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.
Update as of April 13, 2020:
Protecting the health, safety, and well-being of the participants at the Minnesota Rural Health Conference is always our first priority and, due to the uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are canceling the 2020 conference scheduled for June 15-16. The theme for this year was aptly chosen, "Charting the Course for Change," and that is what we must do.
While we and our partners look forward to this event every year, social distancing must be our primary professional responsibility. We want to thank and honor our many participants from across all health professions and organizations who are working so diligently and heroically within their communities to deal with COVID-19. We also want to thank our many partners who already invested financial support towards this year's conference; we appreciate your partnership.
Finally, we hope we can all come together once again in 2021 to renew our relationships and to recharge our constant pursuit of a sustainable and thriving rural health system. #PowerofRural
If you have further questions, please contact minnesotaruralhealthconference@ruralcenter.org.
Update as of March 23, 2020:
The conference hosts have decided to delay participant registration and exhibit selection until April 15.
This delay will allow time to better assess the evolving COVID-19 situation before we begin collecting payments for registration and exhibits.
A final decision about the status of the conference will be made by May 1.
Update as of March 19, 2020:
We are monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and related CDC travel and large gathering guidance.
If the regularly scheduled 2020 MN Rural Health Conference plans are affected by COVID-19, we will immediately send an email communication to everyone on our email list and post a notice on this conference website.
If you have not done so already, subscribe to our conference email list for updates.
In the meantime, up-to-date COVID-19 guidance for all Minnesotans can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health's Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website.