The life expectancy of Rural Americans has declined. Health issues facing rural Americans include heart diseases, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes, drug overdose, increased death rates, HIV/AIDS, Arthritis. Chronic disease in Rural America has a great impact on the mortality, healthcare costs and the quality of life. HIV/AIDS in Rural America is a great concern due to inadequate resources. Addressing Chronic Disease and HIV/AIDS in Rural America. Policies Addressing Poor Health Concerns in Rural America.