A recent study by National Public Radio (NPR) has revealed that approximately half of US military installations are located in areas that lack access to quality medical services, known as “health care deserts.” This means that around 200 military bases are situated in federally-designated health professional shortage areas or medically underserved areas. For one in three US troops and their families, this means living in primary health care deserts, where finding appropriate medical care can be difficult.
Eileen Huck of the National Military Family Association emphasized the importance of ensuring proper health care access for military personnel and their families, as they often do not have a choice in where they are stationed. She highlighted the military’s responsibility to provide support and resources, including healthcare services, to those families sent to different locations for duty.
The NPR analysis also revealed that three out of four bases in primary care deserts are also in mental health care deserts, maternity care deserts, or both. This means that many service members and their families living on these bases may struggle to access vital mental health and maternal care services. The NPR based its assessment on information from the Health Resources and Services Administration and the March of Dimes, focusing on military bases in the US, Puerto Rico, and Guam with specific criteria.
It’s important to note that this analysis excludes the US National Guard. The findings underscore the need for the US military to address gaps in health care access across its installations, ensuring that all service members and their families have the necessary support and resources for their well-being.
