DeLeon P H, Wakefield M, Schultz A J, Williams J, VandenBos G R
Am Psychol. 1989 Oct;44(10):1298-306. doi: 10.1037//0003-066x.44.10.1298.
A general deterioration is occurring in the quality of life of rural Americans, and it is affecting the quality of health and mental health service delivery. About 24% of the U.S. population lives in nonmetropolitan areas where the citizens are older, less well educated, have lower incomes, and are more homogeneous in terms of race and ethnicity. Medicare and private insurance discriminate against rural services in their reimbursement policies, and there is a shortage of health personnel in rural areas. However, there has been renewed congressional action to meet rural needs. Both the House and Senate have established rural caucuses, and an Office of Rural Health Policy has been established in the federal executive branch. Legislative successes were achieved between 1985 and 1988. Rural initiatives will provide psychology with unique opportunities in the next several years.
美国农村地区居民的生活质量正在普遍下降，这影响了医疗和心理健康服务的提供质量。美国约24%的人口居住在非大都市地区，这些地区的居民年龄较大、受教育程度较低、收入较低，而且在种族和民族方面更为单一。医疗保险和私人保险在报销政策上歧视农村地区的服务，农村地区卫生人员短缺。然而，国会已重新采取行动以满足农村地区的需求。众议院和参议院都成立了农村问题核心小组，联邦行政部门也设立了农村卫生政策办公室。在1985年至1988年期间取得了立法上的成功。农村发展倡议将在未来几年为心理学带来独特的机遇。
