entire system stalls. Fewer first-time buyers mean fewer move-up buyers. Housing mobility slows. Prices rise faster. And affordability erodes for everyone. Expanding access to affordable housing begins with a clear goal: bringing back attainable, entry-level homeownership.” Read more.

We’re proof that Utah’s arts investment works. Will today’s students get the same opportunities?

“The three of us, through careers bolstered by arts education in Utah, have spent decades giving back to our communities through the arts. We worry that we may be the last generation for whom these paths will be possible,” write M. Candace Christensen, Erin Esplin and James Martin. “Will Utah youth have these same opportunities? That depends on whether the Legislature will treat the arts as essential to youth wellbeing rather than expendable.” Read more.

Women’s voices in sports media aren’t just valuable, they’re necessary

“Hard work alone isn’t enough; women are often expected to go above and beyond just to be viewed as equals — proving their knowledge of the game, their understanding of rosters and their abilities,” writes Jaydin Kroutil, a journalism major at the University of Utah and creative intern for Utah Football. “That pressure doesn’t come from a lack of talent, but from a lack of recognition. The industry asks women to constantly re-earn credibility that men are often granted automatically. Until women receive the same trust, support and opportunities from the start, the creative teams behind the camera will never fully reflect the game they work so hard to capture.” Read more.

Utahns love their pets. But your animals could be coming between you and a good night’s sleep.

“When I explain that separate beds can sometimes be an adaptive, healthy solution for partners struggling with mismatched sleep needs or disruptive nocturnal habits, most people are surprisingly receptive,” writes sleep researcher Wendy Troxel. “However, the conversation takes a notable turn if I gently suggest that the owners might sleep better if the family pet had its own bed.” Read more.

Share Your Perspective

The Utah General Legislative Session starts on Tuesday. I want to hear from you: What issues do you want lawmakers to prioritize this year?

From Bagley’s Desk

I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.