(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 nurse anesthetists, play a vital role in ensuring patients receive the anesthesia and pain management care they need when and where they need it most."

What is a CRNA?

CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in anesthesia and pain management. They deliver care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures.

With more than 150 years of trusted service, CRNAs are highly trained clinicians who provide the full range of anesthesia services in every type of health care setting - from large hospitals to rural critical access facilities.

The Health Care Challenges Facing Rural America

Rural areas face a variety of health care barriers - including hospital closures, workforce shortages, and long travel distances to care.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs more than one-third of veterans with service-connected disabilities live in rural areas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also notes that rural communities have a higher proportion of older adults, many of whom live with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure.

Without local CRNAs, many of these patients would have to travel hours for essential surgical or anesthesia care. When emergencies happen, those hours can make all the difference.

CRNAs: The Lifeline of Rural Health Care

CRNAs safely administer more than 58 million anesthetics each year and represent over 80% of anesthesia providers in rural U.S. counties, according to AANA. In many small hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, CRNAs are the sole anesthesia providers, supporting critical services like obstetrics, surgery, trauma stabilization, and pain management.

Their presence keeps lifesaving care within reach, helping rural hospitals stay open and their communities healthy, resilient, and self-sufficient.

"Working as a CRNA in rural settings shows just how critical our role is in medicine," Molter said. "When we can practice to the full extent of our education and training, we help bridge health care gaps and deliver care to people who need it most. It's why we celebrate and advocate for CRNAs who keep rural America safe and strong."

Learn More

To learn more about the essential role of CRNAs in rural and other health care settings - or to explore how to become a CRNA - visit AANA.com.