Reintroducing NRHA’s National Rural Health Foundation

By: Angela Lutz | 2/26/24

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NRHA’s National Rural Health Foundation (NRHF) is stepping into 2024 in style. The nonprofit organization has a new name, a revamped logo, an improved donation form, and a renewed commitment to supporting rural health education and leadership training for many years to come. NRHF also has a new dedicated fundraising manager in Brandon Brook, who joined NRHA staff last June and brought with him a wealth of experience in campaign fundraising for local, state, and national political campaigns.

Originally from Los Angeles, Brook now lives in Providence, R.I., but alongside his urban roots lies a deep concern and compassion for rural residents. Brook says he became curious about rural health advocacy after recognizing the often-overlooked challenges rural communities face.

“After observing the gaps in health care accessibility and the need for more advocates to represent the interests of rural communities, I wanted to see what I could do to make an impact for rural Americans who deserve equitable health care,” he says. As a first step, Brook is excited to launch the foundation rebrand, which he is seizing as an opportunity to reintroduce NRHF to NRHA’s membership and showcase the tangible difference the organization’s leadership training programs can make for rural health care providers, facilities, patients, and communities. Leadership training programs funded by NRHF include:

• NRHA’s Rural Health Fellows Program, a national intensive training focused on developing leaders who can articulate a clear and compelling vision for rural America locally and nationally.

 

• NRHA’s Center for Rural Health Leadership, a high-impact, hands-on hospital specialty training for C-level executives.

Brandon Brook

Brook hopes the foundation’s efforts – including an updated website and donation page – will invigorate NRHA members and other stakeholders and inspire a renewed commitment to empowering rural community leaders.

“Strong leadership is an essential contributor to the viability of rural communities,” Brook says. “A leader focused on enhancing social determinants of health in rural America can be a game-changer for those they are advocating for. The National Rural Health Foundation would like to democratize access to leadership training and make it more accessible and directed to those in rural communities, ultimately creating more rural health advocates at every level.”

Marcia Brand

Through this exciting period of growth and expansion, NRHF is proud to maintain the support of longtime NRHA members like Marcia Brand, who serves as co-chair along with NRHA past president Paul Moore. Retired from a successful career that included leadership roles in HRSA and the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Brand has stayed involved with NRHA for more than 24 years because she believes in the value of strong rural health leadership and advocacy.

“There is no other organization better positioned to have an impact on health outcomes in our rural communities,” Brand says. “I think the best way NRHA can address our nation’s rural health care challenges is by developing leadership in rural health care organizations and engaging policymakers. NRHA’s foundation and leadership programs prepare individuals to do both of those things.”

"Supporting the National Rural Health Foundation with a donation is an investment in the future of rural health leadership."

– Brandon Brook

In the coming year, Brand is excited about the energy Brook brings to his role as NRHF’s first dedicated staff member. She also looks forward to seeing how NRHA-trained leaders can continue to promote health equity in the communities they serve.

“We’ve seen this over and over again – our rural health care system is resurrected through leaders who have the skills to conduct financial and operational assessments, identify strategies for sustainability, maximize resources, build teams, and gain the support of the community,” Brand says. “That’s what NRHA’s leadership programs do – they promote these skills.”

Brook is also excited about the foundation’s evolution, particularly as the organization recommits to funding the entire operational cost of the Rural Health Fellows Program. NRHF is also seeking other opportunities to enhance its programs and expand their service capacity – and Brook encourages NRHA members and other rural health stakeholders to donate to help NRHF adapt and grow in pursuit of a healthier, more resilient rural America.

"There is no other organization better positioned to have an impact on health outcomes in our rural communities."

– Marcia Brand

“Supporting the National Rural Health Foundation with a donation is an investment in the future of rural health leadership,” Brook says. “By investing in our foundation, rural health stakeholders become vital contributors to the overarching goals of achieving equity and accessibility for all rural Americans. Remember, it takes seven years to make a doctor, but the ongoing support of our rural health stakeholders transforms a doctor into a leader who can make a lasting impact.”
 

Focus on leadership

Since 2007, NRHA’s Rural Health Fellows Program has bolstered the advocacy, leadership, and networking abilities of rural health care professionals across the country. For Thad Shunkwiler, Minnesota State University Department of Health Science associate professor and Center for Rural Behavioral Health founding director, the program gave him the confidence and skills to author a successful appropriation bill at the Minnesota legislature. He encourages anyone who is looking for ways to bolster their rural health knowledge and network to apply.

“The Rural Health Fellows Program gave me a deeper understanding of the issues and the language to talk about them, and it gave me the tools to take back to the state level and advocate,” he says. “You can’t replicate the personal and professional connections you can make through the conferences and Fellows team you get to work with.”
 

How to donate

If you would like to impact the development of rural leadership across the nation, please consider making a personal donation or rallying your organization to pledge support.

Visit RuralHealth.US/DonationForm to make an impact today.