Rural Hospital Nonprofit Partner

Community-Driven Programs That Strengthen Rural Healthcare

The Rural Health Community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing rural healthcare through collaboration, shared expertise, and practical technology solutions. Guided by the voices of more than 600 rural healthcare provider organizations, the Rural Health Community develops programs that help improve operational resiliency, expand access to technology, and support the long-term sustainability of rural healthcare.

Every initiative is shaped by the priorities identified by rural healthcare leaders, ensuring resources are focused on the challenges that matter most to the communities they serve.

Rural Healthcare Focus

  • Build resilient healthcare operations
  • Foster collaboration across rural healthcare
  • Expand access to affordable technology
  • Support workforce sustainability
  • Champion long-term rural healthcare resilience

Programs and Resources

Rural Healthcare Impact Plan
Provides access to STARLINK high-speed, low-latency satellite internet at significantly reduced costs, helping rural providers improve connectivity for clinical operations, telehealth, and mobile care.

Infrastructure Modernization Program
Offers infrastructure assessments, future-state planning, and discounted technology solutions to help rural healthcare organizations modernize critical systems.

Microsoft Rural Health Resiliency Cyber Program
Provides free cybersecurity assessments, workforce training, and discounted Microsoft security solutions to strengthen cyber resilience.

Cyber Risk Management Program
Supports rural providers with HIPAA risk assessments and third-party risk management resources.

AI Launch Pad
Provides governance tools, implementation guidance, and educational resources that help rural hospitals, Rural Health Clinics, FQHCs, and other rural providers responsibly adopt artificial intelligence.

Designed for Rural Healthcare

The Rural Health Community was created specifically for rural healthcare organizations and is driven by member priorities rather than vendor agendas.

Its programs are designed to:

  • Address challenges identified directly by rural healthcare providers
  • Improve access to affordable technology and shared resources
  • Support operational resilience without significant capital investment
  • Connect providers with trusted industry partners and collaborative solutions
  • Scale alongside the evolving needs of rural healthcare organizations

Measurable Impact

Today, the Rural Health Community serves more than 600 rural healthcare provider organizations through collaborative programs focused on connectivity, cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, and responsible AI adoption.

Through the Rural Healthcare Impact Plan, participating organizations receive access to enterprise-grade Starlink connectivity at 88% below retail pricing, helping expand care delivery while reducing technology costs.

Rural Success Story

Ozarks Healthcare, a 114-bed regional referral hospital serving eight counties across Missouri and Arkansas, faced significant connectivity challenges supporting both its mobile mammography unit and a newly acquired rural clinic.

Through the Rural Healthcare Impact Plan, the organization deployed Starlink connectivity to both locations. The mobile mammography unit became a fully connected clinic on wheels, enabling real-time patient scheduling and clinical documentation in remote communities. At the same time, the acquired clinic bypassed months of waiting for fiber installation and was able to begin seeing patients weeks earlier than anticipated.

What Rural Healthcare Leaders Are Saying

“Ordering Starlink and getting it connected into our network has been the easiest project I’ve been blessed with… We’ve had no issues and it’s working like a champ!”–Steve Fowler, IT Director, Muenster Memorial Hospital

Case Study

Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Healthcare

Learn how the Rural Healthcare Impact Plan is helping rural providers improve connectivity, expand access to care, and strengthen operational resilience through enterprise-grade Starlink satellite technology. This case study highlights real-world examples from rural hospitals and health centers that improved mobile healthcare delivery, accelerated clinic readiness, and protected critical clinical operations through reliable connectivity.

Download the full case study to learn more.

What Sets Rural Health Community Apart

  • Member-driven nonprofit organization guided by rural healthcare leaders
  • Founded by healthcare executives with deep personal roots in rural America
  • Programs developed in direct response to challenges identified by rural providers
  • Connects organizations with highly discounted technology, cybersecurity, and infrastructure resources
  • Focused exclusively on strengthening the long-term resiliency and sustainability of rural healthcare

Learn More https://ruralhealthcommunity.org/

Contact

For more information about the Rural Health Community and its programs:

Tina Burbine
Co-Founder
📞 (602) 451-2545
✉️ tina.burbine@ruralhealthcommunity.org

Jason Griffin
Co-Founder
📞 (281)221-5488
✉️ jason.griffin@ruralhealthcommunity.org