Locum tenens staffing saves lives in rural Native American communities.
Understanding Locum Tenens: A Solution for Rural Healthcare
Rural areas often face severe doctor shortages, leaving families without basic medical care. Locum tenens, or temporary healthcare providers, step in to address these gaps when clinics can’t hire full-time staff. These professionals ensure continuity of care, manage chronic illnesses, and handle emergencies in underserved areas. Their work is critical to keeping communities healthy and providing consistent, reliable care for those who need it most.
Meeting the Unique Healthcare Needs of Native American Communities
Our communities experience unique health disparities. Chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease are significantly more prevalent, with nearly 18.9% of Native adults living on tribal lands diagnosed with diabetes compared to 11.5% off tribal lands (Source: CDC). Meanwhile, mental health resources are often scarce, leaving many without access to necessary treatment.
Locum tenens staffing not only brings immediate expertise to tribal health clinics but also provides culturally competent care that respects and incorporates Native traditions. This approach builds trust within communities while improving health outcomes. Temporary healthcare providers also allow clinics to hire specialists tailored to the unique needs of their patients, ensuring consistent, high-quality care for elders, families, and children—even in the most remote locations.
Ellsworth, LLC: A Native-Owned Leader in Healthcare Staffing
Ellsworth, LLC connects tribal clinics with skilled healthcare providers who understand and honor Native cultures. Based in Washington, DC, Ellsworth is a Native American-owned company committed to addressing the healthcare crisis in Indian Country.
The company has been awarded over $839,000 in federal contracts, with 64% of its work focused on Temporary Help Services (NAICS 561320). This focus underscores Ellsworth’s leadership in bridging healthcare workforce shortages with culturally competent staffing solutions. Ellsworth, LLC on USAspending.gov
Two Eye-Opening Facts about Rural Healthcare
- The U.S. will face a shortage of over 37,000 primary care physicians by 2028, with rural communities hit hardest. (Source: AAMC).
- Native Americans living on tribal lands are more likely to have a usual place of care (92.2%) compared to those off tribal lands (82.1%), but financial barriers still prevent some from accessing needed care. (Source: CDC).
Bringing Health and Hope to Indian Country
Temporary staffing is more than a stopgap—it’s a lifeline for Native communities. With Ellsworth, LLC, we can deliver culturally competent care and much-needed hope to Indian Country.
