Wyoming
Wyoming’s Healthcare Problem: Doctors are Few & Far Between
A new national study is putting a spotlight on a growing healthcare crisis—and placing Wyoming at the center of it.
More than 80% of counties across the United States lack adequate access to healthcare, according to recent data, with so-called “healthcare deserts” continuing to expand since 2021. In fact, nearly 1 in 3 Americans may now be affected by limited access to hospitals, clinics, or providers.
To address the issue, the federal government launched the Rural Health Transformation Program—a $50 billion effort aimed at improving care in rural communities. But some analysts are saying the investment may not be enough to offset broader cuts and system challenges, meaning access gaps could continue to grow.
Now, a new study from healthcare staffing platform Nursa breaks down where those gaps are most severe—and Wyoming ranks at the top.
Wyoming leads the nation in healthcare deserts
According to the study, 31.76% of Wyoming residents—about 186,000 people—live in healthcare deserts, the highest percentage of any state in the country.
Distance plays a major role. On average, Wyoming residents must travel more than 26 miles to reach the nearest healthcare facility, the second-longest distance nationwide. For more than a third of residents, that trip stretches beyond 30 miles.
The state also faces a shortage of providers. Wyoming has just over 220 doctors per 100,000 residents—one of the lowest rates in the U.S.—and ranks near the bottom in several key specialties, including pediatricians and cardiologists.
There are some bright spots. Wyoming has the highest number of nurses per capita in the country and sits near the middle nationally for hospital beds. But experts say staffing alone doesn’t solve the broader access problem.
Rural states dominate the rankings
Wyoming is not alone. Rural states make up the bulk of the top 10:
North Dakota ranks second, with nearly 29% of residents in healthcare deserts
South Dakota follows at just over 20%
Alaska and Idaho round out the top five.
In Alaska, distance is an even bigger barrier, with residents traveling an average of nearly 34 miles to reach care—the longest in the nation.
A stark contrast nationwide
At the other end of the spectrum, eight states—including New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maryland—report zero residents living in healthcare deserts.
In those states, access is dramatically different. Patients typically live just 2 to 5 miles from the nearest facility, and provider availability is significantly higher. Massachusetts, for example, has the highest number of doctors per capita in the country.
Strain on patients—and providers
Healthcare workers say the numbers reflect a deeper, on-the-ground reality.
Registered nurse Miranda Belcher described working in understaffed hospital units where just two nurses were responsible for entire floors, often caring for patients with needs beyond their training.
“It was hard to give patients the attention they needed or deserved,” she said, noting frequent staff shortages, limited supplies, and cases where critically ill patients were not transferred to larger facilities.
Belcher says additional staffing and expanded telehealth services could help ease the burden, particularly in rural areas where resources are stretched thin.
While federal funding is beginning to flow, the data suggests that for states like Wyoming, closing the gap may take far more time—and resources—than initially expected.
Wyoming’s Oldest Churches: From Prairie Tents to Steepled Landmarks
Gallery Credit: Wyoming State Archives, Historic Photograph Collection; Kolby Fedore
Casper Through the Years: A Walk Among the City’s First Landmarks
Casper, Wyoming, features a rich collection of buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, largely showcasing early 20th-century commercial, oil-boom, and residential architecture. Huge thanks to the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office for keeping records and archived photographs to make this gallery possible.
BILLINGS — Two Wyoming women escaped unharmed after a black bear attacked their tents in the Big Horn Mountains while they were still inside.
Friends Maggie Bassett and Shonna Dehl were on a camping trip when the bear began tearing into their tents while they were asleep on Sunday night.
Click here to hear the story:
Wyoming women escape black bear attack on their tents in the Big Horn Mountains
“It was so scary,” Bassett said.
Basset said it jolted them and their four dogs awake and that both women were shocked at the bear’s behavior.
“It wanted in the tents,” Dehl said. “That’s all it wanted. It didn’t matter what we did.”
Dehl and Bassett proceeded to yell and scream at the bear, even firing gunshots in its direction in an effort to scare it away. None of those efforts worked.
“It was not scared at all,” Bassett said Wednesday afternoon in an online web call. “It didn’t even blink. It just kind of circled around and came back at me from a different angle.”
“It was circling us,” Dehl said. “It felt like it was circling our campground.”
Eventually, the bear scattered away after more gunshots were fired. Then, the two women fled to their vehicle, hiding out for a couple of hours and honking their horn to keep the bear away.
“We were in there for at least an hour,” Dehl said. “Just scared and shaking.”
Eventually, the two drove away unharmed and made their way to Dehl’s family cabin a few hours away.
When they returned the next day, they found their tents collapsed and torn to shreds. Wyoming Game and Fish responded and told the two women they plan to trap the bear and relocate it.
Both Bassett and Dehl said it was a frightening ordeal, especially because they followed all bear-aware protocol, including using bear containers.
“I will never forget that sound of my tent being ripped open,” Bassett said.
Chrissy Webb with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has not been involved in the investigation but said a bear’s memory can bring it back to places where it has encountered unnatural foods before.
“You know it’s not unreasonable for a bear to return to a site where they’ve gotten food in the past,” Webb said. “When bears start accessing those unnatural human-based food is when we start to see bears that can be potentially dangerous because, you know, they’ve got conditioned by this food.”
Webb said there is no way to know if that is what happened in this case, but staying bear aware is crucial for both campers and the animals.
“It’s safer for you to store things properly, and it’s better for the bear’s sake if they’re not able to access those human foods,” Webb said.
For Bassett and Dehl, it’s an experience that has changed the way the two plan to go camping in the future.
“I don’t see myself sleeping in a tent anytime soon, maybe never,” Bassett said.
“Yeah, we’re going to need four walls,” Dehl said.
CASPER, Wyo. — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming recently announced that Cathy Holman, founder of the Prairie Wife brand, has been selected as the 2026 Mick & Susie McMurry Cowboy Code Try Award recipient.
A release from the Boys and Girls Clubs says that Holman will be recognized during the 28th Annual Awards & Recognition Breakfast, happening on Wednesday, September 16 at the Ford Wyoming Center.
“The Mick & Susie McMurry Cowboy Code Try Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the values of the Cowboy Code through integrity, perseverance, service, and leadership,” the release states. “Holman embodies those qualities through her entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to strengthening Wyoming communities, and willingness to use her voice to help others.”
Known as the Prairie Wife, Holman launched PrairieWifeInHeels.com in 2013 to share stories about her life, her family, and the Wyoming way of living.
“What began as a personal blog has grown into one of Wyoming’s most recognizable digital brands, reaching more than 65,000 followers across social media,” the release states. “Through honest storytelling, humor, and authenticity, she has built a community centered on grit, grace, faith, and finding purpose through life’s challenges.”
Throughout the years, Holman has become a much sought-after speaker, emcee, auctioneer and media personality, and she uses her platform to encourage others while championing causes that strengthen families and communities, all across Wyoming.
Due to her own family’s experiences, Holman became a leading advocate for stronger protections for children.
“Working alongside fellow advocates, legislators, and law enforcement, she helped raise awareness that contributed to the passage of House Bill 8, strengthening Wyoming’s stalking laws to better protect minors,” the release continues. “She continues to educate parents, schools, and organizations about online safety, digital responsibility, and protecting children in today’s technology-driven world.”
Holman said that the Cowboy Try represents choosing courage when life is difficult and using adversity to help others.
“The Cowboy Try is what we admire in everybody,” Holman said. “You’re knocked down and you get up again. And if you’re willing to share about getting knocked down, you’re going to help a lot of other people get up again too.”
Holman said that the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming reflects her own belief that investing in young people strengthens the future of every community.
“Our children are our future. We are only as strong as they are,” she said. “The Boys & Girls Club is creating a strong future for our communities. From providing a safe place for kids to mentoring, career education, and giving parents peace of mind, the Club is a beacon of hope.”
Holman encouraged young people to move forward with courage.
“Don’t let fear decide your future,” she said. “If you feel there’s something you’re supposed to do, charge forward. Ask for help when you need it, learn from those who have gone before you, and don’t be afraid to try.”
In addition to Holman, the 28th Annual Awards & Recognition Breakfast will honor Bob and Celia Kirkwood for their generosity and lasting impact on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, as well as the community itself. It will feature nationally recognized speaker, Coach Ken Carter.
The event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Guests will have the opportunity to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming and its mission of inspiring and enabling all young people to reach their full potential.
For tickets or table sponsorships, contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming at https://bgccw.org/our-events/, email Vanessa at vwarner@bgccw.org, or call (307)235-4079.
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