To connect Texans to strengthen the health and well-being of our rural communities.

Since 1984, the Texas Rural Health Association has been a cornerstone for rural Texans, serving as the state association advocating for quality health care in rural Texas. The foundation of the Association was built by community members collaborating with a shared vision. The Association is powered and driven by our comprehensive board and diverse multi-sector membership network– all committed to working together to strengthen and sustain the rural health care system in Texas. We aim to be a unifying voice for rural communities by bringing together the existing initiatives and by providing a collaborative forum to exchange ideas to maximize opportunities for improvement.

TRHA is an affiliate of the National Rural Health Association

The TRHA advocates for rural, medically underserved, and socially vulnerable communities in Texas, aiming to improve health and healthcare access. According to the US Office of Management and Budget, 191 of Texas’s 254 counties are rural, while HRSA designates 177 as Medically Underserved and 139 as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). TRHA recognizes that healthcare access directly affects health outcomes and disparities in these communities and seeks to address these issues by exploring solutions to enhance healthcare access across Texas.

TRHA acknowledges that rural communities face unique challenges that hinder their ability to access necessary healthcare and address systemic problems. We believe that fostering community connections, education, and advocacy is essential for improving and sustaining rural health.

TRHA collaborates with its partners, major colleges, universities, and various organizations at local, state, and federal levels to address rural healthcare issues. We aim to leverage these partnerships to amplify efforts and transform healthcare in rural Texas.

Board of Directors

Courtney West, President
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX

Ann Smith, Secretary
UNT Health Sciences Center
Fort Worth, TX

Candy Powell, Treasurer
Collingsworth General Hospital
Wellington, TX

Mike Easley
Austin, TX

Gayla Quillin
Parmer Medical Center
Friona, TX

Paula Winkler
South Central AHEC
San Antonio, TX

Bel Flores
South Coastal AHEC
Corpus Christi, TX

Katherine McDonald
Radiology Partners
Conroe, TX

David M. DeShan
Midland Women’s Clinic
Midland, TX

Tomiko Fisher
Texas AHEC East
Galveston, TX

Ted D. Matthews
Anson General Hospital
Anson, TX

Ariel Gomez
South Central AHEC
San Antonio, TX

Staff

Kelly Cheek
Terra Moreno
Haley Stuteville

West Central Texas Council of Governments
Abilene, TX