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.
Legislative Priorities
TRHA works at both the federal and state levels to advance rural health policies, protect rural hospitals, and expand healthcare access.
Federal Advocacy (NRHA Key Priorities)
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
State Advocacy
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
What we Do
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 Story 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
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.
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.
Stay Updated on Advocacy Efforts
Celebrating National Hospital Week
November 20, 2024
Today, the Texas Department of Agriculture State Office of Rural Health (SORH), Permian Basin Ahec, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and AHEC of the Plains, West Texas Area Health Education Center demonstrated the true spirit of National Rural Health Day by celebrating the dedication of rural healthcare providers and students committed to serving rural communities.
Federal Budget Cuts Will Upend Rural Texas Healthcare and Programs
May 5, 2025
Texas can’t afford cuts to rural health care.
Right now, 43% of rural hospitals in our state are already operating on a negative margin..
Rural Innovative Partner Spotlight:
April 4, 2025
TRHA celebrates the launch of the University of Texas at Arlington’s Mobile Simulation Lab, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bring hands-on clinical training directly to rural communities across Texas.
Quick Links & Resources
- Rural Healthcare Workforce Information
- Texas Rural Health Facts Download
- Access Full List of NRHA Advocacy Leave Behind Materials
- Texas Maternal Health Rescue Plan
- 340B Drug Pricing Program Information
- Rural Health Insurance & Coverage Information
- Rural Public Health Information
- Telehealth & Broadband Access Information
- Rural Behavioral Health Information