Rural Health Redesign Center

03/26/2026

T.J. Health Columbia is redefining healthcare access for rural residents through a series of meaningful, community driven improvements. After identifying long wait times and long travel distances for pulmonary and cardiac rehab, the team moved quickly to bring rehab services directly into the hospital. Patients are experiencing greater convenience, better continuity of care, and improved outcomes, all of which are driving increased local utilization.

Their commitment to expanding access doesn’t stop there. T.J. Health Columbia recently earned recognition as a Level IV Trauma Center, strengthening regional safety and reducing the time between injury and expert care, a lifesaving difference for rural residents.

These clinical advancements are complemented by a refreshed interior and exterior, giving the hospital a renewed sense of pride and presence that reflects the quality of care happening inside.

We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to support their ongoing efforts as they strengthen rural health care for their community.

03/24/2026

TriStar Health Alliance, converted to a Rural Emergency Hospital, a major milestone and the first of its kind in their state. Their leadership and commitment to expanding access to care serve as an important example for rural communities across the region.

Bill Jolley, Vice President of TriStar Health Alliance, shared:

“Through the support and assistance of the RHRC we were successful in our facility and transitioning to a Rural Emergency Hospital, the first in our state. The Center is a tremendous resource and asset for rural communities and healthcare providers.”

We value our partnership with TriStar Health Alliance and are grateful to be part of their journey and ongoing commitment to improving access to care in rural communities.

03/19/2026

For more than 75 years, AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital has been a trusted source of care for the people of western New York. The hospital plays an essential role in protecting health care access for communities across Chautauqua County, ensuring that 24/7 emergency care remains close to home for the region’s rural residents.

Today, they are removing the barriers that often stand between rural residents and essential care.

They recently expanded access to advanced imaging by adding state-of-the-art MRI services, including a mobile unit, reducing the need for long, costly trips for care. Now, high-quality diagnostics are available right where they belong, closer to home. This shift means faster answers, earlier detections, and a much smoother path to recovery for every patient they serve.

Congratulations to AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital on these transformative achievements and their continued dedication to rural health. We are honored to stand alongside you supporting rural health care.

03/18/2026

The Pennsylvania Rural Health Model (PARHM) served as a robust learning laboratory for rural health transformation efforts as evidenced by the recent Health Affairs article.

The article identifies some important lessons learned, and improvement opportunities as rural health transformation efforts evolve. While PARHM successfully provided a critical financial lifeline through financial incentives, lessons learned identify that this alone will not fully sustain rural hospitals and truly transition to value -based care.

This highlights what PARHM stakeholders have identified as they continue to work together to build a successor program for the state of Pennsylvania on operational support.

True transformation requires reshaping how rural care is delivered so communities can thrive.

This “Next Generation” approach recognizes that real stability comes when payment models are paired with robust transformation strategies that address the need for operational infrastructure, and strong quality programs within alternative payment. on operational support.

Learn more about how the RHRC is advancing next generation alternative payment solutions at RHRCO.org.

Read more about Lesson’s Learned from PARHM here: Financial Fix, Quality Flaw: https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/financial-fix-quality-flaw-lessons-pennsylvania-s-rural-health-model

03/17/2026

We are proud to celebrate UPMC Kane for being named Business of the Year by the Kane Area Chamber of Commerce. This recognition reflects the hospital’s vital role in delivering high-quality care and supporting the wellbeing of the entire region.

Congratulations as well to Debbie Wensel, honored as Citizen of the Year, whose compassionate leadership continues to strengthen the Kane Food Pantry and the community she serves.

It’s inspiring to see local leaders and organizations making such a meaningful impact in rural Pennsylvania. We’re grateful to work alongside partners who are deeply committed to their communities.

03/12/2026

The 2026 Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Reverse Site Visit brought rural partners, providers, and advocates together in Washington, D.C. to connect, learn, and strengthen the work happening across rural communities.

The event brought RCORP grantees and federal partners together to share insights, solve challenges, and strengthen evidence‑based and sustainable approaches, while celebrating the progress already underway.

Diana and Jamie joined hundreds of attendees committed to improving behavioral health access and advancing solutions that meet the unique needs of rural communities. It was an inspiring reminder of what’s possible when rural communities come together to learn, innovate, and drive meaningful change.

03/11/2026

We are honored to partner with Kentucky River Medical Center as they strengthen rural healthcare through our Appalachian Regional Healthcare-Technical Assistance Center (ARH‑TAC) program.

Appalachian Region Healthcare Technical Assistance Center The Cohort 2 application window has been extended, and the ARH Program is actively accepting applications now. Are you a healthcare institution in the […]

03/10/2026

It was inspiring to be part of the conversations shaping the future of rural health at the AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference.

Throughout the event, the focus stayed on what matters most to rural communities, keeping care close to home, ensuring patients feel safe and supported, and finding real solutions to bring more providers and resources where they’re needed most.

Rural health care is about people, families, and the communities they call home.

It’s a privilege to work alongside leaders who are just as committed as we are to keeping our rural communities healthy and resilient.

Pictured along with our team is Shawn Tester CEO and Laura Newell, COO with Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital.

03/05/2026

Rural health care is at a pivotal moment, and our 2025 Annual Report shows just how much is changing across the country.

More than 250 healthcare organizations across 44 states engaged with RHRC in efforts that collectively impacted over 7 million rural residents. Expanded technical assistance programs, next generation payment strategy discussions advanced, and communities continued working to strengthen access to essential services.

This has been a year of meaningful progress and a testament to the growing urgency to protect access to care in rural communities.

Explore the full data, stories, and impact in our 2025 Annual Report rhrco.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2025-RHRC-Annual-Report_FINAL.pdf

03/04/2026

Community Memorial Hospital is taking meaningful steps to strengthen teamwork and create more connection across the workplace. In the ongoing effort to build a high‑performing, collaborative environment, their leadership and surgery departments recently participated in a DISC engagement sessions.

The DISC assessment helps individuals better understand their communication and work style. They focused on building cultural awareness, improving communication, and supporting stronger collaboration across the organization.

We were honored to help facilitate these conversations, sharing guidance and insights that helped the group use their individual and collective strengths to improve how they work together.

03/03/2026

Did you know? Rural communities make up 20% of the U.S. population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024), yet over half of all primary care shortage areas are in rural America (HRSA, 2024). Rural regions have only about two‑thirds of the primary care physicians they need (HRSA, 2024).

That means millions of people are driving hours for basic care, or going without it altogether. Rural health care isn’t just a statistic, it’s your neighbor, your family, your community.

We believe every person deserves access to quality care, no matter their zip code. That’s why we’re working to change the story for rural America.

Learn more about how we support rural health across the nation at rhrco.org.

02/27/2026

📢 Join us for the Rural Community Action Assembly webinar on March 24.

A significant wave of federal funding for rural health is on its way to states across the country, presenting an opportunity for communities to expand workforce opportunities, improve health outcomes, and catalyze resilient economic growth in rural communities.

The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program is designed to help communities leverage these resources through strategic investments that address healthcare access and workforce needs. Effective RHT Program implementation may help prevent localized health challenges from becoming broader economic disruptions.

Register today to hear from experts about the RHT Program funds, how to position your organization or community to benefit, and strategies to foster cross-sector partnerships that may attract funding.

Presenters include:

Lisa Davis, Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health
Jesse Ergott, AllOne Foundation
Alan Morgan, National Rural Health Association
Karin Rhodes, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Janice Walters, Rural Health Redesign Center

Participation is free, but registration is required. https://bit.ly/3ODgWhO