On Nov. 20, the Nevada State Office of Rural Health, along with its partnering hosts Nevada Rural Hospital Partners, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine and Access to Healthcare Network, hosted National Rural Health Day (NRHD) to celebrate medical professionals who support care in rural and frontier communities in Nevada. From all over the state, 135 attendees joined together to discuss rural health in Nevada, up from 99 attendees last year.

Rural and frontier communities often face unique challenges and limited access to resources and the NRHD provides a platform to showcase initiatives across the state, share successes and obstacles, and connect stakeholders who can offer support or funding. It also helps raise awareness of available programs and career opportunities, ensuring that rural communities and students know what resources exist to support them.

“In many ways, the conference serves as both a celebration of progress and a catalyst for future collaboration,” said Alexis Kirby, manager of rural and frontier programs for the Office of Statewide Initiatives.

Of the current population in Nevada, 318,540 residents live in remote and sparsely populated counties, according to the Nevada Rural and Frontier Health Data Book. However, in 2023, it was estimated that only 7,169 Nevadans were employed in health care industries in rural and frontier counties, significantly fewer than needed to provide adequate care in these communities.

To honor the vital contributions of rural health care providers, communities, organizations and stakeholders dedicated to improving the health and well-being of rural America, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) has designated the third Thursday of November as NRHD since 2011.

“The most powerful takeaway from this conference is the realization of just how much support exists for rural communities and how far rural medicine has come,” said Kirby. “Too often, rural initiatives are seen as grant requirements rather than vital programs serving real people. This event highlights the incredible work happening in these communities, giving attendees the chance to share challenges, celebrate successes and learn from one another. Most leave feeling inspired and energized to continue advancing rural health in Nevada.”

Tedd McDonald, M.D., of Central Nevada Health District, was given the Community Star Award for his commitment to serving communities in Fallon, Crescent Valley, Eureka, Hawthorne and Lovelock. Each year, the Nevada State Office of Rural Health selects the recipient, ensuring the award shines a spotlight on individuals who make a meaningful difference in their communities.

In addition to the awards, NRHD covered important topics such as medical student recruitment, nursing pathways for rural practice, Medicaid partnerships and the impact of rural residency – not only for medical students but also the community.  

"The event has grown every year,” said Kirby. “Our 2025 conference had to place participants and vendors on a waitlist due to space limitations. Looking ahead, we plan to expand into a two-day conference in 2026. This will allow us to open calls for speakers and poster presentations, welcome more vendors, and accommodate more attendees — ultimately creating a richer experience for rural advocates across Nevada.”