Honoring the People Making a Rural Difference

NOSORH’s annual Community Star recognition program is one of the most popular features of National Rural Health Day. Each person, coalition, and organization nominated to be their state’s Community Star represents the faces and grassroots initiatives that are working to address the social determinants of health and improve the lives of those who call rural their home.

When you read the Community Star stories from years past, it is clear they are a picture of the positive aspects of life in rural America. As you turn each page, you will not only read about a group of dynamic and impressive individuals and organizations; you will gain a better understanding of the value of your State Office of Rural Health. 

The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) is once again thrilled to announce that nominations for  2020 Community Stars are now open!

If you know of a person, group or coalition, or organization that meets any or all the following criteria, we invite you to honor them by nominating them to be a 2020 Community Star!  

Cultivates a vital, innovative rural health landscape and infrastructure 
Develops leadership capacity to grow rural population health and health equity 
Builds capacity for rural data-driven program planning and decision making 
Contributes to rural health innovation, education, collaboration, and communication 
Please refer to the 2020 Community Star FAQ for more details

Nominations for 2020 Community Stars are now open through August 7, 2020, at 5:00 pm CDT.

2019 Community Stars

In 2019, NOSORH received hundreds of nominations from across the United States. In the 2019 book of Community Stars you will read 44 inspiring stories of women, men and organizations who make a difference in the health of the rural communities they serve.

We invite you to view the full book online, or you may purchase a copy to keep as a memento!

Read Online

Purchase a Copy