Where we’ve been
Since 1997, The National Center for Frontier Communities (NCFC) has been the national advocacy voice for the frontier and has served as a central point of contact for referrals, information exchange, and networking among geographically separated communities. We are the only organization solely dedicated to frontier issues in the nation.
Over the last 25 years NCFC has been instrumental in passing legislation that considers the frontier. Our work has also laid the groundwork for the inclusion of frontier language in the Affordable Care Act including a clause that provides protections to hospitals and physicians in frontier states. This work is critical because most public policy is decided without distinct remote area realities and concerns in mind.
Where we’re going
Our most recent work is focused on the disparities between frontier communities and the rest of the nation when it comes to public policy, infrastructure, support and funding. For example we recently worked to see NM SB 193 passed in 2021. The bill established The New Mexico Rural Equity Ombuds Office which is meant to ensure frontier and rural equity through the state legislative, policy and grant-making processes, as well as to provide a conduit to develop solutions for on-going issues of geographic equity across the state. We offer this as a model for other states to adopt.
Federal work on the frontier horizon
Furthering this commitment to frontier consideration in policy and economic development we are working to apply this approach federally with a “frontier commission” proposal to focus on diversified public policy for fair resource, service and investment distribution. We aim to amend and overcome structural and procedural barriers that currently leave frontier communities at a disadvantage at the beginning of the process so programs and policy are reviewed and revised to provide appeals, considerations or waivers that recognize remote communities and regional diversity.
Visit our Vast Resource Library
Over the years we have produced and published a great deal of research on and in support of frontier concerns. From the critical cost of entry work of helping to define the frontier so it can be consistently included and referred to in policy and legislative frameworks, to articles and papers on remote area health, prevention and food systems. Visit our Resource Library to search our complete directory, but here are a few examples.
Research and Publication Highlights
Defining Frontier
- “Frontier: A New Definition”
- “Geography of Frontier: The View at the Turn of the Century”
Policy Briefs
- “Frontier Communities: Structural Barriers to Federal Programs”
- “Access to Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in Frontier Areas: Time For a New Generation of Providers”
Impact of Population Fluctuations
- “Impact of Seasonal Population Variations on Frontier Communities: Maintenance of the Healthcare Infrastructure”
Health Personnel & Services
- “Emergency Medical Services in Frontier Areas: Volunteer Community Organizations”
- “Addressing the Nursing Shortage: Impacts and Innovations in Frontier America”
- “Extended Stay Primary Care”
Social Issues and Mental Health
- “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Caring for Children in the Frontier”
- “Frontier Communities: Leading the Way With Innovative Approaches to Behavioral Health”
- “Frontier Youth: Living on the Edge”
Model Communities-Innovation Series
- “Hidalgo Medical Services, Lordsburg, New Mexico”
- “Bear Lake Memorial Hospital, Bear Lake County, Idaho”