OPINION/COLUMN
Finding ways to strengthen health care in Oklahoma requires learning from others, sharing our own experiences and building on the best ideas.
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Health and Human Services Chairs and Health Policy Seminar in Denver, Colorado, gave me the chance to do just that alongside legislators from across the nation The first two days of the seminar focused on Health and Human Services policy.
I attended with Reps. Stark, Newton, Cantrell, Pae and Gise. Among the speakers was Tom Engels, director of the Health Resources and Services Administration, who addressed pressing issues such as strengthening the healthcare workforce, behavioral health needs and maternal and child health.
One topic that stood out was the lack of prenatal care in rural areas. Too many Oklahoma mothers are unable to access consistent prenatal care, and the results can be tragic.
As both a nurse and a nurse practitioner, I have seen these challenges in rural areas firsthand. Our state continues to face high maternal morbidity and mortality rates and access to care plays a large role.
As policymakers, we must do more to ensure women in rural Oklahoma have the same access to healthcare as those in urban centers.
We also examined how to reduce chronic health conditions, which drive both poor health outcomes and rising costs. Another session highlighted ways to recruit allied health professionals like dental hygienists, behavioral health providers, long-term care workers and others, into underserved areas. These professionals can help fill gaps where physicians and nurses are in short supply, particularly in rural communities like ours.
The second portion of the seminar was for Health Policy Chairs and included myself, Reps. Cantrell, Newton and Stark. Some of the discussions overlapped, including how to address the rising costs of prescription drugs. These costs burden families across our state, and controlling them remains a top priority.
Vaccines were also on the list of discussion topics that we covered. Vaccination is a personal choice and parents have the right to decide what is best for their children. We listened to how other states handle vaccines and exemptions, but every state approaches these policies differently. These conversations are not about forcing policies from other states onto Oklahoma but about hearing a variety of perspectives.
One of the most valuable parts of the seminar was the opportunity to exchange ideas with legislators from across the country. There is sometimes a misconception that conferences like these are driven by liberal policies. That is not the case.
States across the nation, are facing many of the same health care challenges.
NCSL simply provides data and resources, and it is up to each state to apply that information in a way that fits its own needs.
Many Republicans were in attendance, all focused on practical solutions that put people first.
I also want to stress that taxpayer dollars are not used to attend these conferences. This seminar was invitation-only, and my travel, lodging and registration costs were covered by a scholarship. Other meetings also provide scholarships to offset expenses. When costs are not covered, legislators either pay personally or may use campaign funds.
At no time are state tax dollars used.
At the close of the seminar, Rep. Cantrell and I participated in a women’s health forum, and I look forward to bringing those discussions back home.
I am grateful for the chance to attend these events, not only to learn but also to share the work Oklahoma has done. These conversations remind me that while states may differ in geography or politics, we share a common goal to build healthier communities and stronger families. That mission guides my work every day at the Capitol.
As always, I continue to pray for each and every one of you. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. My email address is cynthia.roe@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at 405-557-7365.
Rep. Cynthia Roe, a Republican, represents House District 42 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Her district includes portions of Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties.
