Western Governors highlighted health care challenges facing the rural West and strategies to effectively address these issues in testimony submitted to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. The letter of March 23, signed by WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury, specifically noted concerns for the lack of access to mental health and substance use services, which are exacerbated by health care provider shortages in rural areas. “Population growth, aging residents, and challenges involving Tribal health care and services for veterans require a renewed focus on developing our nation’s health care workforce,” the letter read. “Governors urge the federal government to examine and implement programs to ensure states have an adequate health care workforce.” Read, download the letter to see the full set of recommendations.