National Rural Health Day

National Rural Health Day showcases the efforts of rural healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health, and other rural stakeholders to address the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face today and into the future.

The Selfless, Community Minded Spirit of Rural America

These rural communities also have unique healthcare needs. Today more than ever, rural communities must address accessibility issues, a lack of healthcare providers, the needs of an aging population suffering from a greater number of chronic conditions, and larger percentages of un-and underinsured citizens. Rural hospitals - which are often the economic foundation of their communities in addition to being the primary providers of care - struggle daily as declining reimbursement rates and disproportionate funding levels make it challenging to serve their residents.

Founder of National Rural Health Day

The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) founded National Rural Health Day (NRHD) in 2011. Held on the third Thursday of every November, NRHD is an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” by honoring the selfless, community-minded spirit that prevails in rural America. NRHD showcases the efforts of rural healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health, and other rural stakeholders to address the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face today and into the future.

Rural Communities, Economic Engines

Rural communities are wonderful places to live and work, which is why nearly 61 million people call them home. These small towns, farming communities and frontier areas are places where neighbors know each other, listen to each other, respect each other, and work together to benefit the greater good. They are also some of the best places to start a business and test your “entrepreneurial spirit.” These communities are an economic engine that provide the rest of the country with a wealth of services and commodities.

Rural America has Unique Healthcare Needs

Today more than ever, rural communities must address accessibility issues, a lack of healthcare providers, the needs of an aging population suffering from a greater number of chronic conditions, and larger percentages of un- and underinsured citizens. Rural hospitals – which are often the economic foundation of their communities in addition to being the primary providers of care – struggle daily as declining reimbursement rates and disproportionate funding levels make it challenging to serve their residents.

2022 NRHD Highlights

Want to understand the impact of National Rural Health Day? Check out the 2022  fact sheet that highlights the success of last year’s NRHD!