MILAN, MO. -- Community members, political leaders, and healthcare experts gathered to discuss improving healthcare in rural Missouri Monday.

The Missouri Foundation for Health along with the Missouri Office of Primary care and Rural Health hosted two town hall meetings in Milan and Memphis Monday afternoon.

Officials say the idea is to learn about healthcare issues that are unique to rural communities.  Access to healthcare and transportation are two common problems in this area.

“We also hear about Medicaid reimbursement, we hear about teenage issues, we hear about elderly issues, there’s a wide range,” said MFH Vice President for Program Martha Gragg.

Gragg says she’s happy with the turnout in Milan because there were a variety of participants.

Health experts also wanted to spread knowledge about gaining access to healthcare.

“We need to make sure that people understand particularly the new requirements and advantages of healthcare reform.  The foundation is very interested in assisting citizens of Missouri including this region with that,” said the School of Health Science and Education Dean Sam Minner.

If you would like to learn more about MFH, you can visit their website by clicking here.