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.

Celebrating Idaho Rural Health Heroes on 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 were given at the Idaho Rural Health Association's Annual Meeting and Awards Reception on Thursday, November 17, 2022.

Governor Brad Little Proclaims November 17, 2022 to be National Rural Health Day in Idaho! 

Agricultural Stress a Topic on National Rural Health Day in Idaho

        

The Idaho Rural Health Association's Annual Meeting and Awards Reception featured guest speakers Julie Jesmer, program coordinator, and Lori Mercer, farmer hotline operator, for the Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program (WRASAP). They presented on the topic of Cultivating Rural Resilience: Navigating Farm and Ranch Stress.
A huge thank you for sharing their insights and resources!

Like the guest speakers at this year's event, IRHA believes 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 WRASAP to share insights on sustainable livelihoods and behavioral health strategies to address agricultural stress and suicide prevention. 

Congratulations 2022 Idaho Rural Health Heroes!

North
Jason Coombs, CEO – Brick House Recovery, Coeur D’Alene
Colleen Cochran, RPH - Gritman Medical Center, Moscow
Barry Smith, DO – Syringa Hospital & Clinics, Grangeville
Julie Wittman, PhD – Parent Advocate, Lewiston
 
West
Maureen Ferguson, MD – St. Luke’s Clinic, McCall
Suzanna Hubele, MD – Two Rivers Medical Clinic, Weiser
 
Central
Catherine Doyle, MD – St. Luke’s Clinic, Jerome
Steve Kohtz, MD – St. Luke’s Magic Valley/St. Luke’s Wood River
Julie Lyons, MD – St. Luke’s Clinic, Hailey
Davee Mussman, DPT – Southern Idaho Therapy Services, Rupert
 
East
Kathy Hubbard, COO - Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital, Malad City
Neil Ragan, MD – Health West Community Health Center, Pocatello
Chantelle Traughber, RN – Lost Rivers Medical Center, Arco
Trevor Ward, MSRS – Bear Lake Memorial Hospital, Montpelier
 
Statewide
Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health – Mayor’s Walking Challenge, 83 Idaho towns and cities
Diana Schow, PhD, Idaho AHEC Program Office - for Southeast, Southwest and North Idaho

Congratulations to the 2022 Idaho Rural Health Heroes. Read about them here.