The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health is excited to join communities nationwide to celebrate the 15th anniversary of National Rural Health Day on Thursday, Nov. 19. National Rural Health Day takes place on the third Thursday every November and recognizes the "Power of Rural" in honoring the ongoing efforts of rural health care providers, communities and organizations.
“National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to recognize the health care teams across North Carolina serving our rural communities, many of whom deliver essential care under challenging circumstances,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “As we continue to make transforming rural health a key department priority, we remain focused on expanding access, strengthening our health systems and ensuring every community has the opportunity to thrive.”
North Carolina is home to the second largest rural population in the country, with one in three people living in rural communities in the state. Of our 100 counties, 71 are considered rural, and nearly 3.5 million North Carolinians live in rural areas of our state.
“Our rural communities have long demonstrated resilience, innovation and a deep commitment to improving health,” said NCDHHS Office of Rural Health Director Maggie Sauer. “With decades of dedication behind us and a willingness to adapt to the challenges ahead, the future of rural health in North Carolina holds great promise. Through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to innovation, we can continue improving our rural health infrastructure, expanding access to care and creating healthier communities across our state.”
Community members and stakeholders are invited to join the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health’s annual National Rural Health Day celebration. This free event, hosted in-person and livestreamed from the Eastern Area Health Education Center in Greenville, will showcase the strengths of rural communities and explore opportunities to improve rural health infrastructure and the health care work force. This year’s theme, “From Tradition to Transformation,” celebrates the strength, resilience and innovation of rural communities.
The event will also honor the 2026 Community Star award winner — recognizing individuals, organizations and coalitions making a positive impact in rural communities.
What: National Rural Health Day, Celebrating “From Tradition to Transformation”
Who: Dev Sangvai, Secretary, NCDHHS; Debra Farrington, Deputy Secretary for Health, NCDHHS; Maggie Sauer, Director, Office of Rural Health, NCDHHS; Belinda Pettiford, Section Chief of Women, Infant and Community Health, Division of Public Health, NCDHHS; Patrick Woodie, President and CEO, NC Rural Center; Rural communities, health care organizations and partners
When: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026; 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Where: Eastern Area Health Education Center (AHEC); 2600 Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834
Register: Credentialed media and community members are invited to attend and should RSVP via the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health website. Space is limited to 125 in-person attendees.
Livestream: Virtual attendees will receive a link to the WebEx livestream after they register for the event.
The event is sponsored by Eastern AHEC, ECU Health, the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health, the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation and the North Carolina Rural Health Association.
Additional information about National Rural Health Day, including resources and tools, can be found at PowerOfRural.org. To learn more about NCDHHS Office of Rural Health, visit ncdhhs.gov/divisions/orh.