Texas Rural Health Association

AHEC’s were originally created in the early 1970’s as a means of addressing the mal-distribution of health professionals in medically underserved areas.  One of the largest medically underserved areas in Texas is our rural communities.  Although Capital AHEC is located in Austin, we strive to provide resources and services to communities with few opportunities.  As part of these efforts, Capital AHEC is contracted to manage the Texas Rural Health Association (TRHA).

TRHA is a member-driven organization that provides leadership on rural health issues through network building, information sharing, and education.  The goals of TRHA compliment our common mission to help rural Texans by:

• serving as a strong and unifying voice for rural health
• building a network of organizations, healthcare providers, policy makers, community leaders, and concerned citizens
• focusing attention on access to equitable, quality rural healthcare
• providing a forum for exchange and distribution of information
• developing educational materials and create opportunities to impact rural health
• enabling members to advocate on rural health issues

ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The primary forum for the exchange of information and ideas is the annual conference.  For anyone involved in rural health care in Texas, the conference is a must-attend event that brings together hundreds of rural health care professionals from across the state, along with leaders from local communities, businesses, state agencies, academia and nonprofit organizations……all focused on one mission:  improving the lives of rural Texans.

Each year the conference also recognizes individuals and programs that have impacted rural health.  The Rural Health Champion award honors an individual who has made a significant difference in improving the health of rural Texans.  The Outstanding Program awards commend rural health projects that have made a significant improvement in the health of residents in Texas communities.

Focus Newsletter
TRHA publishes and e-distributes their FOCUS newsletter 4 times a year and includes articles that highlight current topics, events and policy related to rural health. Subscribe today!

For more information on TRHA or to become a member, please visit www.trha.org or contact Sherry Niven at sniven@capitalahec.org.