ETSU/NORC Rural Health Research Center

We’re excited to share our work at NRHA! Check out our Wednesday sessions on AI in rural healthcare, data-driven nursing workforce solutions, rural public health and primary care collaborations, and strengthening the rural health evidence base. #NRHA2026 #RuralHealth

Connect with the team from the Center for Rural Health and Research at ETSU this week at NRHA 2026! We’re excited to connect with partners, researchers, and rural health leaders from across the country throughout the week. See you in San Diego! #RuralHealth #PublicHealth

In response to a recent Senate hearing on the 2027 HHS budget, NRHA has submitted a statement to address and clarify the role of the Rural Health Transformation Program and rural hospital sustainability. Read more: ruralhealth.us/blogs/2026/04-… #ruralhealth

Michael Meit said the dashboard will shine a light on rural counties and help policymakers with effective decision making. “I think policymakers should use tools like this to place resources where they are needed most." dailyyonder.com/a-new-online-p… @etsu_norc_rhrc

Patients more likely to bypass their local rural hospital included those admitted for elective conditions, with private insurance, and fewer comorbidities. ow.ly/BTgZ50YLouS @etsu_norc_rhrc #RuralHealth

Primary care shortages were more common in rural than urban areas across all regions. Mental health provider shortages were evident across rural and urban settings, including small rural census tracts. ow.ly/4i7550YLoyp @etsu_norc_rhrc #RuralHealth

New study from the ETSU/NORC Rural Health Research Center highlights ways to strengthen rural health research. Better data = better rural health decisions. Explore key strategies to strengthen rural research 👇 ruralhealthresearch.org/publications/1… #RuralHealth #HealthData #PublicHealth

📊 Released today: A new chartbook on HPSAs & MUAs. Key findings: • Rural areas face greater primary care shortages • Mental health shortages impact rural & urban communities • Dental shortages tied to poverty & housing challenges 🔗 ruralhealthresearch.org/publications/1… #RuralHealth

A new study released today by ETSU/NORC shows many rural patients are choosing care outside their local hospital—even when they don’t have to. The result? Longer travel and growing pressure on rural hospitals. 🔗 Read the brief: ow.ly/ZUec50Ywwht

More than 10,000 people have enrolled in Nevada's new public option health plans, which debuted with the expectation that they would bring lower prices to the health insurance market. Keith Mueller, director of @RUPRIHealth, provides inslight below. lasvegassun.com/news/2026/feb/…

How can data help improve health in rural Tennessee? Join ETSU CRHR experts Michael Meit, Dr. Casey Balio, and Dr. Kayla Alvis for a webinar hosted by the Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence. 📅 Mar 25 | 1 PM EDT Register: ow.ly/qhL250Yp9SY

This case series examines how two rural organizations in Minnesota and Idaho provide transportation services to individuals with disabilities in their areas. ow.ly/om8e50Y561c @UMNRHRC #RuralHealth

In 2025, HRSA advanced health outcomes nationwide—particularly for underserved and medically vulnerable communities. Through responsible stewardship of federal resources, HRSA delivered high-quality, accessible, and lifesaving care where it was needed most.

Julia Interrante, a researcher with @UMNRHRC, was interviewed by @WXPR on #MaternalHealth. “There are really high fixed costs for providing maternity services, including 24/7 staffing," she said. ow.ly/ezSx50Y42so #RuralHealth

To meet the demand for affordable child care, rural healthcare organizations in Indiana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin have partnered with childcare providers, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations. ow.ly/WyRj50XNjPs @ruralhealthinfo #RuralHealth

🚨Rural Health Research Alert🚨 "Availability of Hospital-Based Obstetric Services in the United States by County, 2010–2023: A State-by-State Report" View and subscribe: ow.ly/mSJn50XT3Yb @UMNRHRC #ruralhealth

Healthy pregnancies start with healthy communities. This Birth Defects Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the challenges that rural moms-to-be may face — from environmental exposures and water quality issues to limited access to prenatal care and healthy food options.

NRHA is excited to share our 2025 Advocacy Report, summarizing our key wins including legislative, administrative, regulatory, and state-level victories, as well as grassroots engagement. Check it out: ruralhealth.us/nationalruralh… #ruralhealth

Details on three new research projects from the ETSU/NORC Rural Health Research Center are now available on the Rural Health Research Gateway! #RuralHealth

📣Submit your abstract for the East TN Rural Biomedical Ethics Conference (4/18/26)! Topics include rural social determinants of health, confidentiality, stigma, rural vs. urban ethics, substance use, and rural advocacy. Deadline: 2/20. More info: philevents.org/event/show/142…