Health care feasibility assessment in Columbia County: Vernonia focus

Following the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and ongoing challenges in sustaining rural health care, an environmental scan was conducted in Vernonia, Oregon to assess barriers, resources, and strategies for maintaining primary care. Findings highlight local and systemic obstacles, including provider recruitment, financial sustainability, and policy limitations. Recommendations include short-term actions—such as scholarships, recruitment packages, and community task forces—and long-term policy changes to expand nurse practitioner scope and revise federal requirements. Results emphasize that sustainable rural health care depends on community partnerships, resource development, and supportive policy frameworks.