Honoring efforts that strengthen healthcare access across rural America
National Rural Health Day is celebrated every year on the third Thursday of November to honor the “Power of Rural.” Since 2011, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health has used this day to highlight the essential role rural communities play and the challenges they face in accessing quality healthcare.
Rural communities are home to nearly 61 million people who live in small towns, farming regions, and frontier areas. These areas are known for strong community bonds, where neighbors support each other and work together for the greater good. However, they also face unique healthcare challenges. More than 66% of the nation’s primary care shortage areas are located in rural regions, creating a significant gap in medical access.
To address this issue, rural pipeline programs are helping more students from rural backgrounds enter healthcare careers. Between 2022 and 2023, participation from rural students reached 118,384, representing 18% of total federal pipeline participants. Rural students also show strong success rates, with 84% graduating compared to 75% of urban participants.
Nurse practitioners play a key role in supporting rural healthcare. Studies show that rural nurse practitioners are more satisfied in their jobs, practice fully within their license, and plan to stay in their communities for longer periods.
Training opportunities are also expanding. The number of rural residency training sites has grown fourfold since 2008, now totaling more than 400 nationwide. Graduates of rural-focused medical programs are significantly more likely—two to five times—to continue practicing in rural communities.
State Offices of Rural Health are the only statewide organizations specifically designed to connect federal and state resources to meet local rural needs. Their efforts support hospitals, clinics, and community health programs that keep rural America strong.
National Rural Health Day serves as a reminder to appreciate the healthcare providers, community leaders, and organizations working every day to improve access, strengthen health systems, and support the well-being of rural Americans.
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