ABOUT US.

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is a national nonprofit membership organization with more than 21,000 members. The association’s mission is to provide leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education and research. NRHA membership consists of a diverse collection of individuals and organizations, all of whom share the common bond of an interest in rural health.

THE OPPORTUNITY.

Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly being recognized as urgent public health threats, with risks to health and mortality as serious as those from obesity or smoking. Some researchers have cautioned that rural residents could be at greater risk for isolation due to the increased distances they must travel to visit their friends and family.

Our Commitment.

NRHA is committed to recognizing and reversing health disparities that disproportionately affect rural residents. The association has published research on rural loneliness, isolation, and related health issues including suicide and self-harm.