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Rural Health

Geography and Demographics

  • Maine is considered the most rural state in the nation and the oldest by median age
  • 50% of Maine's land area is almost completely uninhabited
  • 40% of the population lives in one of Maine's 11 rural counties.

Use the Am I rural? tool to learn more about where you live or work.

The Rural Health and Primary Care Program

The Program works to promote access to quality health care for all people living in Maine's rural and underserved areas. Program priorities include:

  • Increase resources and reduce costs for health care statewide, with a focus on rural areas
  • Facilitate communication among stakeholders on rural health issues
  • Increase access to primary, mental, and dental health care for underserved populations
  • Reduce geographic, financial, transportation, and other barriers that prevent access to health care services

Learn more about the work of the program and other efforts to address access to address rural health care access in the Maine Rural Health and Primary Care Strategic Plan (PDF).

Data, Reports, and Maps

The HRSA Data Warehouse is a good resource for creating maps of Health Professional Shortage Areas and Medically Underserved Area/Population.

Studies

Contact Us

Main Phone Number: (207) 287-5524
Fax Number: (207) 287-5431