From the NLA President: Going the Distance for Rural Patients

Friends and fellow members of the NLA, I am pleased to present you the SWLA 2021/2022 edition of the LipidSpin. This edition contains a wealth of information surrounding the challenges of medical care in rural populations. When many people think of the United States, images of Times Square and the Hollywood sign flash through their mind. However, according to the United States Census Bureau, “one in five Americans, live in rural America”. The term rural is ambiguous but is defined for us by the Census Bureau as places that are, “sparsely populated, have low housing density, and are far from urban centers…97 percent of the country’s land mass is ‘rural’ but only 19.3 percent of the population lives there.” Although more than 80 percent of the US population has a grocery store, hospital, and other amenities within walking distance, roughly 60 million people have restricted access to necessary resources. Of these 60 million, how many struggle with lipid-related health problems and need our help? This edition serves as a tool to educate clinicians from sea to shining sea, from busy roadways to rolling hills.

As we look back on the year, the National Lipid Association made an impact across the country, even when grappling with complications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite physical distancing mandates, we were able to hold two virtual and one hybrid Scientific Sessions and they went off without a hit. At the Scientific Sessions in Orlando, many of us were able to gather for in-person professional interactions. While maintaining a safe environment, it was energizing and inspiring to be with a community of “lipid buddies” to talk about science, patient care, and of course other relevant updates related to life. We successfully published three editions of the LipidSpin, full of useful and exciting content that will advance the NLA’s reach. Despite the limitations brought by COVID, we have been gifted many new members who were able to observe our organization through the virtual meeting platform and decided this was something worth being apart of.

I am delighted by the progress we have made over the 2021 year with the NLA, and 2022 brings a new year of opportunity and goals to improve patient care of our patients with lipid disorders and cardiovascular risk. For 2022, many of our members will be hard at work finalizing clinical perspectives and scientific statements, all with a goal to help us be the best clinicals possible and to improve the care of our patients. I look forward
to seeing everyone, hopefully in-person, at the 2022 Spring Session in San Diego, California in late February. Until then, be safe and happy holidays!