About Us

Our Mission

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

About TRHA

Since 1984, the Texas Rural Health Association (TRHA) has served as a cornerstone for rural Texans, advocating for quality healthcare and strengthening rural health systems across the state. Built on a foundation of collaboration and a shared vision, TRHA unites a comprehensive board and a diverse, multi-sector membership network—all committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities in Texas.

TRHA serves as the unifying voice for rural Texas, bringing together initiatives, fostering partnerships, and providing a collaborative forum to exchange ideas and maximize opportunities for improvement.

TRHA is proud to serve as the state arm to the National Rural Health Association

What We Do

Advocacy

Advocate for policies that improve healthcare access and funding for rural communities.

Work with policymakers to amplify the voices and priorities of rural Texans.

Engage with rural communities to understand their challenges and champion their needs through policy action.

 

Collaboration

Cultivate partnerships with rural and urban leaders, healthcare providers, and organizations.

Foster and contribute to collaborative networks, like the Texas Rural Health Action Alliance (TRHAA), to drive meaningful and sustainable impact.

 

Workforce Support

Support initiatives that address rural healthcare workforce shortages.

Advocate for recruitment and retention programs to strengthen rural health services.

 

Education

Provide forums, events, and resources to share solutions for rural health challenges.

Empower stakeholders with knowledge to improve rural healthcare delivery.

 

Information Sharing

Deliver timely updates, tools, and insights to help members stay informed.

Highlight opportunities, policies, and best practices that impact rural health.

 

Health Equity

Promote equitable access to care and resources for all rural Texans.

Address disparities in healthcare delivery across underserved regions.

 

Sustainability

Build long-term solutions through diversified funding and strong partnerships.

Strengthen TRHA’s capacity to ensure ongoing support for rural communities.

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