Rural population growth tied to quality, accessible health care

While working at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the agency and I organized a research tool to understand the motivating factors new Nebraska residents indicated as reasons to come to the state.  The response was overwhelming – family and careers.

What we found more interesting in the information was that while these reasons brought them back, two major factors that played a role in their overall happiness with actually being in rural Nebraska.  The first factor, the feeling of safety and security, was an overwhelming driver of happiness with their community.  Nebraska can point to a high level of each in nearly all of our communities.  The second factor in rural Nebraska was access to quality healthcare. People that had moved back to the state were telling us that if they weren’t safe and didn’t have good healthcare, they were overwhelmingly unhappy.

How does this connect with Ord?  A new hospital bond issue passed in Spring 2008 made the opportunity for the community a reality, as many of you know.  For economic development and community growth, another strong, decisive asset in encouraging new residents to make Valley County their home was made available.  Not surprisingly, new residents strongly desired tangible investments into the future of their community.

New Valley County Hospital

Access to affordable housing and recreational opportunities rounded out the list of happiness factors that we learned and thankfully Valley County has an abundance of both, found here and here.  The fact Ord hits a home run in all four categories makes Valley County an easy sell for someone looking to make a move to rural Nebraska.  The fact we have access to each amenity also makes this Sunshine Pumper a happy camper!

Miletta Vista Winery

One of my favorite websites out there right now hails from a little winery in St. Paul Nebraska.  You can check it here.

I’ve had the privilege to savor a few of their wines as well, and I’m a big fan of the Loup River Red.  You can find their driving directions below (pilfered from their site), and for more information on Nebraska wines across the state, click here.

Miletta Vista Winery Driving Directions