This week is National Rural Hospital Week, a time to celebrate the unique and essential role hospitals and health systems play in rural communities across 90% of the United States.

Often the sole comprehensive care provider in their communities, rural hospitals and health systems provide quality care to more than 60 million Americans. They overcome challenging geography, weather, and distance to serve their patients, and they readily adapt to the changing dynamics of health care.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, rural hospitals and health systems have been on the front lines providing care to thousands of patients. They were quick to implement additional safety measures and expand telemedicine services to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

Rural hospitals and health systems are there when and where you need them most — whether you live in their communities or are just passing through. That's why we need to speak up for them and the people they serve. Will you add your name in support of rural hospitals and health systems?



Aside from their known health impact, hospitals and health systems also act as an economic backbone for rural communities and are the largest or second-largest employer in most rural areas. Protecting these hospitals and health systems is important not just for patient health, but for hospital staff and economic stability within their communities as well.

But rural hospitals are increasingly at risk of operational and funding cuts from Congress. They need our voices and our support to protect care for smaller communities and vulnerable populations.

Add your name now and pledge to support rural hospitals and health systems this week and every week.