Maryland State Office of Rural Health




The Maryland State Office of Rural Health (SORH), National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and other state/national rural stakeholders “Celebrate the Power of Rural” during annual National Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

 

Maryland’s rural communities are wonderful places to live, work, and visit.  They are also communities where healthcare providers have the opportunity to provide innovative, affordable, and holistic primary care – a model for the rest of the country to follow as America transitions to a population, wellness-based system of health care.  These are also communities where neighbors know each other, listen to each other, respect reach other, and work together to benefit the greater good.

 

NOSORH created National Rural Health Day as a way to showcase the good work of America’s 61 million rural citizens and promote the efforts of NOSORH, State Offices of Rural Health and others in addressing those concerns. At the same time, National Rural Health Day gives us an opportunity to raise awareness of the unique healthcare issues being faced by rural citizens, particularly healthcare access and affordability issues. 



ANNOUNCEMENTS


​Maryland State Office of Rural health is celebrating the "Power of Rural" with a proclamation from Maryland's Governor Wes Moore declaring November 20, 2025 Maryland Rural Health Day. 





Maryland celebrates with gubernatorial proclamations, Happy National Rural Health Day!
Thursday, November 20, 2025!​​

COMMUNITY STARS​​​​​​​​

COMMUNITY STAR will be announced on November 20, 2025​


The National​​​​ Organization of State Office’s of Rural Health’s annual Community Star recognition program is one of the most popular feature​s of National Rural Health Day. Each person, coalition, and ​​organization nominated to be​ their state’s Community Star represents the faces and grassroots initiatives that are working to address the social determinants of health and improve the lives of those who call rural their home. 


Please join us in honoring ________________________, the 2025 Maryland Community Star
as we celebrate National Rural Health Day!​​​

​ Maryland celebrates its past Community Stars: 

2024 Star: Sara Rich, MPA, Choptank Community Health System, Inc.

2023 Star: Adelaid Eckardt, MS, PMHCNS-BC, CON, Eastern Shore Hospital Center

2022 Star: Beth Anne Langrell, For All Season

2021 Star: St. Mary’s County Health Department

2020 Star: John Corbin; Garrett County Health Department: Informatics Administrator​

2019 Star: Eric Weintraub, MD; UMD School of Medicine: Addictions Medicine

2018 Stars: Shelley Argabrite; Garrett County Health Department: Health Planning & Charles County Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program




EVENTS

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Don't miss National Rural Health Day events:​



November 19-20

2025 Rural Summit:​
Elevating Maryland through Stronger Rural Communities


Join the Rural Maryland COuncil for in-depth conversations and collaboration around key rural priorities. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and lead. More details and registration info coming soon! This year’s Summit will offer:

​- Insight into current issues and potential legislation impacting rural areas​
- Valuable networking opportunities with up to 300 participants, including many of the State’s top elected and appointed officials
​- Voices from across rural Maryland, sharing experiences, challenges, and success stories
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) for eligible summit participants, allowing them to apply the experience toward a rural development certification and enhance their professional credentials.​

​November 20​


National Rural Health​ Day

Since 2011, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) has set aside the third Thursday of November to celebrate the “Power of Rural” on NRHD. NRHD is an opportunity to bring attention to and honor the incredible efforts of rural healthcare providers, communities, organizations, State Offices of Rural Health (SORH), and other stakeholders dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of rural America. To learn more about NRHD and the Power of Rural, visit powerofrural.org.​​

​November 20​
2-3 PM ET​



​Connected and Protected: The Power of Rural 
Cyb​ersecurity​

On National Rural Health Day (NRHD), join NOSORH for Connected and Protected: The Power of Rural Cybersecurity. Experts from the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, Dakota State University, Google, and Madison Regional Health System will share real-world stories of collaboration, innovation, and strategies for building resilience against evolving cyber threats in rural communities.​

December 2
12 PM CT

Establishing Resident Experiences in Medically Underserved Areas: New Site Perspective​

Is recruiting physicians important to your organization? Are you interested in learning about opportunities to educate and train resident physicians as a successful physician recruitment strategy? Join the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for a webinar on Tuesday, December 2 at 1:00 pm EST. 

Learn more about:
  • The benefits of becoming a rotation site for residents 
  • Accreditation, reimbursement, and other considerations 
  • Practical tips, resources, and steps for getting started 

1.25 CME credit hours will be available for this activity. Email [email protected] with questions. 

​December 4
12:00-1:30 PM ET
     and
6:00-7:30 PM ET

PAN Foundation- Rural Health Focus Groups

​The PAN foundation is hosting virtual focus groups to learn directly from rural health providers and leaders across the country about what's needed most to improve healthcare access in rural communities.

What will be discussed? Access and affordability | Transportation and technology | Support and community resources.

Why participate? Your insights will guide new programs to support rural communities with financial assistance, transportation support, and broadband internet!

​December 11
12-1:30 PM CT​

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​Case Study Webinar: How Rural Hospitals Use Technology to Innovate & Transform​

​The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has created new urgency for rural hospitals, while the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) offers a chance to move beyond survival and build stronger, more sustainable models of care.

Join Wintergreen and VersaBadge on Thursday, December 11, at 12:00 pm EST for a timely webinar. This virtual panel discussion brings together Critical Access Hospital leaders to share stories and case studies of how technology is helping them manage financial pressures, strengthen clinical operations, and demonstrate the power of rural-led innovation.









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Updated 11-20-2025

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