Wisconsin Office of Rural Health

10/27/2026

On November 3, Wisconsin voters will elect a new governor, and the decisions that person makes will shape EMS in every corner of the state.

WEMSA asked both candidates on the ballot the same questions about recognizing EMS as an essential service, addressing the workforce crisis, and keeping EMS agencies financially sustainable. Both campaigns responded, and their answers are published in full, in their own words.

Read where the candidates stand: https://www.wisconsinems.com/news/2026-governor-candidate-responses-on-ems

We encourage every member to be informed, be engaged, and make your voice heard on November 3. WEMSA is nonpartisan and does not endorse, support, or oppose any candidate.

10/27/2026

🎉 Looking for ways to celebrate on Nov 19? From hosting local events to sharing your story or thanking a provider 😷, there are so many ways to get involved.

✨ Get inspired at powerofrural.org/ways-to-celebrate!

Image description: The National Rural Health Day logo above a bronze ribbon that reads “15th Anniversary” in white text, above a green ribbon that reads “Celebrating the Power of Rural!” in white text. Gold and green ribbons are behind the text.

10/23/2026

Check out this excellent opportunity from our friends at Wisconsin AHEC (Area Health Education Centers)!

🫶 Realizing Resilience is a free four-session skills advancement series for health professionals and students working in high-demand complex environments.

💡 You can find greater clarity, steadier performance and more sustainable patient care engagement!

🧠 Learn practical, evidence-based skills to manage stress, reduce mental overload and stay clear and focused during demanding situations.

🔗 Reconnect with professional values.

📔 Develop a personalized resilience plan you can start using immediately.

Click the link in the comments and register today!

Virtual class takes place from noon-1:30 p.m. on Fridays, Nov. 20, Dec. 4, 11, and 18. Hosted by North Central AHEC.

10/22/2026

Wisconsin's gubernatorial candidates are talking about volunteer fire departments. Emergency medical services like these save lives in rural Wisconsin. Many rural fire departments are staffed by volunteers.

Read what the candidates had to say about funding rural fire departments in this article from Wisconsin Watch. It's the first question.

Wisconsin Watch asked the public to submit questions for David Crowley and Tom Tiffany. Here’s what the candidates said about firefighters, bike paths, transgender rights and other topics.

10/22/2026

Our esteemed colleagues at Wisconsin AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) are hiring!

🩺 Are you passionate about strengthening Wisconsin’s health care workforce and building healthier communities?

Do you have experience designing and developing outreach programs and services, particularly workforce health career pathways and virtual curriculum?

Yes? Then we’re looking for you! Wisconsin AHEC is seeking a Statewide Program Manager to oversee program resources and support a statewide team dedicated to:

• Expanding educational opportunities
• Strengthening the health workforce
• Improving community well-being throughout Wisconsin

Follow the link and apply by Nov. 5!

https://jobs.wisc.edu/jobs/ahec-statewide-program-manager-madison-wisconsin-united-states

10/22/2026

🐄 is one month away! Join andWORH on Nov. 19 as we celebrate the and recognize the impact of rural communities. 🚑

See how to participate at powerofrural.org! 👀

Image description: A yellow, glitter number one, followed by black text that reads “Month until National Rural Health Day.” “15th Anniversary” in white text on a bronze background. Celebrating the Power of Rural in white text on a green background.

10/21/2026

James Small, WORH's Rural EMS Outreach Manager, recently spoke at the Wisconsin Counties Association conference about the trend of municipalities turning to counties for vital EMS support in Wisconsin. 🚑

You can see James' presentation in its entirety on WisconsinEye. (You may need to create a free account.)

Thank you, James, for using your experience and insights to support the care of Wisconsin's rural residents!

Production Note: If you rely on the access to state public policy information and debate WisconsinEye provides, please consider a donation to help keep access to events like these open to all. Thank you! On September 22, 2026, the Wisconsin Counties Association held their annual conference. Coverage...

10/20/2026

Rural communities are essential to the health and strength of our nation. 🚜

🏥 From providing care across vast distances to building strong local connections, rural health efforts make a lasting impact every day.

🥳 Celebrate the with us on , Nov 19! Discover more at powerofrural.org.

Image description: The National Rural Health Day logo above a bronze ribbon that reads “15th Anniversary” in white text, above a green ribbon that reads “Celebrating the Power of Rural!” in white text. Gold and green ribbons are behind the text.

10/01/2026

Mark your calendar! and WORH invite you to celebrate the on 11.19.26 for .

Join the nationwide celebration and find ways to get involved at powerofrural.org.

Image description: The National Rural Health Day logo above a bronze ribbon that reads “15th Anniversary” in white text, above a green ribbon that reads “Celebrating the Power of Rural!” in white text. Gold and green ribbons are behind the text.

09/21/2026

WORH Rural Hospitals and Clinics Program Manager Samantha Peck spoke with Wisconsin Watch about how Medicaid cuts could play out in rural health care settings.

https://wisconsinwatch.org/2026/09/wisconsin-medicaid-work-requirements-nebraska-montana-health-badgercare-plus/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUeMwFwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTZIWDhPTG1sNFo4WkdaWTdzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeCGrPzFKyqXf1DmLDYaG47V8fuuryJ4FY1mjIBaaO0WaP9mbBsm5fKmDAPvA_aem_A9OTB8eezI61btlkljLngw

From the article:

Medicaid cuts are expected to hit rural hospitals hardest. A March report by Public Citizen found 446 hospitals nationwide were at risk of closing or reducing services due to cuts. Samantha Peck, rural hospitals and clinics program manager for the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health, manages funds that benefit critical access hospitals across the state.

About 13% of patients in Wisconsin hospitals use Medicaid, but Peck said critical access hospitals in Door County, Oconto, Shawano and New London average about 48% of patients on Medicaid, leaving them particularly vulnerable if more patients lose coverage.

Maternal and mental health programs could be among the first cut, Peck said.

“The biggest worry is that community hospitals will start reducing service lines,” Peck said. “What we’re already seeing is a reduction in maternal care, specifically labor and delivery.”