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.

GivingTuesday emphasizes opportunities to give back to communities and causes in safe ways that allow for social connection and kindness even while practicing physical distancing. Together we give. Your generosity makes a difference on #GivingTuesday by supporting Idaho Rural Health Association advocacy, outreach and education efforts, including monthly education sessions for community members. Please click here to make a one-time donation to our work.

Register for the December 8 Rural Health Education Session
on Idaho's Covid-19 Crisis Community Resource Program

The Idaho Rural Health Association announces the first in a series of rural health education sessions on issues facing rural Idaho individuals, organizations, professionals and communities. Please join us on December 8, 2020 for information, discussion and networking with colleagues from around the state. 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has developed new resources to help address the overwhelming impact left in the wake of COVID-19. Idaho Strong provides support for Idahoans struggling with the impacts of the pandemic by providing emotional support, resource linkage, resiliency building, and community education. Seven specially trained responders are available throughout the state to support the needs of fellow Idahoans as we navigate these challenging times. 

Please join Lillian Tourney from the Division of Behavioral Health at noon on Tuesday, December 8 for a special ZOOM session to learn more about the new Covid-19 Crisis Community Resources. She will explain the program, including the Covid Help Now Line, and also take your suggestions for other ways to help the rural healthcare system in Idaho. Click the banner below for more information from the Idaho Office of Emergency Preparedness.

To register for the IRHA rural education session, click here. 

Idaho Official Resources for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Resources and information on Idaho's response to COVID-19, including information for healthcare providers and schools, public health monitoring and testing, and more. https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/

ECHO Idaho COVID-19 Program 
Offers two COVID-19 sessions per week led by a panel of experts for Idaho's healthcare workforce, including providers, clinicians, policymakers and administrators, providing information and strategies to address the challenges resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.  https://www.uidaho.edu/academics/wwami/echo/covid-19

National Rural Health Association Covid-19 Resources
NRHA takes seriously the impact that pandemics and public health emergencies have on our members and rural communities nationwide. NRHA has compiled free COVID-19 resources provided by the CDC, WHO, and other reputable organizations. https://www.ruralhealthweb.org/programs/resources/covid-19-resources

Federal Office of Rural Health Policy FAQs for COVID-19 
A set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from our grantees and stakeholders, including Updated FAQ for Rural Health Clinics (RHC) Testing Program, with a link to the RHC COVID-19 Reporting Portal, where tests and spending categories must be reported monthly. https://www.hrsa.gov/rural-health/coronavirus/frequently-asked-questions

Idaho Rural Health Heroes Celebrated on
National Rural Health Day, November 19

The Idaho Rural Health Hero Awards celebrates rural health educators, community advocates, healthcare providers and program administrators who demonstrate outstanding service and dedication to rural communities.
Congratulations to this year's Idaho Rural Health Heroes:

Clearwater Medical Clinic Staff/Jill Ball, administrator
Cathy Oliphant, PharmD/ISU Pharmacy Department
Bart Hanson, lab manager/Minidoka Memorial Hospital
Rylee O'Neill, director/SE ID Area Health Education Center
Mike Hirschi, director/Region V Area Agency on Aging
Melody Weaver, PhD, FNP-BC/ISU School of Nursing

Read their stories

Governor Brad Little proclaimed November 19, 2020 to be National Rural Health Day in Idaho.