Share Your Rural Health Story

Your Rural Story Matters: A Partnership with NRHA

Why Your Story Matters

At TRHA and NRHA, we believe that real change starts with listening. Every rural Texan has a story to tell, and every story carries the power to shape advocacy, policy, and support for rural communities. Whether you’ve faced workforce shortages, struggled with access to care, or witnessed the impact of rural health programs firsthand, your experience matters. By sharing your story, you’re helping build a collective voice that strengthens rural health advocacy at the state and national levels.

  • Share your challenges, successes, and the realities of delivering care in rural Texas.
  • Tell us about your healthcare experiences, barriers, and moments of hope.
  • Speak on local initiatives, policy impacts, and grassroots efforts.
  • Highlight successful programs, service gaps, and emerging needs.

Submit Your Rural Story Here

Sharing your story only takes a few minutes and six steps!

We respect your story and your choice. You’ll be asked whether you give us permission to share your story with others, including the NRHA, and it’s completely up to you.

Rural Stories, Real Impact: Featuring Anson General Hospital

Keeping Care Close to Home: Anson General Hospital’s Fight to Stay Open

Every rural community has a story worth sharing—stories of resilience, innovation, and life-saving care. Anson General Hospital, serving the Big Country for over 72 years, is one of them.
As rural hospitals across Texas face financial struggles and closures, Anson General stood on the brink of shutting down—a fate that would have left Jones County without a single hospital. But instead of closing its doors, the hospital took action, becoming one of the first in the nation to convert to a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH)—a move that preserved 24/7 emergency care and ensured continued access for surrounding communities.
“At Anson General, we’re more than a hospital—we’re a lifeline for families across this region. Keeping rural hospitals open means keeping communities healthy, resilient, and connected to the care they need when every second counts.”
– Ted Matthews, CEO Anson General Hospital & TRHA Board Member

Watch Their Story

Thank you to our partner TORCH for being the power behind this video.

The Power of Your Story

Your voice is more than just a submission—it fuels action. We use real stories to:
  • 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.
View the Rural Story Impact Map

Get Involved

Your story is just the beginning. Stay engaged and be part of a movement that’s amplifying rural voices.
Become a TRHA Member

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.

  • 3702 Loop 322 • Abilene, TX
  • 325-672-0495
  • texasruralhealth@trha.org

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