STRENGTHEN
Foster relationships and collaboration among rural health IT teams.
PROTECT
Advocate for and provide access to cost-effective IT programs that protect vulnerable rural health facilities and communities.
INNOVATE
Identify and develop innovative IT programs and solutions that meet rural facilities and communities' clinical, operational, and financial needs.
Microsoft and Nordic, in collaboration with CHIME, established the Rural Health IT Community
to advocate for and be the recipients of policies, programs, and services specific to rural healthcare. We aim to foster collaboration between rural hospitals and global technology leaders and increase the use of innovative technologies that protect vulnerable rural healthcare organizations.
With nearly one in five people in the U.S. living in rural areas, rural healthcare organizations need protection by providing access to advanced tools and resources and encouraging the adoption of new innovations. The Rural Health IT Community exists to give rural health digital leaders a dedicated forum to connect, share solutions, and drive innovation in the communities they serve. Insights gathered during member meetings will inform the community’s strategic priorities.
RURAL HEALTH IT MEMBERS
Community-Driven Priorities Tackling
Challenges Together
Unique programs that meet the needs of rural facilities and communities will be established based on the input of community members. The Rural Health IT Community will advocate as a voice to the private and public sectors to identify and support the key strategic technology needs of rural healthcare facilities.
Cybersecurity was identified as a vital focus area for the first program in conjunction with the White House, American Hospital Association, National Rural Health Association, and Microsoft Philanthropy announcing a new cybersecurity initiative to support independent Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals.
The Rural Health IT Community is open to all rural healthcare organization IT leaders and those passionate about the role of technology in supporting health and service delivery in rural communities nationwide.
Member meetings are held regularly and conducted with a combination of in-person and virtual events.