Coordinating federal strategies to strengthen rural health

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Rural communities continue to face persistent challenges related to access, workforce capacity, and financial sustainability. In response, federal agencies are advancing policies, funding, and technical assistance programs to strengthen rural health systems and improve outcomes. 

This webinar brings together senior 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) to share perspectives on their agencies’ current rural health priorities and initiatives, including their roles in the Rural Health Transformation Program. Panelists will discuss how federal investments and strategies are supporting rural communities, where agencies are aligning efforts, and how states and local partners can engage with these programs.

The session will offer participants a clearer understanding of what’s ahead across federal efforts—including the Rural Health Transformation Program—and how coordinated approaches can strengthen rural health systems.

What you’ll learn:

  • Current rural health priorities and initiatives across CMS, HRSA, and CDC.
  • How federal agencies are aligning policy, funding, and technical assistance to support rural communities.
  • Where federal investments are driving impact and where gaps remain.
  • Opportunities for states, health systems, and community partners to engage with federal rural health programs.

Watch video for a cross-agency discussion on how federal programs and partnerships are shaping the future of rural health—and what it means for states, health systems, and communities.

Meet the authors
  1. John Auerbach, Senior Vice President, Federal Health

    John is a public health expert with more than 30 years of experience in strengthening programs at the federal, state, and local levels to drive improved health outcomes for the public, especially those who are at elevated risk for poor health outcomes. View bio

  2. Diane Hall, PhD, MSEd, Director, Office of Rural Health, Public Health Infrastructure Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  3. Sarah Heppner, Associate Director, Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
  4. Kate Sapra, PhD, Deputy Director, Office of Rural Health Transformation, Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)