National Rural Health Day

Texas Tech University Health Science Center join communities across America in celebration of National Rural Health Day (NRHD) on November 19, 2025. The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and rural-focused organizations throughout the United States set aside the third Thursday of November to recognize NRHD. This annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” and honor the individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of people living in rural America.

The 2025 National Rural Health Day Celebration and Recruiting event is put together in partnership with Permian Basin Area Health Education Center, the State Office of Rural Health, and the Rural and Community Engagement Division at Texas Tech University Health Science Center Permian Basin. This year's event will be on Wednesday, November 19th, from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm at Odessa Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. The event will feature poster presentations, panel discussions, educational and workforce recruitment fairs, networking opportunities, a keynote presentation, a luncheon, and an award ceremony.

"Since the founding of our great university, we have strived to bring health care closer to home for individuals in rural areas who don’t have the resources of urban populations. That goal remains at the heart of who we are — only now, our reach and impact are even greater."

- Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D.
President, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

"In the evolving landscape of American healthcare, the call to practice and serve in rural communities offers a profound and transformative opportunity for clinicians. Rural areas often face significant healthcare disparities, including limited access to medical resources and specialized care. This context demands a new kind of medical professional—one who is not only skilled in clinical practice but also deeply committed to community engagement and advocacy. Through accompaniment, physicians forge strong relationships with patients, understand their unique challenges and needs, and support their patients and communities.

TTUHSC looks forward to advocating for and celebrating rural health care organizations, clinicians and staff on National Rural Health Day. TTUHSC is committed to improving access to care in rural communities and exposing our trainees to rural medicine joys and needs."

-Adrian Billings, MD, PhD, FAAFP, FACU
Professor and Associate Academic Dean of Rural and Community Engagement

TTUHSC Rural and Community Engagement

The Rural and Community Engagement Division (RCE) of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Permian Basin (TTUHSC-PB) partners with communities and organizations to improve health outcomes. Our Priority Areas are: Provide Health Access Points; Community Engagement; Health promotion and Health Workforce Development and Training.  Learn more about Rural and Community Engagement >>