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Rice Medical Center is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Rural Health Day (NRHD) Nov. 20. Since 2011, this annual observance — founded and coordinated by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) has been held on the third Thursday of November to spotlight the unique healthcare challenges and remarkable strength of the nearly 61 million people living in rural America.
“Rural communities are the backbone of our state, and their health is vital to our collective future,” said Kurt Sunderman, CEO, Rice Medical Center. “We’re proud to celebrate National Rural Health Day and honor the unwavering commitment of rural healthcare providers, organizations, and community leaders who work every day to improve the lives of others.”
This year, Rice Medical Center is marking the occasion by joining the nationwide #PowerOfRural social media campaign. Community members, partners, and stakeholders are encouraged to participate and help highlight rural health impact in Texas.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is observing National Rural Health Day by highlighting initiatives that strengthen health care in rural communities.
Since its establishment in September 2023, the HHSC Office of Rural Hospital Finance has distributed $50 million in grant funding to rural hospitals to reduce debt and improve services, including labor and delivery. HHSC will announce new grant opportunities in early 2026.
“National Rural Health Day gives us a chance to highlight the health care needs of rural Texans,” said Trey Wood, HHSC chief financial officer. “Rural hospitals are often the sole providers in their communities. The people who work there have chosen to serve their communities, often passing up more lucrative opportunities far from home.”
HHSC applied for federal funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program. As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the program is allocating $50 billion over five years to approved states. The HHSC application, “Rural Texas Strong: Supporting Health and Wellness,” outlines numerous strategies to improve access to health care. States expect to receive notification of funding amounts on Dec. 31.
The 89th Texas Legislature passed House Bill 18, which Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law, to establish the Rural Hospital Officers Academy. Specifically for rural health care leaders, the academy will provide professional development and continuing education through coursework and technical training. HHSC will begin developing curriculum for the academy early next year.
HHSC oversees the Rural Mental Health Initiative Grant Program to support counties with a population of less than 250,000. Since its launch in 2025, nine rural counties have received grants to establish or expand regional behavioral health centers or jail diversion centers and services. The grant program is ongoing through Aug. 31, 2029.
For more information about National Rural Health Day and how to get involved, visit PowerOfRural. org. To learn more about Rice Medical Center, visit www.ricemedicalcenter.net.
