Rural Health
News by Topic: Networking and collaboration
Oct 13, 2026 - Describes discussions at the inaugural Rural Cardiovascular Care in the U.S. Symposium, a West Virginia gathering on heart healthcare delivery in rural and underserved communities. The event provided connections for clinicians, administrators, and innovators with the goal of creating partnerships that lead to new models of care and improved heart health outcomes.
Source: WVU Medicine
Oct 12, 2026 - Describes discussions at the North Carolina Rural Health Association's Western North Carolina gathering about the healthcare access challenges facing rural families and the impact local stakeholders can have in addressing those challenges.
Source: EdNC
Oct 7, 2026 - Highlights the healthcare work happening in rural communities during a tour of a rural health system in Minnesota. Discusses the outcomes following financial investment, access to specialty care, the focus on building the rural healthcare workforce, and how collaboration impacts the future of rural healthcare.
Source: Sanford Health
Sep 22, 2026 - Announces a free Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supported conference for 988 and behavioral health crisis system state, territory, and tribal grantees, federal partners, subject-matter experts, providers, and other key partners to discuss strengthening crisis services and systems, as well as network with colleagues. The conference is December 15-17, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Rural response in crisis care is a topic of interest.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Sep 22, 2026 - A new statewide collaboration has received funding to help rural North Carolina clinics and hospitals use artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Discusses ethical use of AI and an AI digital divide.
Source: UNC School of Medicine Newsroom
Sep 14, 2026 - Describes a North Carolina opioid overdose prevention program offering free naloxone through vending machines in an effort to increase access to the medication. Discusses how machines are placed and stocked based on community needs as well as the partnerships that make projects like this possible.
Source: ECU News Services
Aug 31, 2026 - Announces plans for the Lumbee River Health System, a new system aiming to join the Indian Health Service (IHS) in North Carolina. Describes how the system will work with partners for payment and identify areas of need to be addressed within the Lumbee Tribe.
Source: Foxy 99
Aug 27, 2026 - Highlights Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding in Ohio to connect pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, health systems, and other partners across the state through a health information exchange. The goal is to build a rural pharmacy network, expand clinical services in pharmacies, and conduct a pharmacy needs assessment across the state.
Source: Ohio Pharmacists Association
Aug 19, 2026 - The New Mexico Health Care Authority has issued a call for applicants for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Stakeholder Advisory Committee. The Committee will be an advisory body for RHTP activities in the state. Applications are due September 10, 2026.
Source: New Mexico Health Care Authority
Aug 18, 2026 - Announces a partnership between the University of Arizona and Gila River Health Care, a tribally operated healthcare system, to establish the first medical school branch on sovereign tribal lands. The goal of the partnership is to train future physicians in tribal communities while expanding access to care for tribal residents. It's an accelerated 3-year program and includes a full scholarship. Discusses rural and tribal physician workforce shortages.
Source: University of Arizona News

