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Rural Health Information Hub

Healthcare Access in Rural Communities – Organizations

American Hospital Association Rural Health Services
Represents the interests of small and rural hospitals and ensures that the unique needs of this segment of American Hospital Association's membership are a national priority.
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Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU)
A transdisciplinary organization of clinicians, advocates, and healthcare organizations that provide healthcare for the underserved. Provides professional education, clinical tools, advocacy, patient education, training, and technical assistance.
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Families USA
Serves as a national nonprofit, non-partisan organization working to achieve high-quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans.
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Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP)
Coordinates activities related to rural healthcare within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Part of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Focuses on matters affecting rural hospitals and healthcare, coordinating activities within the department that relate to rural healthcare, and maintaining a national information clearinghouse.
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Maine Rural Health Research Center
One of the Rural Health Research Centers currently funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. Focuses on barriers to health access for rural residents and related topics, including health insurance coverage, Medicaid, behavioral health, long-term services and supports, and challenges faced by Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in delivering and sustaining services.
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National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS)
A 21-member independent advisory group with expertise in a wide range of rural health and human services issues. Advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services on healthcare challenges in rural America.
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National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)
Provides services and technical assistance to community, migrant, and homeless health centers.
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National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC)
Works to improve the delivery of quality, cost-effective healthcare in rural underserved areas through the Rural Health Clinics (RHC) Program.
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National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
Works to improve the health of underserved populations by recruiting and retaining health professionals to deliver healthcare in rural and underserved communities. Administers scholarship and loan repayment programs. Provides technical assistance to federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) on projects that enhance the NHSC's site development mission. Part of the Bureau of Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Administration.
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National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH)
Promotes the capacity of State Offices of Rural Health (SORHs) to improve healthcare in the rural U.S. Provides opportunities for leadership development, advocacy, education, and partnerships.
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National Rural Health Association (NRHA)
Promotes leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education, and research. Consists of individual and organizational members who share a common interest in rural health.
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North Carolina Rural Health Research Program (NC RHRP)
One of the Rural Health Research Centers currently funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. Works to identify rural health problems through policy-relevant analyses, geographic and graphical presentation of data, and information dissemination.
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Rural Health Equity Research Center
One of the Rural Health Research Centers currently funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. Focuses on the impacts of substance use disorder (SUD), access to healthcare and social services, and population health. A collaboration of the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Addiction Science Center, ETSU's Center for Rural Health Research, and the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis.
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Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI)
Provides unbiased analysis and information on the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing rural America. Works to help policymakers understand the rural impacts of public policies and programs.
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State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC)
Provides data collection and analysis services. Focuses on state and federal health policy, health insurance exchanges, payment and delivery system reform, Medicaid, population health, and barriers to healthcare coverage and access.
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The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC)
Works to ensure access to affordable healthcare services for the medically underserved through public awareness, volunteerism, and advocacy.
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University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
One of the Rural Health Research Centers currently funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. Conducts policy-relevant research focused on access to and quality of healthcare and population health outcomes.
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WWAMI Rural Health Research Center (WWAMI RHRC)
One of the Rural Health Research Centers currently funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. Focuses on policy-oriented research with an emphasis on the rural healthcare workforce and access to care. Based in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
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Last Reviewed: 11/21/2022