National Rural Health Day

Celebrate the Power of Rural

 

 

About National Rural Health Day

Since 2011, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) has set aside the third Thursday of November to celebrate the “Power of Rural” on National Rural Health Day. National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to bring attention to and honor the incredible efforts of rural healthcare providers, communities, organizations, State Offices of Rural Health (SORH), and other stakeholders dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of rural America.

 

Learn more about National Rural Health Day

National Rural Health Day 2026

November 19th, 2026

This year for National Rural Health Day, the Colorado Rural Health Center will travel to Craig, Colorado to honor the team at The Memorial Regional Hospital. Stay tuned to see how we celebrate!

 

 

 

Power of Rural Colorado Photo Contest

 

 

 

 

Rural communities are full of people, places, and moments that make a difference. The Colorado Rural Health Center is celebrating those stories by bringing the Power of Rural Colorado Photo Contest back for its second year!

CRHC members from across the state are invited to share the photos that capture what makes rural healthcare, and the communities they serve, so special. Whether it’s a scene from your daily commute, a glimpse into care delivery, or your community coming together, we want to see what rural health means to you.

Categories:

Submit your best photos in one or more of the following categories:

  • Rural People: Show us the people who make rural healthcare possible, such as healthcare professionals and patients to community members, volunteers, and local leaders.
  • Rural Landscapes: Capture the beauty and character of Colorado’s rural communities. Think mountain views, wide-open spaces, main streets, farms, ranches, and the places that make your community unique.
  • Rural Life & Infrastructure: Highlight the places, structures, and everyday moments that help rural communities thrive. This could include healthcare facilities, transportation, local businesses, community gathering spaces, or other examples of rural life in action.

Entry Criteria:

  • Photos must fall into one of the three categories: People, Landscapes, or Life & Infrastructure
  • CRHC members may submit up to three photos per person.
    • You may submit one photo per category, or submit multiple photos within the categories
  • Please make sure you have permission from any identifiable individuals featured in your photos before submitting!
  • Submit your photo(s) to the form below by November 15th, 2026.

Scoring and Prizes:

  • Entries will be judged based on creativity, quality, and relevance to rural healthcare.
  • Three winners will be selected, with one winner of the grand prize: Free admission to The Colorado Rural Healthcare Conference in April 2027!
  • All winners will receive a gift card, and be featured in future CRHC publications, social media, websites, and other promotional materials.
  • Winners will be announced November 19th.

Your photo could help us tell the story of rural Colorado and showcase the people and places that make these communities extraordinary. Fill out the form below to enter!

 

NRHD Photo Contest

Name(Required)
Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. file size: 50 MB.
Do you have the consent of the individual(s) photographed to submit this photo for this contest?(Required)
We'd love to learn more! Please provide a short paragraph explaining what the photo is of, where in Colorado it was taken, and how it captures the Power of Rural.

 

 

 

2025 Grand Prize & Rural People Category Winner 

“This photo was taken at a patient’s property in Rifle, CO. From one of our patient testimonies, Dick Morgan looks out at one of his pastures at his working ranch while talking about his experience with one of our orthopaedic surgeons. Dick has expressed deep gratitude for the incredible care he received while having a major surgery on an injury that prevented him from tending his pastures and livestock which are crucial to him and his family. Ranching and agriculture are a way of life in our community, and it is our mission to ensure the health and well-being of all who make that work possible. Our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural families are the backbone of this valley, and we’re honored to provide the care, resources, and support they deserve as they care for our land and our people.”

Ashlie Bramley
Grand River Health District

 

2025 Rural Landscapes Category Winner 

“This photo was taken by me, Allison Hughes, of one of our mama cows and her baby. Location: Salida, CO.”

Allison Hughes
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center

 

 

2025 Rural Life & Infrastructure Category Winner 

“This aerial view of Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center and Veterans Community Living Center in Walsenburg, Colorado, tells a story of hope and healing in the heart of rural America. Framed by the majestic Spanish Peaks and the endless skies of southern Colorado in Huerfano County, it reflects the strength of a community that cares deeply for its neighbors and honors its veterans. Here, healthcare is more than a service—it’s a promise to nurture life where the land is vast, the mountains stand tall, and the spirit of resilience runs deep. This image captures the true Power of Rural: a place where compassion and commitment thrive far from the bustle, proving that quality care knows no boundaries.”

Stacy Cristelli
Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center

 

 

 

 

Celebrate the Power of Rural!

 

 

 

 

Until National Rural Health Day