Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Networking and collaboration

Centering Innovation in Rural Communities, with Alycia Bayne
An episode of the Exploring Rural Health podcast featuring Alycia Bayne, Associate Director for Public Health Research at the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis. Focuses on rural innovation insights drawn from work on a new guide that rural communities can use to design, implement, and scale innovative approaches that build on local realities and strengths.
Date: 09/2026
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Planning with Purpose: Leveraging FORHP's Rural Health Network Development Planning Program for Lasting Community Impact
Webinar recording highlighting the one-year Rural Health Network Development Planning Program (Network Planning Program) grant from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP). Speakers include former Network Planning Program grantees discussing their experiences and work as part of this grant program, including a focus on partnerships, strengthening infrastructure, and improving access to care.
Additional links: Audio Recording, Webinar Slides
Date: 08/2026
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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How Rural Development Hubs Can Strengthen Rural Health Transformation Program Implementation
Highlights approaches for Rural Development Hubs to support Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) implementation at the state level, including discussion of the roles Rural Development Hubs can play in promoting communication, promoting local perspectives, and bridging gaps between existing programs and new ones.
Author(s): Erin Cahill
Date: 08/2026
Sponsoring organization: Aspen Institute
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Facilitation of Health Plan-Clinic Partnerships to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening for Rural Medicaid Enrollees: A Qualitative Study
Examines efforts to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates, analyzing practice facilitation that supports mailed fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) and patient navigation. Utilizes qualitative data from the SMARTER CRC pragmatic trial that facilitates partnerships between Medicaid health plans and clinics in rural parts of Oregon.
Author(s): Erin S. Kenzie, Anders Herreid-O'Neill, Emily Myers, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 42(3), e70203
Date: 08/2026
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Aligning Initiatives to End the HIV Epidemic in the United States
Discusses the alignment of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) and the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States (EHE) initiative to provide healthcare to low-income people living with HIV (PLWH) and prevent new infections. Includes commentary on how the programs work in rural areas and the 2019-2026 EHE funding information for Health Centers with rural technical assistance.
Author(s): Jesse P. Anderson, Agata Bodie, Kaushik Ghosh, Sara Te
Date: 08/2026
Sponsoring organization: HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
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New Mexico State-Tribal Collaboration Act: July 31, 2026 Agency Report
Discusses public health collaborations between New Mexico state agencies and tribal nations, covering programs dedicated to primary care, data sharing, nutrition, measles response, and more. Identifies resources available for American Indians and details agency and tribal activities and funding for fiscal year 2026.
Date: 07/2026
Sponsoring organization: New Mexico Department of Health
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The Power of Partnerships: Health Centers & Rural Hospitals
Presents case studies describing partnerships between health centers and rural hospitals in New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania that aim to strengthen access, improve outcomes, and build long-term sustainability. Identifies key themes and actionable strategies that can be adapted across rural communities.
Date: 07/2026
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Community Health Centers
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Advancing Strategies to Bridge the Gap in Rural Public Health and Rural Health Care
Discusses strategies to enhance partnerships among rural public health stakeholders, the rural healthcare workforce, state leaders, and federal partners. Provides examples of Rural Development Hubs that work to network, build capacity, and connect communities with resources and funding opportunities.
Author(s): Alice J. Schenall, Bonita Robertson-Hardy
Date: 07/2026
Sponsoring organization: Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
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Collaborations Between Healthcare and Public Health in Rural Settings
Presents the results of 24 interviews discussing barriers and facilitators of collaborations between rural health departments and healthcare organizations. Discusses the contexts where collaboration makes sense, areas of collaboration, collaboration structure, and factors influencing positive or negative collaborations. Factors include workforce, funding and resources, and mission alignment.
Author(s): Casey P. Balio, Rachel Dean, Kayla M. Alvis, et al.
Citation: Health Affairs Scholar, 4(7)
Date: 07/2026
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Recruiting Rural Patients for Clinical Research: Lessons From a Colorectal Cancer Screening Trial
Examines the effectiveness of the Colonoscopy Outreach for Rural Communities (CORC) trial in recruiting rural patients via its remotely-delivered patient navigation program. Analyzes location of primary care organizations (PCOs) participating in CORC and their success in recruiting rural patients in clinical research.
Author(s): Gina A. Keppel, Brooke Ike, C. Holly A. Andrilla, Allison M. Cole
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 42(3), e70189
Date: 07/2026
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