National Rural Health Day

What is National Rural Health Day?

Each year the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and its partners set aside the third Thursday of November, November 16th, 2023, to celebrate National Rural Health Day (NRHD). NRHD is an opportunity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural.

The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health is the membership association of the nation’s 50 State Offices of Rural Health. State Offices of Rural Health are anchors of information and support for rural communities, health professionals, hospitals and clinics across the nation. They are dedicated to collaboration, education, communication and innovation to improve health in small towns around the country.

IT’S MORE THAN A DAY, IT’S A MOVEMENT!

National Rural Health Day
NOSORH

Rural communities are wonderful places to live and work, which is why over 60 million people – nearly one in five Americans – 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 provide the rest of the country with a wealth of services and commodities, and they are the economic engine that has helped the United States become the world economic power it is today.

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. And 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.

That is why the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health sets aside the third Thursday of every November, November 16th, 2023, to celebrate National Rural Health Day. First and foremost, National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural” by honoring the selfless, community-minded, “can do” spirit that prevails in rural America. But it also gives us a chance to bring to light the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face – and showcase the efforts of rural healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health and other rural stakeholders to address those challenges.

We know there is work to be done, but we also believe there is plenty to celebrate – and we invite you to join the celebration!

Together we can make a bigger impact!

Those who dedicate their life’s work to rural health are extraordinary people whose contributions are deserving of recognition. To honor our nation’s rural health leaders the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) is proud to present “Community Stars,” a collection of touching and impactful stories that embody the true Power of Rural.

Community Stars is an electronic publication that is released on National Rural Health Day each year. Those featured in the book were nominated by a member of their State Office of Rural Health (SORH), a community member, or peer. Each Community Star profile is a shining example of their generosity, service, and dedication to the people who call rural America home. We thank all those who nominated a Community Star and we’re eager to have you meet them as we celebrate National Rural Health Day and the Power of Rural!

Selected Community Stars will be featured in the upcoming Community Star electronic publication released on National Rural Health Day, and promoted on various social media outlets.