The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ (MODHSS) Office of Rural Health and Primary Care (ORHPC) hosted their second annual Rural Health Day in Jefferson City, Missouri on November 17, 2022. Using the hashtag “power of rural,” the event was a celebration of rural communities and healthcare providers. Health leaders from around the state shared ideas, techniques, and missions on how they and their organizations are working to keep our state healthy.
During MIC’s presentation, Nicole Williams, MIC’s Director of Programs gave an overview of the coalition’s resources available to all rural health providers to help them improve the health of Missourians by reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases across the lifespan. MIC works with local providers to create localized media messages that include digital, social media, and targeted community outreach including billboards, newspapers, radio, direct mail, sports marketing, event marketing, and public transit.
“Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at the Missouri Immunization Coalition. It was an honor for us to be able to connect with so many ‘Rural Health Champions’ in attendance that day,” said Nicole Cope, MIC Executive Director.
Several individuals and organizations were recognized as “Rural Health Champions” for their commitment to quality healthcare and services in the communities they serve. Each honoree received an award and proclamation from Governor Mike Parsons. This year’s honorees were Tipton Pharmacy, Southwest Missouri School Health Network, Cape Family Medical Clinic, Chery Eversole, Blair Stock, and Barbara Brendel.
Missouri Rural Health Day was a collaboration with the following ORHPC Partners: Missouri Area Health Education Centers, Missouri Hospital Association, Missouri Immunization Coalition, Missouri Primary Care Association, Missouri Rural Health Association, MU Rural Scholars Program, and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.
