Strategies

Increase the price of alcohol via taxes levied for beer, wine, and liquor purchases

Involve consumers in health care governance via roles on governing boards, advisory committees, or shorter-term special projects

Limit or ban alcohol establishments from serving alcohol at a reduced price as part of promotions; also called happy hour restrictions

Expand incentives such as scholarships and loans with service requirements and loan repayment or forgiveness programs for health care providers who practice in rural or other underserved areas

Increase patients’ health-related knowledge via efforts to simplify health education materials, improve patient-provider communication, and increase overall literacy

Expand use of J-1 physician visa waivers for foreign national physicians who have trained in the U.S. and will serve patients in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs)

Expand medical school training and learning experiences focused on the skills necessary to practice successfully in rural areas