National Rural Health Day

Every year on the third Thursday of November, the United States observes National Rural Health Day, a day dedicated to shining a light on the health-care providers, community organisations and residents who serve rural areas and face unique healthcare challenges. This observance celebrates the “Power of Rural” by acknowledging how rural hospitals, clinics, public-health networks and local leaders work to support the health and wellbeing of millions of people living outside major metropolitan zones.

History of National Rural Health Day

The day was launched in 2011 by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), to bring awareness and recognition to rural health issues and the providers behind them.
Since then, the event has grown into a nationwide platform for rural‐health stakeholders—state offices, rural hospitals, clinics, advocacy groups and governments—to share stories of innovation, highlight disparities and advocate for policy change.

Why is National Rural Health Day important?

Rural America faces distinct health-care challenges: fewer providers, longer travel to care facilities, limited infrastructure, and higher burdens of chronic disease or under-resourced services. National Rural Health Day draws attention to these barriers as well as the solutions emerging from rural leadership and innovation.
Furthermore, the day offers an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and contribution of rural health professionals and communities, reinforcing that access to quality health care should not depend on zip code. It also encourages investment, policy support, and community-driven approaches tailored to rural settings.

• It puts a spotlight on rural health-care providers, clinics and hospitals doing vital work.
• It raises public and policy awareness of health-care access and equity in rural areas.
• It encourages sharing of successful rural-health models, innovations, and community partnerships.
• It advocates for resources, policy changes, and support systems that strengthen rural health-care delivery.
• It recognizes rural residents as key stakeholders in shaping their health-care services.

How to Celebrate National Rural Health Day

Celebrate National Rural Health Day by engaging with or supporting rural-health organizations, telling rural health stories, highlighting rural-community achievements, and advocating for rural-focused health-care improvement. Whether you’re part of a rural clinic, a policymaker, community member, or supporter, there are ways to participate meaningfully on this day.
You might host a local event, webinar or health fair focused on rural care; share impactful stories on social media using the hashtag #PowerOfRural; connect a rural provider with recognition; or simply learn more about the health-care landscape in rural areas and how you can help.

• Acknowledge a rural health provider or clinic in your network with a note of thanks or recognition.
• Share a story, photo or post about rural-health care in your community using #NationalRuralHealthDay or #PowerOfRural.
• Attend or host an event (virtual or in person) focused on rural-health innovation, access or policy.
• Volunteer with, support, or donate to a rural-health organization or initiative.
• Explore how telehealth, mobile clinics, or community outreach are helping rural populations, and consider ways you might support such efforts.

National Rural Health Day Dates Table