TRHA Advocacy

Empowering Rural Communities and Strengthening Rural Health Access

About TRHA Advocacy

TRHA advances rural healthcare access, supports providers, and fosters community-driven solutions through advocacy, collaboration, and strategic initiatives. As a nonpartisan organization, our work is guided solely by the needs of rural communities and our members. We build bridges across political lines to promote policies that strengthen rural healthcare, improve provider sustainability, and ensure every rural Texan has access to quality care.
TRHA is proud to serve as Texas’ state arm and affiliate of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), amplifying rural voices through this robust national connection. Additionally, we partner with TORCH and other leadership networks to further ensure that rural communities are well represented in shaping healthcare policy.
Learn Why Texas Rural Health Matters

What we Do

Expanding Healthcare Access
  • Supporting rural hospital & clinic sustainability.
  • Addressing workforce shortages & recruitment challenges.
  • Enhancing access to maternal & behavioral health services.
Strengthening Rural Health Networks & Community Advocacy
  • Partnering with NRHA, TORCH, and other rural advocacy organizations.
  • Leading the Texas Rural Health
  • Advocacy Action Alliance (TRHAA). Engaging rural hospitals, providers, and community leaders in grassroots advocacy.
Policy & Legislative Engagement
  • Conducting state & federal legislative visits to influence policy decisions.
  • Hosting advocacy events, policy forums, and roundtables.
  • Educating policymakers on rural health priorities through direct engagement & storytelling.

Legislative Priority Areas

TRHA works at both the federal and state levels to advance rural health policies, protect rural hospitals, and expand healthcare access. 

TRHA collaborates with NRHA to track and influence federal policies that impact rural healthcare, including:
  • Rural Hospital Sustainability
    Preventing closures and ensuring adequate funding
  • Workforce Expansion
    Supporting recruitment, retention, and loan repayment programs
  • Telehealth & Broadband
    Expanding rural access to virtual care and mental health services
  • 340B Drug Pricing Program
    Protecting drug discounts for rural hospitals and providers
  • Maternal & Behavioral Health
    Improving access to essential healthcare services

At the state level, TRHA aligns with partners to determine policy priorities that drive rural healthcare improvements, including:

  • Medicaid Rate Enhancements
    Advocating for increased hospital reimbursement rates
  • Rural Maternal Health Reforms
    Supporting the 2025 Rural Texas Maternal Health Rescue Plan
  • Workforce Funding
    Expanding physician and nurse loan repayment programs
  • Telehealth & Behavioral health
    Sustaining funding for telepsych and crisis intervention programs
  • 340B Protections
    Ensuring drug pricing discounts remain available for rural hospitals
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
    Supporting funding efforts for rural EMS sustainability
Track Texas Legislative Priorites

What we're Watching

TRHA monitors key issues shaping the future of rural healthcare in Texas. These focus areas highlight some of the most pressing challenges affecting rural communities and help guide our advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels.

Track Texas Legislative Priorites

Rural Health Transformation Program

As Texas begins implementing the Rural Health Transformation Program, questions remain about how funding, eligibility, and operational changes will impact rural hospitals, clinics, EMS, and community access to essential care.

Rural Healthcare Workforce Crisis

Severe shortages of providers, nurses, and specialists—combined with inadequate infrastructure—are limiting access to essential care in rural Texas.

Rural Hospital Sustainability

Texas leads the nation in rural hospital closures, with over 80 hospitals at risk.

Texas Maternal Health Crisis

Nearly 47% of Texas counties lack obstetric care, worsening maternal mortality and forcing rural families to travel long distances for essential services.

340B Drug Pricing Program & Rural Pharmacy

Restrictions on 340B threaten rural hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies—driving up costs and reducing access to essential medications for rural patients.

Rural Health Insurance & Coverage

Medicaid and Medicare are lifelines for rural communities, covering nearly 25% of residents under 65, yet access remains a challenge—with Medicare Advantage and delayed reimbursements creating financial strain on rural providers.

Rural Public
Health

Rural communities face health disparities, limited access, and public health challenges, while underfunded agencies work to protect and improve community health.

Telehealth & Broadband Access

Limited broadband access restricts telehealth expansion in rural communities, reducing access to essential care, specialists, and mental health services.

Rural Behavioral
Health

Rural communities face severe gaps in mental health and substance-use services due to limited accessibility, affordability, and provider shortages—leaving many without essential care.

Tell us what else should we be watching?

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Tell Us Your Rural Story

Your Voice Can Drive Change

TRHA’s Rural Stories Initiative, in partnership with NRHA, is designed to amplify real experiences from rural healthcare providers, patients, and community leaders. By sharing your story, you contribute to rural advocacy efforts, policy discussions, and initiatives that support rural communities at the state and national level.

Your Input Helps:

  • Inform state and federal rural health leaders
  • Shape advocacy priorities and push for policy change
  • Highlight rural experiences at events like the Legislative Summit
  • Build a network of shared experiences to unite rural communities
Submit Your Rural Story

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