Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she highlights how adequate physical and mental healthcare are integral parts of any successful community. Guests include Jorge Guzman, founder and Executive Director of Vive NW; Andrew Black, Public Lands Field Director for the National Wildlife Federation; and Krista Stadler, the Senior Director of Telehealth Services at St. Luke’s Health System.

This episode continues our series on Reimagining the Rural West, the Chairman’s Initiative of WGA Chair and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, which is examining challenges and opportunities in rural economic development, infrastructure and quality of life in the West.

To listen, click the embedded player below, or visit Podbean. Out West is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Previous Episodes:

• Episode 1: Reimagining the Rural West: A conversation with WGA Chair and North Dakota Gov. Burgum about why he chose to pursue this Initiative.
• Episode 2: Reimagining the Rural Narrative: Rural sociologist Ben Winchester explains why the negative narrative surrounding rural communities is just not true.
• Episode 3: A Sense of Place: Exploring the use of “placemaking” by rural community leaders to capitalize on local assets and create environments where people want to live, work and play.
• Episode 4: Growing Through Rural Partnerships:  Highlighting how partnerships are vital in promoting economic development across the West.
• Episode 5: Diversifying the Rural Economy: Exploring how a variety of different business structures can provide stability to their respective communities.

Get the latest news of the West and the Western Governors' Association by following the WGA on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.