Rural Case Study: The Hospital as a Convener in Rural Communities

Nearly 60 million people—20% of all Americans—live in areas designated as “rural.” The hospital serves as a crucial resource to promote health and well-being in these communities. Rural hospitals often serve as economic anchors in their community by providing job opportunities and purchasing goods and services within the local economy. However, there remains a significant opportunity for rural hospitals to expand their role beyond that of an anchor institution and serve as a convener for other stakeholders with the shared goal of improving health and well-being. View the entire case study below.