The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) encourages members across the state to join the celebration of National Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 19, 2026, recognizing the dedication, resilience, and innovation of rural health care providers and the communities they serve.
Founded in 2011 by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), National Rural Health Day shines a spotlight on the unique challenges facing rural communities while celebrating the individuals and organizations working to ensure access to quality health care close to home.
“Rural communities are the backbone of our state, and their health is vital to our collective future,” said Dr. Becky Heisinger, EdD, MBA, PMP, CGMS, CPHQ Director of Rural Health Initiatives with SDAHO. “We’re proud to celebrate National Rural Health Day and honor the unwavering commitment of rural health care providers, organizations, and community leaders who work every day to improve the lives of others.”
Get Involved: Celebrate Rural Health in Your Community
SDAHO invites health care organizations, community leaders, and individuals to participate in National Rural Health Day. Whether through a simple thank-you or a community-wide celebration, every effort helps recognize the importance of rural health care.
Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Celebrate Your Team: Recognize rural health care professionals and volunteers through staff appreciation activities, newsletters, or social media.
- Share Your Story: Highlight a day in the life of a rural health care worker or share a patient success story, with appropriate permission.
- Show Your Gratitude: Send thank-you notes or create appreciation kits for local health care teams.
- Highlight Your Community: Share local health care achievements, statistics, and stories that demonstrate the impact of rural health care.
- Connect and Engage: Host a community discussion, participate in a volunteer activity, or connect with local leaders about rural health care priorities.
- Spread the Word: Share photos, videos, and stories on social media using #PowerOfRural and #NationalRuralHealthDay.
National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to celebrate the people who make rural health care possible and raise awareness of its essential role in keeping South Dakota communities strong.
Looking for events? A few to consider:
- Thurs. November 12 – National Rural Health Day Celebration on the Hill
- Sat. November 14 – Rural Health Clinical Congress Fall 2026
- Tue. November 17 – Building Connected Communities: A Practical Toolkit for Rural Healthy Aging
- Wed. November 18Â – Beyond the Clinic Walls: Is Mobile Health Care Right for Your Rural Community?
To see the full list of events: powerofrural.org/events.
SDAHO encourages every member organization to take part on November 19. Whether you recognize an employee, spotlight your facility, or share what rural health care means to your community, your participation helps amplify the collective voice of rural health care.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Ways to Celebrate National Rural Health Day for free resources, promotional materials, social media graphics, and celebration ideas.
Join the celebration! Visit PowerOfRural.org to learn more and help showcase the #PowerOfRural across South Dakota.
