Rural America’s Opportunity for Equity

One in 5 Americans live in rural areas where they experience higher rates of disease and earlier death than those living in suburban and urban parts of the country.¹ The COVID-19 pandemic worsened inequities that lead to poor health outcomes in rural areas. To re-build vibrant communities and achieve better health for everyone, local leaders must embrace equity, leverage their diversity and utilize their rich regional assets. 

In October and November, County Health Rankings & Roadmaps will explore strategies to achieve better health in rural communities in a two-part webinar series: Rural America’s Opportunity for Equity. Both webinars will serve as a workshop for community leaders and residents to engage in these strategies.  

On October 18th, Andrew Volmert, senior vice president of research at FrameWorks Institute, will share new research to support leaders in messaging equity and justice. On November 15th, Chris Estes, co-executive director of the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group, will introduce the Thrive Rural Health Framework, created in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. Register for one or both webinars here. 

Following each webinar, County Health Rankings & Roadmaps will host a one-hour interactive virtual discussion at 4pm ET. We encourage you to participate in an engaging dialogue with peers across the country to share your experiences with equity. Mark your calendars and plan to stay as long as you're able. 

¹What is Rural America? (U.S. Census Bureau)