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.

COVID-19 and the All of Us Research Program Scheduled for Jan. 25 

The Idaho Rural Health Association announces the second in a series of rural health education sessions on issues facing rural Idaho individuals, organizations, professionals and communities. Please join us at noon (MT) on Jan. 25 for information, discussion and networking with colleagues from around the state. 

The All of Us Research Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking one million or more people from across the U.S. to help speed up medical research. With health information donated by people of all backgrounds, All of Us aims to learn how to treat – and maybe even prevent – serious illnesses.

The more information researchers have, the faster they can discover new treatments and cures. But health research can only help people of all backgrounds if people of all backgrounds get involved. COVID-19 has reinforced the critical importance of medical research. You can be part of an effort that will not only help researchers better understand COVID, but also provide answers to many other health questions that affect our communities.

Data shows that COVID-19 impacts minorities at much higher rates. By including these groups in clinical trials, researchers can ensure the resulting vaccines and treatments will work for the people who need it most. Join Karen Buenrosto, Outreach & Engagement Manager for the All of Us Research Program at NIH for background information on COVID-19, what the All of Us program is doing to find answers, and how participants might be able to help. #JoinAllofUs

Register for this FREE rural education session 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.