
Rural Health Services
Some 57 million rural Americans depend on their hospital as an important source of care as well as a critical component of their area's economic and social fabric.
AHA ensures the unique needs of our members are a national priority. Location, size, workforce, payment and access to capital challenge small or rural hospitals and the communities they serve. Collaborating with state and regional hospital associations and with advice from its member council, the Section tracks the issues, develops policies and identifies solutions to our most pressing problems. We do this through:
- Representation and advocacy in Washington, DC
- Communication and education
- Executive leadership and technical assistance
- Innovation in payment and delivery
Rural Health Resources
Advocacy and Policy
The American Hospital Association has made improving access to rural health a top priority. Our advocacy agenda for lawmakers and policy recommendations to government agencies lay the groundwork for needed change to improve the system for patients. Click here for regulatory advisories, comment letters, fact sheets and our agendas.Education
The American Hospital Association has a wealth of media and educational resources available to rural hospitals and health systems. Click here for reports, newsletters, podcasts, webinars, and more.Tools and Resources
The American Hospital Association is proud to feature the success stories of its members. Read a variety of case studies highlighting best practices, innovative techniques and new ideas from the field.Grants
NEW: Rural Health Services Resources and ReferencesA curated library of grants, tools and other resources from AHA and others available to rural providers. Click here to see the collection.
Strategies for Rural Health Leaders’ Success in a Post-COVID-19 World Webinar and Playbook
In this webinar rural hospital executives and board leaders discuss how boards can work with all levels within their communities to build vaccine confidence and trust in the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine for families and communities.
This playbook is designed to guide rural hospital leaders and board members around strategic thinking and local problem solving related to the COVID-19 vaccine and related COVID-19 response, as we as a country attempt to move past the pandemic.

Thank You!
Learn More About the Rural Advisory Groups