Minnesota Rural Health Association

Minnesota Rural Health Association Strengthening health and health care for rural Minnesotans.

During Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (April 19–25), we recognize the highly trained professionals who perform th...
04/27/2026

During Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (April 19–25), we recognize the highly trained professionals who perform the tests that help diagnose disease, monitor treatment, and protect public health.

Across rural Minnesota, laboratory professionals are a critical part of the healthcare workforce, providing accurate information that providers rely on to care for their communities.

Thank you for the essential work you do! 💙💚

🏘️ Rural Minnesotans are facing a steady decline in access to healthcare services—and it’s a growing crisis.MRHA support...
04/10/2026

🏘️ Rural Minnesotans are facing a steady decline in access to healthcare services—and it’s a growing crisis.

MRHA supports investing in innovative models to ensure and enhance access to services and programs that are designed to serve the needs of rural communities.

80% of rural Minnesota counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) for primary care, dental hea...
03/23/2026

80% of rural Minnesota counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) for primary care, dental health and mental and behavioral health.

MRHA supports innovative programs focused on building the pipeline of rural individuals entering healthcare fields, retaining and upskilling the current rural workforce, enhancing educational offerings, and providing a safe environment for rural providers. 👩‍⚕️ 👨‍⚕️

For more detail on our efforts to strengthen rural health check out our Advocacy page: https://www.mnruralhealth.org/advocacy?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_zsfwv9yviw

Health

Nearly 200 rural hospitals nationwide have closed or stopped inpatient services since 2010 — and almost half of those st...
03/20/2026

Nearly 200 rural hospitals nationwide have closed or stopped inpatient services since 2010 — and almost half of those still open are operating in the red.

When a rural hospital closes, communities lose more than care. They lose jobs, emergency access, and a cornerstone of their local economy.

The USDA Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program helps at-risk rural hospitals stay open by providing free, on-the-ground support before closure happens.

Congress can help protect rural communities by supporting:
• H.R. 1417 (House)
• S. 1282 (Senate)

Learn more: https://www.ruralhealth.us/advocate?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_oh0t2ffpx0

MRHA is proud to sponsor the upcoming Rural Youth Medical Career Discovery Day! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️This program gives youth interes...
03/16/2026

MRHA is proud to sponsor the upcoming Rural Youth Medical Career Discovery Day! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

This program gives youth interested in healthcare careers the opportunity to explore what it’s really like to work in the field. Participants will enjoy a day filled with insights, hands-on activities, and the chance to connect with healthcare professionals serving rural communities.

Thanks Minnesota Medical Association for putting on this event!

📅 April 18
⏰ 8:00 AM – 3:45 PM
📍 University of Minnesota Medical School – CentraCare Regional Campus, St. Cloud, MN

Learn more: https://www.mnmed.org/ruraldiscoveryday?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_lmamfkxw7n

It's been almost four months since the Inaugural Minnesota Rural Health Policy Summit, and we can't help but reflect on ...
03/13/2026

It's been almost four months since the Inaugural Minnesota Rural Health Policy Summit, and we can't help but reflect on such a powerful event, bringing rural health leader together! 👏

Thank you again to everyone who attended, spoke, and engaged at this event filled with meaningful rural health conversations. 💙

Jeff Backer for MN House
Representative Bernie Perryman

Workforce shortages remain one of the biggest threats to rural health access.• 70% of rural counties are Health Professi...
02/25/2026

Workforce shortages remain one of the biggest threats to rural health access.

• 70% of rural counties are Health Professional Shortage Areas
• Only 2% of Medicare GME training occurs in rural areas
• Physicians trained in rural residencies are 5.4x more likely to practice rurally

The Rural Residency Planning & Development Program provides startup funding for hospitals to launch new rural residency programs — strengthening the long-term workforce pipeline where it’s needed most.

Learn more: https://www.ruralhealth.us/advocate?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_z7txgb6jkh

Since 1994, MRHA has served as the Voice of Rural Health in Minnesota.We advocate for policies that support:• Rural work...
02/18/2026

Since 1994, MRHA has served as the Voice of Rural Health in Minnesota.

We advocate for policies that support:
• Rural workforce development
• Fair provider reimbursement
• Access to care
• Innovation and sustainability

Together with our members and partners, we continue to bring a rural perspective to policy conversations at the local, state, and federal levels.

MRHA is proud to support programs like the Vaccine Awareness Conversation Guides, which help foster meaningful, health-f...
02/12/2026

MRHA is proud to support programs like the Vaccine Awareness Conversation Guides, which help foster meaningful, health-focused conversations in rural recovery and mental health settings. These flexible tools support discussions around vaccines, infectious disease prevention, self-care, and recovery.

Initiatives like this reflect the value of MRHA membership and our commitment to strengthening rural health through education and collaboration.

🌾 Join MRHA today to stay connected to programs and resources supporting rural communities across Minnesota.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the NEMT Roundtable in Duluth! Your time, insights, and commitment made this con...
02/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the NEMT Roundtable in Duluth! Your time, insights, and commitment made this conversation meaningful and forward‑looking.

NEMT is a lifeline for rural Minnesotans, ensuring that transportation never stands between a patient and the care they need.

We’re grateful for your partnership and your dedication to improving access to care across Minnesota.

Ultrasound Tuition Assistance Program - Did you know?✔️ Rural hospitals and FQHCs are eligible✔️ No match is required✔️ ...
02/02/2026

Ultrasound Tuition Assistance Program - Did you know?

✔️ Rural hospitals and FQHCs are eligible
✔️ No match is required
✔️ Funds support both specialty training and new ultrasound technicians
✔️ Awards are sent once the MOU is signed—not after training

MRHA’s Helmsley Ultrasound Tuition Assistance Program is designed to reduce barriers and build long-term capacity in rural healthcare.

📩 Questions? Contact [email protected]

Address

P. O. Box 62
Warren, MN
56762

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