State Office of Rural Health (SORH)

The goal of the Ohio SORH is to help strengthen rural health care delivery systems by creating a focal point for coordinating rural health initiatives statewide.  Since its inception in 1991, the Ohio SORH has worked to improve rural health care delivery systems through programs and activities related to its five essential functions. 

Functions

The five essential functions of the SORH are to serve rural populations in Ohio by:

• Collecting and disseminating rural health information
• Coordinating resources and activities statewide
• Providing technical assistance to meet rural community health needs
• Encouraging recruitment and retention of health professionals in rural areas
• Strengthening state and federal partnerships

The SORH has leveraged several significant partnerships locally, statewide and nationally in its efforts to improve rural health care delivery systems.  SORH staff plan and implement various workshops, conferences and meetings, and also work to provide resources and technical assistance to rural communities working to enhance existing systems of care.

Activities and Programs

• Quarterly newsletter - A quarterly newsletter is e-mailed to rural health stakeholders.  This newsletter contains information on state and national news and upcoming events and opportunities related to rural health. 

• The annual Rural Health Conference  - A statewide Rural Health Conference is held each year in Ohio on a topic of rural importance. 

• Ohio Rural Health Coalition meetings - Quarterly regional meetings are held around the state in a collaborative effort with the Ohio Rural Health Coalition.  The meetings feature local speakers to talk about innovative rural health delivery models, in addition to discussing health care access barriers and exploring solutions.

• Ohio’s Rural Health Quality Initiative - This quality initiative project involves six regional teams working on remodeling or improving their health care infrastructure and community health. 

• Rural Health Clinic expansion project - This project aims to both inform communities of the benefits of Rural Health Clinics and to look at other possible collaborative efforts which could increase access in rural Ohio.

• Ohio’s Distinguished Rural Health Awards - Ohio’s Distinguished Rural Health Awards are given out annually in recognition of outstanding and lasting contributions in the area of rural health.  The categories include Rural Health Administrator, Rural Health Program, Rural Health Provider and Rural Hospital.

Mailing Address:          
Ohio Department of Health
State Office of Rural Health

Primary Care and Rural Health Programs

246 N. High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Telephone: (614) 995-5556
Fax: (614) 995-4235

E-mail: bchssd@odh.ohio.gov

Last Updated:          8/14/08
Last Reviewed:        8/14/08