Welcome to the Illinois Rural Health Association   Since 1989, the Illinois Rural Health Association (IRHA) has provided 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.”  We are recognized as an advocate for quality accessible and affordable health care of rural Illinoisans... and we invite you to become part of this important work. What We Do 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. Our Current Priorities 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

ATTENTION! 2nd round of AED Grants available. Download the application for first responders and schools on the financial aid watch list. Grant applications are due June 15, 2009. ________________________________     IRHA is pleased to announce a     partnership with the National Rural      Health Association to make it easier     for you to contact your legislators     regarding issues impacting rural health.      To get started, simply insert your     zipcode here:   Zip:        IRHA offers three types of memberships:     individual, organization or student.     To apply, download the application     Then mail to:                Illinois Rural Health Association             310 E. Adams St.             Springfield, IL  62701     We look forward to working with you!