ABOUT THE RHRC

Preserving Care for Rural Communities

farmer grandson wheat field

Rural healthcare matters, and it needs our help.

Millions of Americans living in rural communities face higher risks of poor health outcomes and death compared to urban residents. However, they have limited access to the high-quality healthcare they need. Many rural healthcare centers that serve as the economic backbone of their communities are at risk of closure, putting vital jobs and economic stability in these regions in jeopardy.

This isn’t just a rural crisis — it’s an American crisis. Rural America is home to essential industries and vibrant, diverse cultures that enrich our nation. By addressing rural health challenges, we can improve equity in these regions and invest in a brighter future for all Americans.

At the Rural Health Redesign Center (RHRC), we’re on a mission to elevate rural healthcare. We protect and promote access to high-quality healthcare by fostering innovation in care delivery and developing tailored solutions for rural needs. Our team, comprised of rural healthcare residents and leaders, understands the culture and values of rural communities because they are our own.

Together, we can build a healthier, equitable future for rural communities.

Our Purpose

Our vision is to help rural communities thrive through improved health.

We aspire to transform rural America by identifying and implementing sustainable solutions that will stabilize communities without compromising their culture and values. Through our work, we are committed to improving the quality of life for rural residents physically, mentally, and socially. We will continue to provide technical assistance to communities in need, share strategies that have proven effective, and work with local, state, and federal partners to develop long-term strategies for rural health reform.

WE’RE HERE TO

Serve

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Service: We support rural providers and communities that need our assistance.
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Excellence: We perform our work with the highest degree of integrity and ethical standards.
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Rapid Response: We respond to all of our partners quickly, acknowledging outreach and making a commitment to meet needs within a reasonable amount of time.

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Value: We provide high-quality, rural relevant technical assistance and consulting services.
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Every Partner, Every Community: We make this same commitment to all of our partners and communities.
  • White capitalized Letter S in a blue circle
    Service: We support rural providers and communities that need our assistance.
  • White capitalized Letter E in a blue circle
    Excellence: We perform our work with the highest degree of integrity and ethical standards.
  • White capitalized Letter R in a blue circle
    Rapid Response: We respond to all of our partners quickly; acknowledging outreach and making a commitment to meet needs within a reasonable amount of time.
  • White capitalized Letter V in a blue circle
    Value: We provide high-quality, rural relevant technical assistance and consulting services.
  • White capitalized Letter E in a blue circle
    Every Partner, Every Community: We make this same commitment to all of our partners and communities.

Our STORY

From Rural, For Rural

full RHRC Team

In 2020, we established the Rural Health Redesign Center (RHRC) to tackle healthcare challenges in rural America. We offer a wide range of services to promote healthier communities, which include innovative programs, technical assistance, strategic planning, financial analysis, and emergency support for distressed hospitals.

The RHRC, located in Harrisburg, PA, has become a nationally recognized advocate for rural health. The center is actively involved with over 250 communities and collaborates with 200+ healthcare providers nationwide. We are dedicated to expanding our outreach and enhancing our services to provide better support for rural communities.

We’re not just working for rural America—we are rural America. As lifelong rural residents and healthcare leaders, our personal experiences drive our dedication to creating a healthier future for all.

Join Us In Transforming Rural Healthcare!

Your support makes a real difference in rural communities across America. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we rely on the generosity of the public to continue our vital work. Your contribution is an investment in a healthier future for rural communities.

ABOUT THE RHRC Preserving Care for Rural Communities DONATE NOW Rural healthcare matters, and it needs our help. Millions of Americans living in rural communities face higher risks of poor […]

ABOUT THE RHRC Preserving Care for Rural Communities DONATE NOW Rural healthcare matters, and it needs our help. Millions of Americans living in rural communities face higher risks of poor […]

Ken Harman RHRC Regional Liaison
Ken Harman
Regional Liaison

Ken Harman is a Regional Liaison with the Rural Health Redesign Center and the Rural Emergency Hospital Technical Assistance Center for the Midwest and Western States. He brings over 30 years’ healthcare experience, with the last 20 years being a rural Critical Access Hospital CEO. He has served in Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, California, Utah and Minnesota. He graduated in 1996 from the University of Minnesota with a Master’s in Healthcare Administration and from the University of Utah in 1990 with a Bachelors of Science in Economics. He has a passion for rural healthcare and in assisting organizations and communities in sustaining and growing to take care of community needs.

About Us

Tom Harlow
Program Director

Tom has over 43 years of healthcare experience, with 24 in executive leadership and 16 in rural settings. In his role, he provides tactical assistance to rural providers in areas such as workforce, strategic planning, and value-based care.

Janice Walters
Executive Director

Janice has been leading the work of the RHRC since its inception. She has a background in health nance and is a highly rated rural health expert with over 20 years of relevant leadership experience. She works closely with rural health executives, state and federal partners, and other community stakeholders to ensure access to quality healthcare in maintained across the rural U.S.