(BPT) - In small towns and rural communities across the United States, access to health care can mean the difference between life and death. On National Rural Health Day (Nov. 20) , the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recognizes the dedicated health professionals who serve these regions — and the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who are often the key to ensuring safe, timely care close to home.

"On average, rural trauma victims must travel twice as far as urban residents to reach the nearest hospital," said Jeff Molter, MBA, MSN, CRNA, president of AANA. "Because of this and other health disparities, nearly 60% of trauma deaths occur in rural America — even though only 20% of Americans live there. CRNAs, also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nur

See Full Page