Celebrating 30 Years of Advancing Rural Health: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Conference Attendees
The Rural Health Association of Tennessee (RHA) is proud to celebrate a monumental milestone—30 years of commitment to improving the health and well-being of rural Tennesseans. Our Annual Conference, held November 20-22, 2024, in Downtown Knoxville, brought together 400 attendees whose shared passion for rural health made this event truly unforgettable.
For three decades, our conference has served as a vital gathering space for rural healthcare professionals, fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and inspiring action. This year, we continued that legacy, offering a robust program designed to meet the unique needs of those working in rural health clinics, hospitals, public health, school health, community mental health, maternal health, and organizations addressing social drivers of health.
A Stellar Program for Rural Health Stakeholders
This year’s conference featured compelling sessions from renowned experts who are shaping the future of rural health:
- Dr. Jessica Wilkerson, acclaimed author of To Live Here, You Have to Fight, shared inspiring stories of grassroots activism led by Appalachian women.
- Dr. Randy Wykoff, Dean of East Tennessee State University College of Public Health, provided thought-provoking insights on public health challenges in rural settings.
- Dr. Ralph Alvarado, Commissioner of Tennessee’s Department of Health, highlighted key initiatives to improve healthcare access and equity in underserved communities.
- A dynamic panel of hospital executives, including Ruby Kirby, Deborah Chumley, and Dr. Paula Masters, delivered actionable strategies for addressing pressing issues in rural healthcare leadership.
In addition to these plenary sessions, attendees engaged in our newly introduced pre-conference tracks, which offered deep dives into specialized topics, and explored a rich lineup of breakout sessions tailored to the diverse interests of rural health stakeholders.
Reflecting on 30 Years of Impact
As we commemorate this milestone, we reflect with gratitude on RHA’s founding in December 1994. Over the past 30 years, we have been guided by our mission to lead the way for a healthier Tennessee through partnership, advocacy, education, and resources.
This conference underscored the core values that define our work:
- Diversity: We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that uplifts the voices of all rural and underrepresented communities.
- Health Equity: Our efforts focus on breaking down barriers to care and promoting affordable, compassionate services.
- Collaboration: We continue to build strong partnerships with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to address the unique challenges of rural healthcare.
Thank You for Your Support
To the 400 attendees who joined us in Knoxville: thank you for your dedication, your energy, and your commitment to rural health. Your participation strengthens our mission and fuels our vision of making Tennessee one of the healthiest states in America.
As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of health equity and sustainable solutions for rural communities. We can’t wait to see you at next year’s annual conference as we continue to make strides toward a healthier tomorrow.
Until then, let’s keep working together to lead the way for a healthier Rural Tennessee.
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