NCDHHS Office of Rural Health Celebrates National Rural Health Day on Nov. 20, Hosts Celebration in Asheville

MEDIA ADVISORY - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Rural Health is proud to join communities across the country in celebration of National Rural Health Day on Thursday, Nov. 20. National Rural Health Day falls on the third Thursday each November and celebrates the "Power of Rural" by recognizing the individuals, organizations and communities dedicated to addressing the unique health care needs of rural residents.

RALEIGH

Nov 10, 2025

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Rural Health is proud to join communities across the country in celebration of National Rural Health Day on Thursday, Nov. 20. National Rural Health Day falls on the third Thursday each November and celebrates the "Power of Rural" by recognizing the individuals, organizations and communities dedicated to addressing the unique health care needs of rural residents.

"National Rural Health Day is an opportunity for North Carolina to celebrate and recognize the healthcare teams in our rural communities-many who provide essential healthcare services under challenging circumstances," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "We are rooted in our mission to improve the health and well-being of all North Carolinians, including the more than 3 million residents who call rural communities home."

According to the NC Office of State Budget and Management, North Carolina's rural population is the second largest in America, with one in three people living in rural areas in the state. More than 3.5 million people live in one of the 71 rural counties across North Carolina. Recent population change estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show that rural North Carolina continues to grow at a fast pace. From 2023-2024, rural counties in NC grew by over 38,000 people, continuing the trend of accelerated growth in rural communities in our state.

"Our health care providers, partners and staff live and work in the communities they serve, standing as trusted sources of care and connection, often bringing together resources to meet local needs - especially when those resources are limited," said NCDHHS Office of Rural Health Director Maggie Sauer. "North Carolina has long been a leader in rural health care, and our work together with rural communities has never been more vital. This year marks one year since Helene. Celebrating the passion and dedication of WNC will have a special place in this year's celebration."

Community members and stakeholders are invited to join the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health's annual celebration on National Rural Health Day. The free event, hosted in-person and livestreamed from the Mountain Area Health Education Center in Asheville, will highlight the innovative strategies, partnerships and successes in rural health across North Carolina. This year's theme, "Rural Rising," celebrates the strength, resilience and innovation of rural communities.

The event will also recognize the 2025 Community Star award winner - honoring individuals, organizations and coalitions making a positive impact in rural communities.

What:
National Rural Health Day, Celebrating "Rural Rising"

Who:
Debra Farrington, Deputy Secretary for Health, NCDHHS
Maggie Sauer, Director, Office of Rural Health, NCDHHS
David Pope, President and CEO, Scotland Health Care System
Dr. Bryan Hodge, CAO, Mountain Area Health Education Center
Dr. Rachel Keever, President and CEO, Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation
Patrick Woodie, President and CEO, NC Rural Center
Mark Holmes, Director, Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research
Dr. Shannon Dowler, Family Physician and Health Policy Consultant
Rural communities, health care organizations, and partners

When:
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Where:
Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC)
Education Building - Blue Ridge Ballroom
121 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803

Register: Credentialed media and community members are invited to attend and should RSVP via the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-rural-health-day-rural-rising-tickets-1778169014389. Space is limited to 100 in-person attendees.

Livestream:
Virtual attendees will receive a link to the WebEx livestream after they register for the event.

The event is sponsored by MAHEC, the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health, the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation and the North Carolina Rural Health Association.

Additional information about National Rural Health Day, including resources and tools, can be found at PowerOfRural.org. To learn more about NCDHHS Office of Rural Health, visit ncdhhs.gov/divisions/orh.

Related Topics: