Where you live shouldn’t impact your options and opportunity to live a happy, healthy life. 

NCRHA advocates for better health and health care for every North Carolinian, regardless of who they are or where they live.

The North Carolina Rural Health Association (NCRHA) is the official state affiliate of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), led by the Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation (FHLI). We serve rural North Carolinians and the organizations that support them across our diverse landscape of mountains, farmland, coastal communities, small towns, and tribal lands.

NCRHA exists as a single organizer to connect, foster, advocate, and share a unified voice that promotes better rural health outcomes for the people who call rural North Carolina home.

Our extensive membership network includes students, community- and faith-based organizations, statewide associations, educational institutions, government representatives, corporations, and more championing whole-person, whole-community health for rural North Carolinians.

Building a healthy North Carolina can only happen when we amplify the voice of uniquely rural communities. We exist to listen, learn, and lead a movement that keeps rural health at the forefront of every conversation about our state’s health.

FHLI was founded in 1982 by James D. Bernstein, who demonstrated a lifelong dedication to improving the health and wellness of North Carolina’s rural communities. Building on his legacy, the organization houses NCRHA, a collaborative network of associations, organizations, and individuals committed to supporting rural health.

Rural voices must shape North Carolina’s future.

It’s simple. We exist to advocate for whole-person, whole-community rural health!

As a statewide convener, NCRHA brings together rural stakeholders who are experts in their own community needs and strengths to inform systems-level transformation and shape policy priorities that reflect diverse rural realities.

NCRHA hosts a diverse network of partners, including students, community- and faith-based organizations, statewide associations, educational institutions, government representatives, corporations, and more dedicated to advancing rural health through advocacy, collaboration, and education.  

As an association member, you will connect and network with fellow statewide advocates to amplify your work, keep rural health at the center of the conversation, and advocate for systems-level change.

Organizational Membership

Organizational memberships are intended for community-based organizations, clinics, associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, public agencies, rural-serving entities, etc.

Corporate Membership

Corporate memberships are intended for corporations, health systems, insurers, consulting firms, financial institutions, and statewide companies engaging in rural markets. Emphasizes brand visibility, access, influence, and strategic insight.

General Membership Benefits

Membership benefits will continue to grow and evolve. Current benefits for individuals, students, and retirees include: 

• Professional Development: Rural educational and professional development opportunities for emerging leaders; peer learning opportunities; access to NRHA webinars, resources, and annual conference; and opportunities to advocate at both state and federal levels.
• Networking: Member-only virtual and in-person opportunities to connect with other rural health students, professionals, and advocates; early access to NCRHA event registration.
• Engagement: Regional in-person meetings*, work group participation, recognition on the NCRHA website, and exclusive state affiliate news.

* NCRHA regional in-person meetings are open to any party interested in participating. Paid membership includes additional benefits, such as access to additional perks and resources. 

Organizational Membership Benefits

Current organizational membership benefits include general membership benefits plus:

• Employee Participation: Up to 20% of your employees granted individual membership accounts with member-only virtual and in-person opportunities to connect with other rural health students, professionals, and advocates.
• Visibility: Organizational logo listed on NCRHA website.
• Engagement: Invitation to Bernstein Fellows Presentations, 5 tickets to Networking Event at FHLI’s Bernstein Event, and exclusive NCRHA End of Year Impact Report.

Corporate Membership Benefits

Current corporate membership benefits include general membership benefits plus exclusive benefits:

• Employee Participation: Unlimited individual membership accounts with member-only virtual and in-person opportunities to connect with other rural health students, professionals, and advocates, and insight session with NCRHA and FHLI leadership.
• Visibility: Organizational logo listed on all NCRHA promotional materials, and on NCRHA and FHLI websites.
• Engagement: 2 tickets to FHLI Legislative Breakfast with private rural health networking session prior to programming, invitation to Bernstein Fellows Presentations, 10 tickets to FHLI’s annual Bernstein Event with exclusive networking session at the event, and exclusive NCRHA End of Year Impact Report.

Membership Registration Process 

• Membership is open to any organization, business, agency, nonprofit, or individual that supports NCRHA’s vision, mission, purpose, and principles. 
• Membership renews annually on the anniversary of your original enrollment date.
• Sponsorships may be available for eligible network members, and hardship provisions may be available for those unable to pay annual membership dues. Contact us if you need assistance with NCRHA membership.

2024-2025 NCRHA Members

NCRHA work groups foster network- and community-based collaboration to drive rural health solutions. All members have the opportunity to join any NCRHA work group.

COMING SOON! Raises health issues affecting rural communities within the group and monitors actions of the NC General Assembly as they pertain to rural health throughout our state, including assisting staff with developing an annual legislative agenda.

Chair: Open