Rural Health: Associations and Organizations

Directories to help you find libraries, health professionals, services and facilities.

AHRQ is committed to improving care safety and quality by developing successful partnerships and generating the knowledge and tools required for long-term improvement

The American Medical Association helps doctors help patients by uniting physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional and public health issues.

Today, in addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross offers compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.

IHA’s mission: To advocate for and support hospitals and health systems as they serve their patients and communities.

Founded in 1940, the Illinois Public Health Association, an affiliate of the American Public Health Association, is Illinois' oldest and largest voluntary organization devoted exclusively to matters of public health. As a professional society for those engaged or interested in public health, the Association is devoted to fulfilling its mission, which is to improve the health of Illinois residents through leadership in and advancement of the practice of public health.

The IRHA is focusing its current activities on a number of critical areas that impact access to quality health care in rural Illinois

The Illinois State Medical Society is a professional organization that represents and unifies its physician members as they practice the science and art of medicine. The Society represents the interests of member physicians, advocates for patients and promotes the doctor/patient relationship, the ethical practice of medicine, and the betterment of the public health

The Iowa Association of Rural Health Clinics was formed in 1995 by a group of concerned clinicians to collectively raise the level of awareness of policy makers about issues facing certified Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) in Iowa.
IARHC Mission: Shape long term rural health policy to improve patient care and optimize clinic operations.
IARHC Vision: Ensure all individuals in rural Iowa have access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive health care services

The Iowa Hospital Association is the organization that represents Iowa hospitals and supports them in achieving their missions and goals. The Iowa Hospital Association will be Iowa's most trusted, respected, and influential leader in health policy and advocacy, and a valued resource for information and education.

The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) is the statewide professional association for Iowa MDs and DOs. IMS was established in 1850 in Burlington and has a long history of serving Iowa physicians and their patients.
Today, the Iowa Medical Society exists to advance medical science and promote fair medical laws and regulations in Iowa. IMS also works to protect the health of Iowans through a variety of projects and activities at the state and national levels. Nearly 5,300 Iowa physicians are members of IMS.

The Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA) is the professional association for Iowa's public health community. IPHA's diverse membership is unified by a shared mission and vision. IPHA is the voice of public health in Iowa through advocacy, membership services and partnerships.

The Iowa Rural Health Association (IRHA) is a nonprofit membership organization of individuals and organizations dedicated to ensuring optimal health for all Iowans, particularly those in rural areas. As the voice for rural health in the state, the IRHA brings attention to the issues that affect rural health providers and helps address those issues by providing educational opportunities, facilitating information sharing, and engaging in advocacy activities.

The National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to improving the delivery of quality, cost-effective health care in rural underserved areas through the Rural Health Clinics Program (RHC Program). NARHC works with Congress, federal agencies, and rural health allies to promote, expand, and protect the interests of clinics in the RHC Program. Through the association, NARHC members become actively engaged in the legislative and regulatory process

The National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH), established in 1975, is dedicated to improving the health status of farmworker families by providing information services and products to a network of more than 500 migrant health center service sites in the United States as well as organizations, universities, researchers, and individuals involved in farmworker health.

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is a national nonprofit membership organization with more than 20,000 members. The association’s mission is to provide leadership on rural health issues.

The Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) coordinates activities related to rural health care within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Part of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), ORHP has department-wide responsibility for analyzing the possible effects of policy on 62 million residents of rural communities

RAC helps rural communities and other rural stakeholders access the full range of available programs, funding, and research that can enable them to provide quality health and human services to rural residents.

The Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) provides unbiased analysis and information on the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing rural America. RUPRI’s aim is to spur public dialogue and help policymakers understand the rural impacts of public policies and programs.

We achieve our mission by helping rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs.

The Rural Information Center (RIC) provides services for rural communities, local officials, organizations, businesses and rural citizens working to maintain the vitality of America's rural areas.