Rural Health Redesign Center

08/27/2026

Is your organization making the most of its observation care program? In this article we explore how structured protocols, evidence-based care pathways, and clear documentation can help healthcare organizations improve patient outcomes, support compliance, and strengthen operational efficiency.

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/2d7bttm7

When patients arrive at the emergency department, one of the most important questions a provider must answer is deceptively simple: What level of care is appropriate?This question, though routine, shapes […]

08/26/2026

Rural Emergency Hospital Designation: Leading the Way

As more rural hospitals explore the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation, learning from organizations that have already completed the transition can provide valuable insight.

Join us for Rural Emergency Hospital Designation: Leading the Way, a public webinar featuring a candid fireside chat with hospital CEOs who have guided their organizations through the REH conversion process.

Hear firsthand perspectives on:
• Key considerations when evaluating REH designation
• Strategic and operational challenges encountered during implementation
• Lessons learned as first-in-state adopters
• Opportunities to strengthen access to care and support long-term sustainability
• Practical advice for leaders exploring or pursuing REH conversion

Whether your organization is in the early stages of exploration or actively considering next steps, this session will provide real-world experiences and actionable insights to help inform your approach.

Save your seat today to hear real-world lessons from the front lines of rural healthcare transformation.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/49j4a6ct
Sept. 24 | 2-3pm EST | Webinar | Free

08/25/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Little Rock for the 2026 Rural Healthcare Strategy Summit.

Hosted by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) in collaboration with the Rural Health Redesign Center and the National Rural Health Resource Center, this year's Summit brought together rural healthcare leaders, technical assistance participants, and federal, state, and national partners from across the country.

Over two days, attendees explored innovative solutions, shared promising practices, and engaged in meaningful conversations around this year's theme, “Sustaining Rural Health: Innovation, Partnership, and Financial Resilience.” Together, we examined practical strategies to strengthen rural healthcare delivery, improve access to care, and support long-term sustainability for rural communities.

Thank you to all who contributed their knowledge, experience, and perspectives. We are inspired by the collaboration and commitment demonstrated throughout the Summit and look forward to continuing this important work together.

08/20/2026

Crittenden Community Hospital is deeply committed to meeting the healthcare needs of its community, and we recently had the opportunity to visit their team and see that commitment in action.

During our visit, we spent valuable time learning about their day-to-day experiences, listening to their insights, and discussing their evolving needs. We are grateful to the Crittenden team for their hospitality, their dedication, and the important work they do to provide high-quality care close to home.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and for your continued commitment to providing exceptional care close to home.

Pictured: Shawn Bright, CEO, and Crystal McCorkle, CNO, of Crittenden Community Hospital, with Leasa Novak, Regional Liaison.

08/18/2026

We are kicking off our week with rural healthcare organizations from around the nation at the Rural Healthcare Strategy Summit in Little Rock, AR. This national convening brings together the incredible rural healthcare organizations who share our deep commitment to strengthening rural healthcare delivery.

Our goal is to foster powerful connections, highlight trailblazing solutions, and advance practical strategies that support long-term sustainability and improved access to care in rural communities. We are incredibly excited to engage, learn, and collaborate with all of our partners to drive meaningful and lasting progress in rural health.

We are grateful to be collaborating with the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) and the National Rural Health Resource Center on this important event.

08/13/2026

Nestled in a beautiful Eureka Springs, AR, Eureka Springs Hospital is leading the charge in rural healthcare delivery. Their team is deeply invested in community wellness through their Rural Health Transformation initiatives. Currently, their team is pioneering an exciting project to open the very first hybrid facility. This innovative model is designed to help expand critical access to care and ensure that local residents have the resources they need, right at home.

We are incredibly proud to support their mission and vision as they continue to support their community. Kayla, RHRC Regional Liaison, continues to meet with the leadership team, Dr. Tiffany Means (CEO) and Jodi Edmonson (HR Director), to support their growing needs and learn more about the impact this new hybrid facility will have on the community.

Thank you to the leadership team at Eureka Springs dedication to rural health!

08/11/2026

Approximately 96% of rural hospitals are struggling to stay open, despite additional Medicare support. This isn’t just a financial challenge, it’s a community challenge. When a rural hospital closes, access to emergency care, primary care, and essential services disappear with it, leaving rural communities vulnerable.

Rural communities deserve stable, quality health care, and partners committed to helping them thrive.

Learn more about our mission to transform rural health at rhco.org

08/06/2026

T.J. Regional Health is expanding access to care for rural patients by broadening services and addressing barriers that can prevent individuals and families from receiving the care they need close to home. Their commitment to strengthening community health demonstrates the impact rural hospitals can have when they invest in innovative solutions and long-term sustainability.

As Brandon Dickey, Chief Quality Officer and Chief of Hospital Operations at T.J. Regional Health, shared:

"I have very much valued the partnership and support provided through the grant in assisting us with expanding services and increasing access for our rural healthcare patients. The RHRC team has been instrumental in providing us the information needed and guidance and support in accomplishing this."

We are grateful for the opportunity to support rural healthcare organizations like T.J. Regional Health as they work to enhance services and improve access to care for the communities they serve.

08/04/2026

Elbert Memorial Hospital in Elberton, Georgia, has been officially welcomed into the Appalachian Regional Healthcare Technical Assistance Center (ARH-TAC) Program.

Elbert Memorial Hospital is committed to operational excellence and provides a broad range of services that support the health and well-being of patients throughout the community. During our visit, we toured the facility, learned more about the hospital's priorities and goals, and discussed how the ARH-TAC Program can support their efforts to strengthen healthcare access and services in the region.

We look forward to partnering with the Elbert Memorial team and supporting their ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality care close to home.

Thank you to the entire team at Elbert Memorial Hospital for the warm welcome and for all you do to serve your community.

Pictured left to right: Kayla Combs, Regional Liaison (RHRC); Kellie Smith, QI, IP; Tyler Taylor, CEO; Cyndi New, CNO. (Not pictured: Rachel McCall, HR, Strategy.)

07/30/2026

We're excited to attend the 2026 Ohio Rural Health Conference on August 6–7 and connect with the people and organizations strengthening rural healthcare across Ohio.

Leasa Novak, our Regional Liaison, will present "Strengthening Rural Health Through Targeted Technical Assistance," highlighting how RHRC supports rural communities in building sustainable healthcare solutions through financial modeling, regulatory guidance, service redesign, and community engagement.

If you’re attending, come connect with us to learn more about how targeted technical assistance can support your organization’s strategy, strengthen operations, and help navigate today’s rural healthcare challenges.