National Rural Health Day
Texas Tech University Health Science Center join communities across America in celebration of National Rural Health Day (NRHD) on November 20, 2024. The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and rural-focused organizations throughout the United States set aside the third Thursday of November to recognize NRHD. This annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” and honor the individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of people living in rural America. The 2024 National Rural Health Day Celebration and Recruiting event is put together in partnership with Permian Basin AHEC, AHEC of the Plains, the State Office of Rural Health, and by Rural and Community Engagement at Texas Tech University Health Science Center. This year's event will be on Wednesday, November 20th, from 10:30 am - 3 pm at Odessa Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. This year’s event will include a poster presentation along with the keynote presentation, luncheon, award ceremony, and recruitment fair.
With over 25 years of healthcare experience, Albert is passionate about Texas communities and rural healthcare. Albert started his career at a small community hospital and is currently with the Texas State Office of Rural Health. Rural health in Texas is as diverse as the State itself. Although rural challenges are always present, Albert believes that Texas has the greatest folks in the nation that are equally as passionate to serve the rural counties and communities in our great State.
- Albert Ruiz, 2024 Key Note Speaker
“In the evolving landscape of American healthcare, the call to practice and serve in rural communities offers a profound and transformative opportunity for clinicians. Rural areas often face significant healthcare disparities, including limited access to medical resources and specialized care. This context demands a new kind of medical professional—one who is not only skilled in clinical practice but also deeply committed to community engagement and advocacy. Through accompaniment, physicians forge strong relationships with patients, understand their unique challenges and needs, and support their patients and communities."
TTUHSC looks forward to advocating for and celebrating rural health care organizations, clinicians and staff on National Rural Health Day. TTUHSC is committed to improving access to care in rural communities and exposing our trainees to rural medicine joys and needs.
"It is of vital importance that we ensure all rural Texans have the opportunity to be healthy and have access to affordable, quality health care regardless of where they call home.
Expanding access to care in the region, whether through telehealth interactions with family physicians and subspecialists via TTUHSC’s telehealth hubs, in one-on-one interactions with our Medicine on the Move teams, or via one of the 12 rural residents supporting hospitals and clinics across the Permian Basin is core to our mandate. Rural residents have had more than 20,000 patient encounters since the program’s inception, supporting communities that support the country with food, fuel and fiber. Our partners on the ground are invaluable. TTUHSC is proud to recognize the incredible work of health professionals and volunteers in our community on National Rural Health Day and throughout the year.”
"We are proud to recognize our team's hard work in making sure people in rural and underserved communities get the health care they need. Your dedication not only helps people stay healthy but also makes these communities stronger. By working together, we are breaking down barriers so everyone can access quality care, no matter where they live. On National Rural Health Day, we thank you for your continued dedication and service."
- Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D.
President
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
TTUHSC Rural and Community Engagement
The Rural and Community Engagement Division (RCE) of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Permian Basin (TTUHSC-PB) partners with communities and organizations to improve health outcomes. Our Priority Areas are: Provide Health Access Points; Community Engagement; Health promotion and Health Workforce Development and Training. Visit our website to learn more.