OKLAHOMA CITY (KSWO) - Oklahoma State Reps. Daniel Pae (R-Lawton) and Arturo Alonso-Sandoval (D-OKC) recently hosted an interim study pertaining to rural healthcare challenges in the state.

There were many presenters at the study which was held before the House Public Health Committee.

Rep. Pae mentioned the importance of rural hospitals during the study.

"A strong healthcare system is the backbone of a healthy economy, but when we fail to invest in rural healthcare, we fail our fellow Oklahomans," Rep. Pae said. "Without providing the right resources today, rural hospitals will continue to close their doors. These difficulties won't just go away if we ignore the problem or resolve themselves unless we take targeted investment and action."

Sean McAvoy, executive director of Primary Care Services for Comanche County Hospital Authority, spoke during the study and mentioned there are reasons why healthcare providers may opt to not to set up services within rural communities.

Lack of facilities to meet standards, new construction being required, and having a smaller workforce to recruit from are some of those reasons, according to McAvoy.

McAvoy also spoke about how telemedicine and mobile clinics are options to help bridge the gap for those living in rural areas.

Also during the study, Chief Nursing Officer at Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Melissa Alvillar, recalled how the state is ranked 49th nationally in healthcare outcomes.

Alvillar said the state has the ability to obtain better outcomes, but financial support is needed.

"Hospitals such as ours are willing to grow and willing to add beds to facilitate the care that the rural environment needs, but we need the financial help to support that," Alvillar said. She said healthcare providers need support from lawmakers to deliver the care Oklahomans deserve. We have the ability to be higher in healthcare than 49th."

However, some good news was also shared during the study.

The recent Frederick groundbreaking of a new rural hospital was mentioned and how this will allow residents in the area not to have to travel over 30 minutes to an hour to receive vital care.

That hospital was in part funded by the Oklahoma Legislature through the appropriation of federal ARPA funds.