Welcome to the Illinois Rural Health Association
IRHA was organized in 1989 to provide a statewide, public voice for individuals and organizations committed to improving the health status of rural Illinois residents. IRHA is a collaborative association committed to “strengthening health systems for rural residents and communities through education programs, legislative advocacy, public awareness and networking.”
IRHA is recognized as an advocate for quality accessible and affordable health care of rural Illinoisans.
IRHA’s mission is accomplished through a combination of membership services; education of the membership, the public and state policymakers; legislative advocacy; and networking with organizations sharing similar ideas and commitment to enhancing the vitality of rural communities and their residents.
The IRHA is focusing its current activities on a number of critical areas that impact access to quality health care in rural Illinois. These focus areas evolved out of IRHA’s ongoing strategic planning process. These areas include:
- Rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- Rural Access to Mental Health Services
- Serving the Un/Underinsured
- Rural Access to Oral Health Services
- Professional Medical Liability and its Impact on Rural Areas
IRHA Partners
As the collective voice for rural health, IRHA has the responsibility to work with many partners in the state that focus on rural and/or health interests.
Governor’s Rural Affairs Council
Illinois Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program
Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network
Illinois Department of Public Health’s Center for Rural Health
Illinois Farm Bureau
Illinois Hospital Association
Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University
Illinois Public Health Association
Illinois State Medical Society
Rural Partners
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
The National Center for Rural Health Professions at U of I Rockford
University of Illinois Extension
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