Update as of November 16, 2020:

Protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Minnesota’s rural health providers is our priority. Due to the uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have agreed to make the 2021 Minnesota Rural Health Conference, scheduled for June 21-22, 2021, a virtual event. The theme for the 2020 conference, “Charting the Course for Change,” continues to apply, and that is what we must do.

We, along with all the participants, have enjoyed gathering in Duluth annually to engage stakeholders and provide programming on rural health needs and emerging issues.  While the pandemic continues, we must do what we can to limit the spread and model socially responsible practices. 

We have begun planning an event that provides value to participants through excellent speakers, engagement on policy, applied learning, and continuing education credits that are accessible and flexible. The next steps involve developing the schedule, format, and sponsorship opportunities. 

We recognize and thank our many conference participants from across the health professions and organizations who are working so diligently and heroically within their communities to deal with COVID-19.

If you have further questions, please contact minnesotaruralhealthconference@ruralcenter.org.

With over 500 rural health stakeholders participating annually, the Minnesota Rural Health Conference is one of the nation's largest state rural health conferences. The conference is hosted by the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Rural Health & Primary Care; Minnesota Rural Health Association; and the National Rural Health Resource Center.

Conference Objectives

• Discover successful community partnerships
• Build awareness of health equity strategies
• Learn effective approaches for integrating and enhancing behavioral and mental health services
• Explore workforce tactics to meet current and future needs
• Increase readiness to engage in value-based care and payment
• Foster conversations and relationships with rural health providers, students, educators, vendors, and policymakers