Articles

Executive Summary The Situation: The federal government has authorized the resources via the RHTP. The funding is secured; the responsibility now shifts to the states to deploy it wisely. The Risk: In our region, resources are scarce, and distance is a factor. A vague contract doesn't just waste money; it wastes time we don't have. The Solution: This guide provides a standard operating procedure for drafting RFPs that hold vendors accountable to the realities of rural t

In the current healthcare environment of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, providers face specific operational pressures, ranging from workforce shortages to the logistical hurdles of serving a sparsely populated area. Managing a healthcare practice or institution requires more than clinical expertise; it requires an objective method for assessing the market to protect capital and ensure long-term growth. Two of the most effective tools for this assessment are the PESTLE

Current data from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) indicates that the "Demographic Cliff" is no longer a future prediction but a present reality. High school graduate numbers in the United States are projected to peak in 2025 at approximately 3.9 million before beginning a steady decline. By 2041, the number of graduates is expected to drop by 13%. A student holding her notebooks and a tablet stands confidently in a computer lab, ready for a prod

In the wide-open spaces of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, self-reliance is more than a trait ,it’s a way of life. But when it comes to bringing the next generation into the world, our "frontier" spirit is being tested. As of 2026, nearly 60% of rural counties across the U.S. lack hospital-based obstetric services. In states like North Dakota and South Dakota, that number climbs as high as 80%. At Waller Hall Research (WHR), we understand that a "maternity desert" i

In the Rocky Mountain West and the Great Plains, we take pride in our independence and the rugged beauty of the landscapes we call home. But for many Wyomingites and residents of our neighboring states, there is a "paradise paradox": the very isolation that provides our peace of mind also creates a desert for mental health and behavioral care. At Waller Hall Research (WHR) , we don’t just look at data; we listen to the people behind it. Our research shows that approximately 6

Montana is leading the way in rural healthcare innovation. With a massive $233.5 million initial investment for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), the state is reshaping how care is delivered across the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. For public health leaders, pharma, and healthcare providers targeting this region, understanding Montana’s data-driven, five-pillar strategy is crucial. The Challenge of Rural Healthcare Providing healthcare in the vast, wide-open