Federal Leaders to Discuss Coordinated Strategies to Strengthen Rural Health Systems

Federal leaders from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will convene on June 4 from 1:00-2:00 PM ET for the webinar, Coordinating Federal Strategies to Strengthen Rural Health. The session will explore how federal agencies are advancing policies, funding, and technical assistance efforts to address persistent challenges facing rural communities, including access to care, workforce shortages, and financial sustainability. The webinar will also highlight current initiatives connected to the Rural Health Transformation Program and opportunities for cross-agency collaboration.

The webinar will feature perspectives from Diane Hall, Director of the Office of Rural Health within CDC's Public Health Infrastructure Center; Sarah Heppner, Associate Director of the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy at HRSA; and Kate Sapra, Deputy Director of the Office of Rural Health Transformation at CMS. John Auerbach, Senior Vice President of Federal Health at ICF, will also participate in the discussion.

Panelists will examine how federal agencies are aligning investments, policy strategies, and technical assistance to support rural communities and improve health outcomes. Participants will gain insight into emerging federal priorities, areas where investments are driving impact, and opportunities for states, health systems, and community partners to engage with federal rural health programs.

The session is designed for public health leaders, health systems, policymakers, and community organizations seeking a clearer understanding of the evolving federal rural health landscape and coordinated efforts to strengthen rural health systems nationwide.