A rural health network is a collaboration among rural health care providers that pool resources and identify ways to achieve common goals and objectives. This network often includes at least one rural hospital and links two or more autonomous organizations.
Efforts to improve and sustain the quality of life in rural communities must include collaboration and networking among a broad spectrum of leaders in health and human services, government, education, business, the faith community, and economic development. Both formal and informal leaders need to be identified early in the effort to build a collaborative or network to ensure success. Members of the collaborative and/or network may be similar in scope and function or extremely diverse. Program development needs to focus on creating 'win-win' partnerships that avoid duplication of efforts while creating opportunities for resource sharing and synergy.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Tools
Healthcare Communities
Web site
Provides a forum for the healthcare quality improvement community to share and contribute to each others' work. Includes a resource center with documents and tools related to community-based quality improvement initiatives.
Healthy Wisconsin Leadership Institute
Web site
Works to build public and community health skills and leadership capacity throughout Wisconsin. Includes resources for collaborative leadership, communications, and facilitation.
HIT Regional Extension Centers
Web site
Contains a list of the Health Information Technology Regional Extension Centers (RECs) across the United States.
HRSA: Health Information Technology
Web site
Provides health information technology resources regarding coordination of care and meaningful users of electronic health records.
HRSA: Opportunities for Collaboration
Web site
Describes rural health information exchange organizations and rural health networks. Discusses how they can be established. Presents resources for health centers and other safety net and ambulatory care providers who are seeking to implement health IT.
HRSA: Rural Health IT Toolbox
Web site
Presents resources for implementing and adopting health IT systems. Focuses on rural providers such as Rural Health Clinics and Critical Access Hospitals. Includes information on networking and collaboration, management and staffing, finance, selection, telehealth, and patient quality.
NIFA Regional Rural Development Centers (RRDC)
Web site
A component of USDA. Links and collaborates research and educational outreach of public universities with communities, entrepreneurs, families, and farmers. Comprised of four centers including North Central, Southern, Northeast, and Western.
Rural Health Research: Networking and Collaboration
Web site
Provides summaries of current and completed rural health research projects and related publications addressing the topic of networking and collaboration, produced by the Office of Rural Health Policy's funded rural health research centers.
Telehealth Resource Centers
Web site
Describes the 12 regional Telehealth Resource Centers which assist health care organizations, health care networks, and health care providers in the implementation of cost-effective telehealth programs to serve rural and medically underserved areas and populations.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Regions
Web site
Displays a color-coded map showing the ten designated HHS regions in the United States and Territories. Includes links and contact information for each region.
Funding
Bush Fellowship Program
Provides fellowships for building leadership capacity.
Community Connect Broadband Grant Program
Grants for communities without broadband service to provide residential service and connect facilities such as police and fire stations, health care, libraries and schools. Priority will be given to rural areas that have the greatest need.
Comprehensive Support Services for Families Affected by Substance Abuse and/or HIV/AIDS
Grants to prevent the abandonment in hospitals of infants and young children, develop a program of comprehensive support services for these infants, and recruit and train health and social services personnel, foster care families and others.
NOSORH Resources/Travel Scholarship
SORHs are eligible for travel scholarships to facilitate mentoring, networking, and educational exchange.
Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration
Funding to improve the physical health status of people with serious mental illnesses by supporting communities to coordinate and integrate primary care services.
Rural Health Training and Education Initiative
Funding that will allow VA facilities to expand health professions (Associated Health, Dentist, Nursing, and Physician) training to additional rural or highly rural VA locations.
Inactive Funding
Inactive Funding Opportunities -
Lists additional funding programs for this topic that are not currently accepting applications. Programs that are inactive may be offered again in the future.
Regulations, Forms & Other Useful Documents
Analysis of Awardees of the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)
Author(s): Jon M. Bailey
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Affairs
Highlights the 2010-2011 RMAP awardees. Loans and grants are for rural small businesses in rural communities, with the goals to create jobs in and strengthen those communities.
Date: 10 / 2011
Around the Country: Dakota Network Enhances Access
Author(s): Hope Hanson
Sponsoring organization: Rural Assistance Center
Highlights the Dakota Network of Community Health Centers, a collaboration of nine health care organizations operating 31 of the region's Community Health Centers (CHCs). Describes how the network is helping to expand health information technology and bring improved and more efficient health care to the rural Dakotas.
Journal citation: Rural Monitor Issue Summer
Date: 08 / 2006
Challenges for Human Services: Rural Helping: Trusted, Organized and Flexible
Author(s): Kathleen Belanger
Sponsoring organization: Rural Assistance Center
After Hurricane Katrina, the town of Nacogdoches, Tex., proved that the best local help must involve organizations that are community-based, flexible, connected, and trusted.
Journal citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 11 / 2011
Collaboration Is Key For Rural Challenges
Author(s): Jocelyn Richgels, Kristine Sande
Sponsoring organization: American Public Human Services Association
Discusses how collaborative efforts can help mitigate the significant challenges rural communities face when providing health and human services with fewer and different kinds of resources than their urban counterparts.
Journal citation: Policy & Practice
Date: 10 / 2009
Collaborations to Enhance Community and Population Well-Being
Sponsoring organization: National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
Chapter from the 2005 Report to the Secretary: Rural Health and Human Services Issues. Discusses ways the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can support collaborations among community organizations and local rural leaders to improve the well-being of rural communities and residents. Includes examples of successful rural collaborations.
Date: 04 / 2005
Collaborative Workspace and Services
Author(s): Tuan Ngo
Sponsoring organization: Housing Assistance Council
Discusses how collaborative workspaces can help nonprofits overcome unavoidable operating expenses, and foster community synergy.
Journal citation: Volume 14 Issue 3
Date: 2009
Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) Program Under the Affordable Care Act: Potential and Options for Spreading Mission
Author(s): Sara R. Collins
Sponsoring organization: Commonwealth Fund
Testimony presented before the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) Program Advisory Board on the Affordable Care Act’s CO-OP Program with a focus on rural.
Date: 01 / 2011
Creating EHR Networks in the Safety Net
Sponsoring organization: California HealthCare Foundation
Discusses how a network approach to implementing EHR systems can ensure clinics and health centers to remain in the forefront of delivering quality care to the safety net.
Date: 03 / 2008
Developing Rural Ethics Networks
Author(s): Lisa Anderson-Shaw, Jacqueline J. Glover
Sponsoring organization: Board of Trustees of Dartmouth College
This sixteenth chapter of "Handbook for Rural Health Care Ethics", describes ethics network models currently available, including academic, government, independently-based networks, and informal networks, then details how to begin a rural ethics network.
Date: 2009
Developing Rural Federally Qualified Health Center and Critical Access Hospital Collaboration in Appalachia: A Demonstration Project
Sponsoring organization: National Rural Health Association
Examines the process of an Federally Qualified Health Center and a rural hospital coming together to consider joint activities that would mutually benefit them and their community.
Date: 10 / 2007
Dynamics of Sustainability: A Primer for Rural Health Organizations
Sponsoring organization: Health Resources and Services Administration
Provides information and case studies on sustainability for rural organizations that are starting new programs.
Date: 02 / 2012
Hospital Networks
Author(s): Brad Gibbens, Marlene Miller
Sponsoring organization: University of North Dakota Center for Rural Health
Discusses hospital networks. Part of a series of fact sheets on Critical Access Hospitals and the North Dakota Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Program.
Date: 03 / 2012
Importance of Community Partnerships
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
Spotlights hospitals and health systems that have successfully collaborated with local community organizations to promote care coordination, wellness, and prevention. Among the entities featured include rural hospitals and community health centers.
Date: 12 / 2010
In Focus: Improving the Quality of Rural Health Care Through Collaboration
Author(s): Sarah Klein
Sponsoring organization: Commonwealth Fund
Identifies how academic medical centers are using collaborative care models and distance learning programs to broaden the scope and improve the quality of health care services in rural communities.
Date: 11 / 2009
Modernizing Rural Health Care: Coverage, Quality and Innovation
Sponsoring organization: UnitedHealth Center for Health Reform and Modernization
Examines health needs of rural populations, and how well the health care system addresses them. Presents new data on rural care quality; on the
views of people living in rural areas; rural networks; rural telemedicine; and what their physicians see as the major challenges to overcome. This is the sixth in a series of working papers by UnitedHealth Group focusing on health reform topics.
Date: 07 / 2011
National Symposium for Rural Transportation Planning Organizations and Metropolitan Planning Organizations: Assessing the Structure and Benefits of Collaboration
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Development Organizations
Documents a special event on the relationships among regional planning organizations, state and local government agencies, and stakeholder groups.
Date: 01 / 2011
Network Guide
Sponsoring organization: Health Resources and Services Administration
Contains a directory and data from more than 40 health networks about their activities in quality and health care delivery improvement, operational management, and health information technology (HIT) in the safety net.
Date: 2012
Nonprofit Sustainability: Doing More With Less
Author(s): Stephanie L. Geller, Lester M. Salamon, Sharon Wise, Kim Schaffer, Marlene Anglin, Tanisha Smith, Robin Kees, Tuan Ngo, Kim C. Datwyler, Dana Pancrazi
Sponsoring organization: Housing Assistance Council
This issue of Rural Voices focuses on nonprofit sustainability. Illustrates what organizations can do and are doing to survive the economic recession to include developing partnerships and encouraging volunteerism that can help sustain housing and other human services programs.
Journal citation: Rural Voices Volume 14 Issue 3
Date: 10 / 2009
Perspectives on Regional Collaboration: RUPRI Rural Futures Lab Foundation Paper No. 2
Author(s): Brian Dabson
Sponsoring organization: Rural Policy Research Institute
Discusses the importance of regional collaboration for rural communities and provides models for collaboration.
Date: 11 / 2010
Rethinking Rural Human Service Delivery in Challenging Times: The Case for Service Integration
Author(s): Mario Gutierrez, Kathleen Belanger, Vaughn Clark, et al.
Sponsoring organization: Rural Policy Research Institute Rural Human Services Panel
Explains the need for a regionally integrated rural human services system in order to address challenges many rural social services agencies face in delivering human services.
Date: 02 / 2010
Rural Health Network Development Grantee Directory, FY 2001
Sponsoring organization: Office of Rural Health Policy
Contains a directory of rural health network development projects made possible due to grants from the Office of Rural Health Policy for the years 1999, 2000, and 2001.
Date: 2001
Rural Health Network Development Grantee Directory, FY 2002
Sponsoring organization: Office of Rural Health Policy
Contains a directory of rural health network development projects made possible due to grants from the Office of Rural Health Policy for the years 2000, 2001, and 2002.
Date: 2002
Rural Health Network Development Grantee Directory, FY 2008
Sponsoring organization: Office of Rural Health Policy
Contains a directory of rural health network development projects made possible due to grants from the Office of Rural Health Policy for the years 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Date: 08 / 2008
Rural Health Network Development Grantee Directory, FY 2009
Sponsoring organization: Office of Rural Health Policy
Contains a directory of rural health network development projects made possible due to grants from the Office of Rural Health Policy for the years 2007 and 2008.
Date: 05 / 2009
Rural Health Network Development Grantees by State: 1999-2003
Sponsoring organization: Office of Rural Health Policy
Contains a list of rural health network development grantees and outlines their proposed projects.
Date: 2003
Rural Health Outreach Grantee Directory, FY 2009
Sponsoring organization: Office of Rural Health Policy
Contains a directory of rural health outreach grantees from the Office of Rural Health Policy.
Date: 2009
Rural Health Roundtables: A Strategy for Collaborative Engagement In and Between Rural Communities (Project Report)
Author(s): CL Pennel, SL Carpender, BJ Quiram
Explores a strategy for relationship building within rural communities in order to overcome resource deficits when responding to public health emergencies and natural disasters.
Journal citation: Rural and Remote Health Volume 8 Issue 1054
Date: 11 / 2008
Stimulating Local Innovation for Rural Health and Human Services Integration: A Critical Review of the ORHP Outreach Grantees
Sponsoring organization: Rural Policy Research Institute
An examination by the RUPRI Rural Human Services Panel of existing health and human service integration efforts in the ORHP Rural Health Outreach Grants.
Date: 03 / 2010
Stretching Ties: Social Capital in the Rebranding of Coos County, New Hampshire
Author(s): Michele Dillon
Sponsoring organization: Carsey Institute
Reports on how rural New Hampshire's, Coos County used rebranding as an economic development strategy to create strong personal and institutional relationships within their community.
Date: 10 / 2011
Journals
Branch
Provides a monthly update for State Offices of Rural Health and NOSORH Partners.
Organizations
Georgia Health Policy Center Technical Assistance Program (TAP)
National organization
Provides direct support to current Rural Health Network Development and Delta State Rural Development Network Grantees through information, resources, and assistance to ensure they have the greatest possibility for success.
National Cooperative of Health Networks Association (NCHN)
National organization
A national nonprofit organization of health networks, alliances, collaboratives, and consortium. Supports and strengthens these organizations through collaboration, networking, leadership development and education. NCHN's membership currently includes approximately 60 networks (mostly rural) representing over 600 hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, community-based health programs, and Health Information Technology (HIT) organizations.
National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH)
National organization
Works to foster and promote legislation, information exchange, education, and liaison activities with all State Offices of Rural Health, the federal Office of Rural Health Policy, the National Rural Health Association, and other organizations.
National Rural Development Partnership (NRDP)
Federal government
Works to strengthen rural America through collaborative partnerships among key institutions. The NRDP brings together partners from local, state, tribal, and federal governments, and from the for-profit and nonprofit private sector, through State Rural Development Councils. USDA Rural Development's Office of Community Development (OCD) administers the National Rural Development Partnership.
National Rural Funders Collaborative (NRFC)
National organization
A partnership of national and regional funders and investors, grass roots practitioners, policymakers, and public sector agencies working together to expand resources for communities and families in rural areas facing persistent poverty.
National Rural Health Association (NRHA)
National organization
Promotes leadership, ideas, information, communication, education, research, advocacy, and methods to improve rural health. Composed of individual and organizational members who share a common interest in rural health.
North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)
State/regional organization
One of four regional rural development centers in the nation. Works with extension professionals, researchers, and partners to enhance rural development outcomes. Serves a 12 state area in the North Central region which includes ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, IN, MI, and OH.
Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD)
State/regional organization
One of four regional rural development centers in the nation. Focuses on rural issues including community and economic development, food systems, natural resources, and entrepreneurship. Serves a 12 state area in the Northeast region which includes CT, DE, MA, NJ, NY, RI, PA, WV, NH, ME, MD, VT.
Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP)
Federal government
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). Focuses on matters affecting rural hospitals and health care, coordinating activities within the department that relate to rural health care, and maintaining a national information clearinghouse.
Partners for Rural America (PRA)
National organization
Serves as the national association of State Rural Development Councils (SRDC’s.) Operates in 37 states. Works to expand economic and social opportunities in rural communities, promote equal treatment by government agencies and the private sector, and provide a collective voice for rural America. Includes a listing of all state rural development councils.
Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC)
State/regional organization
Works to support and enhance rural health and quality of care through a variety of products and services with an emphasis on developing integrated networks among freestanding entities.
Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC)
State/regional organization
One of four regional rural development centers in the nation. Works to strengthen the region's 29 land-grant institutions in addressing rural development issues. Serves a 14 state area in the Southern region which includes TX, LA, AR, OK, AL, MS, GA, FL, KY, SC, NC, VA, and TN.
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
Federal government
Supports research, education, and extension programs in land-grant university systems. Collaborates with state, regional, and county extension offices regarding agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities.
Western Rural Development Center (WRDC)
State/regional organization
One of four regional development centers in the nation. Participates in rural development research and extension (outreach) projects cooperatively with universities in the West. Serves a 13 state area in the Western region and 4 U.S. Pacific Territories, which includes WA, UT, WY, NV, ID, HI, CA, AZ, AK, OR, NM, MT, and CO.
Terms & Acronyms
Collaboration The process by which people or organizations work together to accomplish a common mission.
Community A specific group of people, often living in a defined geographical area, who share a common culture, values, and norms and who are arranged in a social structure according to relationships the community has developed over a period of time.
Contractual Relating to or part of a binding legal agreement; "contractual obligations."
Gentleman's Agreement An agreement based on honor rather than on a formal contract and thus not legally binding.
Horizontal Network A network composed of similar types of entities, such as an all-hospital or all-nursing home network, that serve different geographic markets.
Integration Two or more organizations arrange to have a least one service from each contribute to the same program.
Legal Established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules.
Networking The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions.
Regionalization The identification of available resources within a geographic area, and the coordination of services to meet the needs of a specific group of patients.
Rural Health Network A formal organizational
arrangement among rural health
care providers (and possibly others) that
uses the resources of more than one existing
organization and specifies the objectives
and methods by which various collaborative
functions are achieved.
Vertical Network A network formed with organizations from different classes or with different purposes such as a network made up of a hospital, public health unit, nursing home, and ambulance system.
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