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Rural Health Information Hub

Share Your Rural Health Story in Honor of National Rural Health Day

Oct 28, 2024

National Rural Health Day is approaching November 21!

In honor of National Rural Health Day, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) is partnering with StoryCorps to highlight the incredible work being done in our rural, Tribal, and geographically isolated communities.

StoryCorps is a non-profit organization that aims to record, preserve, and share the stories of Americans from all backgrounds and beliefs to "to help us believe in each other by illuminating the humanity and possibility in us all—one story at a time."

Your stories are vital. They help shine a light on the specific needs and triumphs of rural, Tribal, and geographically isolated communities. Your stories also play a crucial role in informing and inspiring continued efforts to enhance healthcare access and quality.

Why Share Your Story? Your experiences are key to showcasing:

  • Challenges your community faces in accessing healthcare.
  • Positive impacts you've seen from initiatives and programs in your area.
  • Innovative solutions and strategies you've implemented.
  • Ideas for improving health care access and outcomes in your community.

Sign up directly for this opportunity using this on the StoryCorps website. Please note that there are limited slots, which will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

HOW IT WORKS:

Recording Dates: November 6th, 7th, 8th, 12th, and 13th.

Format: The virtual recordings will include two people and will last 40 minutes. Choose someone with whom you would feel comfortable having this conversation about rural health – be it a coworker, a supervisor, mentor, family member, friend, or neighbor. At the recording, StoryCorps staff members will facilitate the recording process and provide starter questions to guide your conversation. They will also provide time for photos with your conversation partner!

Distribution: With your permission, StoryCorps will archive your conversation at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress and in StoryCorps' Online Archive, now the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered. A select group of recordings will also be produced into a short audio card, and with your permission, will be distributed on CMS channels. You will be notified if your recording is selected.

Sign up soon! Slots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in participating, please sign up as early as you can. For any questions, please contact Murphy Barney (mbarney@storycorps.org).

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to improving health care in our rural, Tribal, and geographically isolated communities. StoryCorps looks forward to sharing your inspiring stories and working together to continue making a meaningful impact.

Paid for by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services