Welcome

The Idaho Rural Health Association provides a voice on rural health issues through advocacy, communication and education. Individual, organizational and student members receive news bulletins and action alerts of interest to rural health advocates, as well as invitations to policy events and discounts on meeting fees. 

Read more about member benefits and strategic priorities in our membership flyer.

Save the Date! November 17, 2022 is National Rural Health Day.

Now in its sixth year, the Idaho Rural Health Hero Awards celebrate rural health educators, community advocates, healthcare providers and program administrators who demonstrate outstanding service and dedication to rural communities. The awards will be given at the Idaho Rural Health Association's Annual Meeting and Awards Reception - held this year at JUMP (Jack's Urban Meeting Place) in downtown Boise - beginning at 5:30pm in the Jump Room. 

Cultivating Rural Resilience: Navigating Farm & Ranch Stress

Like the guest speakers at this year's event, we believe in working together to cultivate rural resilience for all -- including farmers, ranchers, and agriculture workers -- as they navigate increasing stress. That's why we invited the Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program (WRASAP) to share insights on sustainable livelihoods and behavioral health strategies to address agricultural stress and suicide prevention. Their message: You Are Not Alone.

WESTERN REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL
STRESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (WRASAP)

Funded by a USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network grant, the Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program is composed of lead agencies representing 13 states and 4 territories. WRASAP recognizes that high levels of stress have been present in our agricultural communities. Causes include unstable finances, carrying the pressure of multigenerational farm lineage, injury, chronic/acute illness, adverse weather and climate change, and recent COVID-19 stressors. We want to make sure that you, your family, and people you work with have access to the resources needed, when they’re needed.

View their excellent videos for perspective on how farm and ranch stress affects family members differently.

Congratulations to last year's Idaho Rural Health Heroes!

Cynthia Bunde, PA-C - Pocatello Free Clinic, Pocatello ID
Chancey Buttars, FNP - Franklin County Medical Center, Preston ID
Dr. Rebecca Katzman and Clearwater Valley Health Clinic and Hospital staff - Orofino ID
Lance Hansen, MD - Bear Lake Family Medicine and OB/GYN, Montpelier ID
Ann Lima, MD - Clearwater Valley Health, Orofino ID
Russell Spearman, MEd - ISU Institute of Rural Health, Meridian ID
Sandra Woolstenhulme, DNP-FNP - Teton Valley Health Cache Clinic, Driggs ID

Read about the awardees here.