Rural Health Care Needs Your Help
NRHA's National Rural Health Foundation (NRHF) was established in 2011 as the Rural Health Leadership and Education Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit to support the education and training of the next generation of rural community stakeholders led by the NRHF Board of Directors.
Our objective is to recognize emerging leaders committed to rural America, equip them with vital leadership training and executive skills, and empower them to play a leading role in ensuring access to high-quality health care for residents of rural communities nationwide.
NRHF is the primary supporter of two of NRHA's essential leadership programs:
- The Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program is a national intensive training focused on developing leaders who can articulate a clear and compelling vision for rural America locally and nationally.
- The Center for Rural Health Leadership is a high-impact, hands-on hospital specialty training for C-level executives.
As more participants receive an immediate return from our programs, we continue to grow our network of advocates driving rural health policy solutions. We are proud to equip leaders with the tools they need to take on rural health care advocacy at every level.
If you would like to contribute to the development of rural leadership across the country, please consider making a tax-deductible personal donation or rallying your organization to pledge support below. Click Here to process your gift today.
If you have are curious about NRHF's mission, have an interest in collaborating, or have questions about your contribution(s), please contact Brandon Brook.
The Rural Health Leadership and Education Foundation (RHLEF), doing business as the National Rural Health Foundation (NRHF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Consult your tax adviser for more information.
More than 150 rural hospitals have closed since 2010. Today, an additional 450+ rural hospitals are at risk of closure. Despite the vulnerability of rural hospitals, health care is still one of the leading employers in most rural communities.
Many health care professionals working outside of hospitals – pharmacists, optometrists, therapists, and more – also need support, including recruitment, workforce development, training, and more. In addition to the tremendous staffing issues, many community leaders lack formal training or the necessary executive skills in these distinct rural settings.
Rural-relevant leadership programs have shown proven results in improving community health, as well as the financial well-being of rural facilities. These focused leadership programs, particularly tailored for the small community environment, result in relevant, dynamic, high-quality leadership.
Our approach to delivering improved community health and lessening the financial strain of rural facilities has been to promote leadership training for eager individuals from and for rural America. The National Rural Health Foundation has pledged to fund 100 percent of the operational costs of NRHA's Rural Health Fellows Program in 2024 and beyond. As we grow, we hope to expand our reach into funding scholarship opportunities and providing additional operational support to important leadership programs.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we depend on the generosity of our supporters to help fund our mission-driven initiatives. A donation to the National Rural Health Foundation immediately impacts the next generation of leaders for rural America. Your support will create a ripple through our supported programs, felt by all of our participants nationwide. Please click here to contribute to the growth of rural health leadership.
2024
2023
- Focus on Fellows: Checking in with three rural leaders - Nov. 22, 2023
- 2024 NRHA Rural Health Fellows announced - Oct. 27, 2023
- NRHA Rural Health Nurse Certification Program launch - Aug. 8, 2023
- NRHA Rural Hospital Board Certification Program launch - Aug. 8, 2023
- NRHA Rural Hospital CEO Certification Program graduation - Aug. 8, 2023
- NRHA Rural Hospital CMO Certification Program launch - Aug. 8, 2023
- NRHA Rural Hospital HR Certification Program launch - Aug. 8, 2023
- NRHA Donor Profile: Meet Keith Mueller - Jan. 31, 2023
2022
- Marcia Brand, PhD (Co-Chair)
- Paul Moore, DPh (Co-Chair)
- Kevin Bennett, PhD
- Thomas M. Dean, MD
- Carter Florence, DrPH
- Alan Morgan, NRHA CEO
- Rob McVay, NRHA CFO
- Keith Mueller, PhD
- Lisa Rantz
- Tim Size, D.Hum
Rosemary McKenzie Legacy Award
Rosemary McKenzie's passion for rural health and dedication to multicultural and multiracial populations were unparalleled. Rosemary served as the National Rural Health Association's minority liaison and program services manager in the Kansas City, Mo., office for 27 years. She died in 2011 due to complications from pancreatic cancer.
To carry on Rosemary McKenzie's legacy and honor her memory, the National Rural Health Association has established the Rosemary McKenzie Legacy Award to be presented annually during the Health Equity Conference, a conference she predominantly and passionately coordinated. The award winner will receive free registration to the 2018 conference and a $1,000 stipend to be used for travel and accommodations for the event, where they will be recognized.
You can make a tax-deductible donation by including "Rosemary Legacy Fund" or "Rosemary McKenzie" in the Acknowledgement line on the above form or you can send a check to 406 West 34th St., Suite 408/409 Kansas City, MO 64111. Please make checks out to "Rural Health Leadership and Education Foundation" and indicate "Rosemary Legacy Fund" on the memo line.
Contact
Brandon Brook
Fundraising Manager - National Rural Health Foundation
Email: Bbrook@ruralhealth.us
Phone: (818) 205-7552