Thanks for Making National Rural Health Day Shine! | |
On November 20, the Power of Rural took center stage as NOSORH, all 50 State Offices of Rural Health, and rural health advocates nationwide came together to celebrate National Rural Health Day (NRHD).
If you haven't had a chance yet, take a moment to explore this year's Community Stars map and watch the playback of the 2025 Main Event, which highlighted the importance of rural cybersecurity.
Save the date for next year’s NRHD celebration on Thursday, November 19, 2026. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again!
| National Information Hub Helps States Advance Rural Health Transformation | |
When federal officials opened the door to a historic rural health investment, states needed quick answers and rural-specific guidance. With support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) answered that call by developing a National Information Hub that connected states to the rural-focused expertise they needed as they prepared applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Read More
| Case Study Webinar: How Rural Hospitals Use Technology to Innovate and Transform | |
Join Wintergreen and VersaBadge on Thursday, December 11, at 12:00 pm EST for a timely virtual panel discussion that brings together Critical Access Hospital leaders to share stories and case studies of how technology is helping them manage financial pressures, strengthen clinical operations, and demonstrate the power of rural-led innovation.
Who it’s for: Administrators and CEOs, CFOs and finance leaders, nursing and quality leaders, State Offices of Rural Health
Register here
| Stroudwater Associates Releases 2025 Rural Provider Compensation Report | |
Stroudwater Associates has released The State of Rural Provider Compensation in 2025, developed in partnership with the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and NOSORH. The findings are based on Stroudwater’s annual Rural Provider Compensation Survey conducted earlier this year. The survey offers insight to help rural healthcare organizations make evidence-based decisions about physician and advanced practice provider (APP) compensation.
In 2025, this annual survey represented approximately 4,697 providers across 41 states. Respondents ranged from independent hospitals with fewer than 10 staffed beds to rural systems with over 150 staffed beds. Click here to view the report.
| | Rural Hospital Flexibility Act Reintroduced | |
In honor of National Rural Health Day, U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Barrasso (R-WY), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) reintroduced the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to reauthorize and modernize the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) program, which supports critical access hospitals in rural and frontier communities with training, technical support, and equipment. The program provides states with essential funds to help their smallest hospitals stay open, update key infrastructure, and improve care delivery. The Flex program remains a critical tool for sustaining and strengthening health care access in rural America. Read the press release.
| PAN Foundation - Rural Health Focus Groups | |
The PAN Foundation is hosting virtual focus groups to learn directly from rural health providers and leaders across the country about what's needed most to improve healthcare access in rural communities.
Two sessions will be offered:
- December 4 - 12:00-1:30 pm EST
- December 4 - 6:00-7:30 pm EST
What will be discussed? Access and affordability | Transportation and technology | Support and community resources
Your insights will guide new programs to support rural communities with financial assistance, transportation support, and broadband internet! Register here.
| Five Finance Moves to Make Before Year-End | | |
Year-end isn’t just about closing the books; it’s about finishing with intention. Whether your goal is to reduce exposure, capitalize on momentum, or build flexibility for what comes next, these next few months matter. In this article, Wipfli shares five strategic finance moves rural health leaders can make to reduce risk, seize opportunities, and build agility for 2026.
|
|
Remembering Mark Schoenbaum: A Leader in Rural Health
Mark Schoenbaum, director of the Minnesota Office of Rural Health and Primary Care for more than 22 years and a dedicated NOSORH Board Member, passed away on October 20, 2025. Mark was a giant in the field whose leadership, vision, and advocacy made a lasting imprint on rural health in Minnesota and across the nation.
Among his many achievements, Mark was selected as Minnesota’s Community Star in 2024 and recognized on National Rural Health Day – an honor NOSORH was proud to share. As noted in his Community Star profile, Mark championed policies that became embedded in Minnesota state government. He played a key role in expanding the state’s Loan Forgiveness Programs, which have become one of Minnesota’s most effective efforts for recruiting and retaining primary care providers in rural communities. He also led the development of the dental therapist profession in Minnesota and became a trusted national expert and advocate for the field. His skills and wisdom were highly sought by the state legislature and his colleagues nationwide. Even after retiring, Mark continued sharing his expertise as a consultant on health workforce issues.
NOSORH extends heartfelt condolences to Mark’s family, colleagues, and the entire rural health community. His legacy of service, integrity, and compassion will continue to shape rural health for years to come.
| | | | As a technical assistance provider to rural stakeholders, NOSORH provides access to a wide range of resources on relevant topics. Inclusion on NOSORH's website or presentations does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with, the contents by NOSORH or the Health Resources and Services Administration. | | | | |
