Rural Health Redesign Center

06/08/2026

Reminder of our upcoming REH Webinar this Thursday, June 11th.
Register Today: https://tinyurl.com/32258f69

On June 11th from 2-3pm EST, join George Pink, Senior Research Fellow at the Sheps Center for Health Services Research, and Ken Harman, REH Program Director for RHRC, for an engaging webinar on the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation.

Speakers will highlight recent findings from a Sheps Center research study on REHs, provide a high-level overview of the REH designation, and share key lessons learned.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/32258f69

06/04/2026

Across the country, rural hospitals are working to protect access to care for the people who depend on them. For the 63 million Americans who live in rural communities, these hospitals are essential to their well-being.

Rural hospitals face real pressures, and they need support to stay strong. We work alongside rural hospitals, offering technical assistance and strategic planning to keep care local and sustainable.

Stronger hospitals mean stronger communities. Together, we’re helping build a healthier future for rural America.

National Rural Health Association: https://tinyurl.com/yt7wx4u8

06/02/2026

Rural America represents nearly 97% of the nation’s land area and is home to more than 60 million people. Yet healthcare in these communities continues to face increasing strain. Inpatient volumes are declining, revenue margins are tightening, and far too many rural hospitals remain at risk of closing their doors.

RHRC brings together deep rural health expertise, including leaders who have lived and led in rural communities and understand these challenges firsthand. That perspective shapes our commitment to helping hospitals not just survive, but thrive.

05/28/2026

For more than 50 years, Elkview General Hospital has been dedicated to one mission: providing high quality care for local families and the communities they call home. That commitment continues today as the team works to ensure people can receive “the right care, right at home”, or as close to home as possible.

Elkview’s leadership shared how their recent transition to the REH model is helping them better meet community needs. In many areas, access to outpatient services has already expanded. The conversion has also strengthened Elkview’s financial stability, allowing the organization to maintain essential services while prioritizing long-term sustainability.

A unique strength of Elkview Hospital is its high-quality surgical services program. The hospital offers general surgery and ENT surgical services with hopes to expand its surgical capabilities in the future.

Regional Liaison Kayla Combs continues to meet with hospital leaders to understand their priorities and identify where our support can make the greatest impact.

05/27/2026

It was a privilege to join hundreds of rural health leaders in San Diego this week for NRHA’s 49th Annual Rural Health Conference and 11th Rural Hospital Innovation Summit. Collaborating on practical, forward‑thinking solutions is exactly how we move meaningful and sustainable change forward for rural communities.

Anna Anna, RHRC CAO, led an impactful presentation on “Alternative Payment Models and Value‑Based Care: Making the Economics Work for Rural Hospitals.” Identifying viable economic pathways for rural facilities remains critical to ensuring access to care.

Thank you to the National Rural Health Association for hosting such a valuable and energizing event. 

05/26/2026

Clifton Fine Hospital partnered with us for a one day Action Plan Accelerator aimed at accelerating their strategic planning work. Working alongside hospital leaders and board members, the session focused on defining clear measures of success, aligning on key priorities, and developing a practical, focused roadmap to guide the next phase of their work.

The session brought together strong leadership voices and was supported by Good Samaritan Hospital, which generously hosted the session. This collaboration reflects the importance of regional partnerships in strengthening rural healthcare and expanding access for the communities Clifton-Fine serves.

This engagement reflected the strength of collaboration. Clifton-Fine’s leadership team brought meaningful insight, commitment, and a clear vision for their community, while a thoughtfully facilitated process supported alignment on priorities and next steps.

It was a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team and support Clifton-Fine Hospital’s continued impact in the community it serves.

05/21/2026

Rural hospitals face unique challenges, often operating with fewer resources and greater operational pressures. With the right support, they can continue providing strong, sustainable care where it’s needed most.

Hearing directly from hospitals about the impact of that support is deeply meaningful. One partner shared:

“I cannot overstate the value that RHRC brings to rural community hospitals that are resource constrained. We continue to benefit from their experience, expertise, and great customer service.” — RHRC Client

We are grateful to stand alongside rural hospitals, helping strengthen their operations so they can continue delivering the care their communities depend on. Every success story reminds us why we do what we do, because rural health matters.

05/19/2026

IRA Davenport is strengthening healthcare access for the residents they serve, continuing to prioritize quality, safety, and community well being.

Their leadership team, including CEO Jasmine Canestaro and Director of Quality and Patient Safety Jessica Perry, are deeply committed to advancing care for their region.

Regional Liaison, Gary Rhodes, appreciated the opportunity to meet with their leadership and explore ways we can continue supporting their efforts to deliver the highest quality care and build a healthier future for their community.

05/14/2026

Did you know? Over 45 million Americans call rural communities home, yet many face growing challenges in accessing essential healthcare.

Since 2010, over 180 rural hospitals have been forced to close their doors. A hospital closure means longer drives for emergency treatment, fewer options for primary and specialty care, and the loss of one of the community’s largest employers.

Rural healthcare isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity. We believe every community deserves a strong medical foundation.

See how we are working with rural hospitals to keep these lifelines open and strengthen care for the millions who rely on them at rhrco.org.

05/13/2026

On June 11th from 2-3pm EST, join George Pink, Senior Research Fellow at the Sheps Center for Health Services Research, and Ken Harman, REH Program Director for RHRC, for an engaging webinar on the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation.

Speakers will highlight recent findings from a Sheps Center research study on REHs, provide a high-level overview of the REH designation, and share key lessons learned.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/32258f69