TRHA Advocacy

About TRHA Advocacy

Empowering Rural Communities, Strengthening Rural Health Access

The Texas Rural Health Association (TRHA) works to advance rural healthcare access, support providers, and strengthen community-driven solutions through advocacy, collaboration, and strategic initiatives.

TRHA is a nonpartisan organization. Our advocacy agenda is driven by the needs of rural communities and our members—not by political affiliations. We work across the aisle to advance policies that strengthen rural healthcare, improve provider sustainability, and ensure every rural Texan has access to quality care.

As Texas’ State Rural Health Association (SRHA), TRHA collaborates with statewide and national partners to ensure rural communities have a strong, unified voice in shaping healthcare policy. We engage with policymakers, healthcare leaders, and advocacy networks to drive solutions that improve healthcare access and sustainability across rural Texas.

TRHA as Part of the National SRHA Network

We are one of 44 State Rural Health Associations (SRHAs) represented within the National Rural Health Association’s (NRHA) national advocacy framework. As part of this network, TRHA:

  • Works alongside other SRHAs to share best practices and align rural health priorities.
  • Engages with NRHA and fellow SRHAs to advocate for federal policy changes that benefit rural communities nationwide.
  • Encourages members to participate in NRHA Connect, a platform for rural health leaders to collaborate on pressing rural health issues.

Learn More About NRHA’s  Center for State Rural Health Associations

Our Advocacy Priority Areas

We work at both the federal and state levels to advance rural health policies, protect rural hospitals, and expand healthcare access. Our advocacy efforts align with NRHA’s federal priorities and TORCH’s state legislative agenda to ensure comprehensive rural representation.

Federal Advocacy – THRA 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

View NRHA Legislative Agenda

Sign up for NRHA Policy Alerts

State Advocacy – TRHA works with statewide advocacy 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

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.

Join Forces with TRHA to Amplify Your Advocacy Efforts

At TRHA, we believe that collaboration is the key to driving meaningful change in healthcare. By working together, we can amplify our collective impact and help voice the pressing challenges faced by rural communities.

Benefits of Partnering with the TRHA

  • Access to Extensive Networks: Leverage TRHA’s network of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to broaden the reach of your initiatives.
  • Resource Sharing: Benefit from our repository of resources and partner information shared via membership communications and networking email lists.
  • Unified Voice: Join a powerful coalition to advocate for policy changes that support rural health, ensuring your voice is heard at both state and national levels.
  • Capacity Building: Participate in our training programs, attend workshops, and webinars to enhance your skills and knowledge in healthcare advocacy.
  • Innovative Solutions: Collaborate on innovative projects and pilot programs aimed at improving healthcare delivery and outcomes in rural areas.

By partnering with TRHA, you not only strengthen your own advocacy efforts but also contribute to a larger movement dedicated to improving healthcare for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Join TRHA Today