In this extra episode of The Rural Impact, James M. Decker joins Michelle Rathman to discuss issues impacting rural areas, including revitalization, agriculture, community engagement, economy, and education. James is serving his fourth term as Mayor of his hometown of Stamford, Texas, where he also practices law in his office in the downtown square.
In his Westof98 blog and podcast, which is found on substack.com, James writes about rural revitalization and community building. He is also the co-host of the Rural Church and State podcast. In this conversation, James shares his journey from a small-town lawyer to the Mayor of Stanford, Texas, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in finding solutions rather than problems. James also shares insights on why and where to start solving decades-long American agriculture challenges, failing local economies, and the necessity of policy changes to support farming and community pride. Decker advocates grassroots engagement and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their communities, emphasizing that community involvement is an obligation and responsibility.
The Rural Impact is pleased to welcome The American Heart Association as a sponsor for this and future episodes! Here's why!
The AHA believes that everyone, no matter where they live, deserves access to high-quality care. That's why they created the Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator, a program designed to help rural hospitals improve cardiovascular care and patient outcomes. The Rural Accelerator provides no-cost access to quality improvement programs, data-driven insights, learning collaboratives, recognition opportunities, and expert-guided education to support 1000 rural hospitals nationwide in delivering evidence-based care. Rural hospitals play a critical role in their communities. Enroll today and join the movement to improve rural heart health.
Visit www.heart.org/ruralaccelerator to learn more.
To find James M. Decker’s work visit: https://westof98.substack.com/
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