Life In The Heart Land

Climate change and increasing human population density have put pressure on natural ecosystems in Virginia. The burgeoning field of aquaponics aims to create sustainable and local sources of protein and to mitigate these environmental damages. Aquaponics (aquaculture + hydroponics) creates a virtuous, mutually beneficial cycle between raising fish and growing plants.

Money affects everyone, and it lies at the heart of many other problems. In rural communities, where credit scores as well as overall access to credit are typically lower, people are more likely to turn to predatory lenders when they need cash. Legal aid experts such as the Virginia Poverty Law Center and lawyer C.W. Durrette are fighting to get legislation changed to better protect consumers.

As the gap widens between CEO and worker pay in many industries, employee ownership is becoming a popular alternative form of business organization. Nearly 300 Virginia businesses are structured as employee stock ownership plans. Another alternative form with a long tradition in rural communities is that of the cooperative. These alternatives offer more secure and equitable employment.

Patients and providers struggle with the high cost of healthcare in today's complex system. Independent and non-profit health systems struggle to stay afloat when insurance companies often reimburse at rates below providers’ costs. Lawmakers try but fail to pass legislation to simplify the system, while independent retail pharmacies try cutting out the middlemen and buying generic drugs wholesale.

Rural planning is a prosaic but often overlooked issue that has a major impact on how citizens live, play and work. Rural planners wear many hats, which makes the already difficult job of planning an even greater challenge. Planning can cause damage to communities, but also holds the potential to create a society that works for everyone.

Autism is often misunderstood, and resources are frequently scarce in rural communities. The NIH estimates that more than 155,000 Autistic people live in Virginia, and those living in rural areas "face significant challenges regarding adequate availability of diagnostic, treatment, and support-services.” This episode features multiple voices from the Autistic community.