National Rural Health Day, a celebration of the resilience and innovation of rural communities, is marking its 15th anniversary on Thursday, Nov. 19. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health is joining this nationwide event, which occurs every third Thursday of November, to highlight the efforts of rural health providers and organizations.
“National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to recognize the health care teams across North Carolina serving our rural communities, many of whom deliver essential care under challenging circumstances,” stated NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. The focus remains on expanding access to health care, strengthening rural health systems, and ensuring that every community has the chance to thrive.
North Carolina ranks second in the nation for its rural population, with one out of every three residents living in rural areas. Of the state’s 100 counties, 71 are classified as rural, encompassing nearly 3.5 million people.
“Our rural communities have long demonstrated resilience, innovation and a deep commitment to improving health,” said NCDHHS Office of Rural Health Director Maggie Sauer. The commitment to adapt and innovate promises a bright future for rural health in the state, aiming to enhance infrastructure and health care access through strong partnerships.
To commemorate National Rural Health Day, the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health invites community members and stakeholders to an annual celebration. Set in-person and via livestream at the Eastern Area Health Education Center in Greenville, the event will emphasize the strengths of rural communities under the theme “From Tradition to Transformation.” This year’s event will also include a special acknowledgment of the 2026 Community Star award winner, honoring significant contributions to rural communities.
Event Details
What: National Rural Health Day, Celebrating “From Tradition to Transformation”
Who: Dev Sangvai, Secretary, NCDHHS; Debra Farrington, Deputy Secretary for Health, NCDHHS; Maggie Sauer, Director, Office of Rural Health, NCDHHS; Belinda Pettiford, Section Chief of Women, Infant and Community Health, Division of Public Health, NCDHHS; Patrick Woodie, President and CEO, NC Rural Center; Rural communities, health care organizations and partners
When: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026; 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Eastern Area Health Education Center (AHEC); 2600 Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834
Register: Credentialed media and community members should RSVP through the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health website. Attendance is limited to 125 in-person participants.
Livestream: A WebEx link will be provided to registered virtual attendees.
The event is sponsored by Eastern AHEC, ECU Health, the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health, the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation, and the North Carolina Rural Health Association. For additional information about National Rural Health Day and related resources, visit PowerOfRural.org. More details about the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health can be found at ncdhhs.gov/divisions/orh.
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