News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena firefighers/paramedics Tyler Suszek, left, and Tim Slosser do some maintenance work on a power gurney in one of the department’s ambulances on Tuesday. When not responding to emergency calls throughout Alpena County, employees work to be sure equipment that may be needed to save a life is in perfect working order.

The News on July 22 wrapped up a four-day, five-part series examining the challenges of providing timely and quality health care in a rural area and the ways in which local health care providers are overcoming those challenges. Here’s the series in its entirety:

JULY 18

“The health care tradeoff: Living in rural beauty often means waiting longer for care“

JULY 19

“Teaming up for care: Emergency crews work together to overcome challenges“

JULY 20

“‘Nothing’s a barrier for us’: Teamwork, tech help bring behavioral health care Up North“

“A total team effort: Finances, remoteness require local schools to coordinate medical care for student athletes“

JULY 22

“Caring for the future: Renovation, innovation to improve Northeast Michigan health care“

“OUR VIEW: We all must care for each other“