Celebrating the Strength of Rural Health in North Carolina
On November 20, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health joins the rest of the nation in observing National Rural Health Day. This day is a moment to honor the perseverance and excellence of rural healthcare providers and communities.
“Today is an opportunity for our rural providers, partners and residents to celebrate their resilience, commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to ensuring our rural health care is the best it can be,” expressed NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health Debra Farrington. She emphasized the importance of recognizing advancements and recommitting to further improvements for the well-being of North Carolina’s residents.
Reflecting on the state’s pioneering role, NC Rural Center President and CEO Patrick Woodie remarked, “National Rural Health Day is always a day to pause and reflect here in North Carolina since our NCDHHS Office of Rural Health was the first such office established in the United States more than 50 years ago. Our rural health legacy is unparalleled in this state and that is always worthy of celebration and grateful reflection.”
Highlighting Contributions to Rural Health
To celebrate National Rural Health Day and honor those who contribute to rural health care, the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health announced the recipient of the annual Community Star award. Each year, since 2015, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health has been recognizing individuals, organizations, and coalitions that have a positive impact on rural communities nationwide. This year, Dr. David Pope has been named North Carolina’s 2025 Community Star.
Dr. Pope, who leads the Scotland Health Care System as President and CEO, has consistently shown dedication to enhancing health care in rural and underserved areas. The non-profit network under his leadership comprises Scotland Memorial Hospital, the Scotland Physicians Network, Scotland Regional Hospice, Scotland Family Counseling Center, and the Scotland Memorial Foundation.
The initiatives driven by Dr. Pope include:
- Innovative recruitment and retention programs to strengthen the nursing and medical assistance workforce;
- Incorporating Community Health Workers into care models to enhance access and coordination;
- Expanding service lines to prioritize care for underserved populations.
“Beyond health care, Dr. Pope’s leadership has touched every corner of his community,” noted NCDHHS Office of Rural Health Director Maggie Sauer. She highlighted how Dr. Pope’s efforts embody the spirit of this year’s National Rural Health Day theme, ‘Rural Rising,’ which celebrates resilience, creativity, and connectivity.
For more details on National Rural Health Day, including resources and tools, visit PowerOfRural.org. Additional information about the Office of Rural Health is available on the NCDHHS’ Office of Rural Health website.
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