The American Hospital Association (AH) Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award seeks to recognize and share the accomplishments of rural hospitals that exemplify responsiveness, innovation and excellence in developing, implementing and/or sustaining programs and services.
If your hospital is operating unique programs and services that address health care challenges in your community, submit an application by noon CT, Aug. 29. Honorees will be recognized at the AHA’s Rural Health Care Leadership Summit in February 2026.
One winner and up to three finalists will be selected for the AHA Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award. The award will be presented at the 2026 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, Feb. 8 – 11, in San Antonio.
Applications are due noon, Central Time, Aug. 29, 2025. Preview the 2026 Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award application.
Contact ruralaward@aha.org with questions.
