November 21 is National Rural Health Day
National Rural Health Day is observed on Thursday, November 21, 2024. This day highlights the efforts of rural communities, organizations, healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health (SORH), and other stakeholders striving to address the diverse healthcare needs of the individuals who reside in rural areas of the country.1
Why have a day dedicated to the health of individuals living outside of urban and suburban areas? Unfortunately, the opioid overdose rate per capita is 45% higher in rural communities than in urban areas. Additionally, individuals in rural areas have higher rates of methamphetamine use and polysubstance use—using more than one substance together.2
However, individuals who live in these rural communities experience unique disparities when it comes to healthcare. Rural areas have provider shortages and limited access to mental healthcare and resources for addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery.3,4
What is National Rural Health Day?
National Rural Health Day spotlights the efforts of rural healthcare providers to tackle the challenges rural citizens face.1 Founded by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) in 2011, National Rural Health Day emphasizes the significance of advocating for the well-being of the rural population.4 It’s an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” and showcase how innovation, entrepreneurship, and a spirit of togetherness have helped rural residents pursue their dreams and build businesses that serve their communities, fueling positive changes in healthcare.4
Individuals living in rural areas face barriers to healthcare access, such as travel time and cost of care, as well as a lack of substance use treatment programs.3 National Rural Health Day formally recognizes those whose work and contributions positively impact the unique needs of people living in rural America.
Why Do We Celebrate National Rural Health Day?
We celebrate National Rural Health Day to bring awareness to the healthcare needs—and the disparities—of the individuals living in rural areas while recognizing the organizations and individuals who strive to make a difference in these communities.4 National Rural Health Day shines a light on the rural community through social media, events, community work, online engagement, and educational resources.5
Celebrating this day not only emphasizes important issues like the lack of qualified healthcare providers, hospitals, and mental health resources, it also brings people together in search of solutions to improve the well-being of the millions of people who live in these rural communities.
How to Get Involved in National Rural Health Day and Beyond
From exploring a rural area and sharing photos using #PowerOfRural to contacting policymakers about rural health needs, you can participate in National Rural Health Day in many ways.6
Additionally, simply focusing on healthy living is a way to celebrate the day, so get together with your friends for a hike, walk, or bike ride. You may also reach out to rural healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and other providers and send them a thank you.6
National Rural Health Day is largely about advocacy so spreading awareness to your family, friends, and online network is a great way to get involved. Use one of your social platforms and create a post using #PowerofRural and #NationalRuralHealthDay hashtags and follow National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health @NOSORH on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.6
Want to do more? Find more ways to get involved here.
Addiction in Rural Communities
Addiction affects people from all walks of life. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), people aged 12 and older living in rural areas have higher levels of cigarette smoking, opioid misuse, and methamphetamine use compared to those living in smaller and larger metropolitan areas.3
Additionally, overdose death rates increased 500% in rural areas between 1999 and 2017, compared to a 340% increase in urban areas over the same period. While many factors contributed to this steep increase, limited access to healthcare services, such as addiction counseling and medication for addiction treatment, have worsened the impact of addiction in some rural communities.7 In fact, only 14% of behavioral health outpatient treatment centers in the United States are in rural communities, and while the majority of these treat a range of mental health disorders, less than half of these specialize in addiction treatment.2 Visit our rural small town rehab guide for more statistics on addiction in rural communities.
Struggling with addiction can feel isolating, especially in rural communities. Thankfully, several resources are available. Call American Addiction Centers (AAC) at to speak to an empathetic admissions navigator, who can listen to your needs, answer questions, and offer guidance to help you find a path to recovery no matter where you live.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information. We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
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