(Feb. 13, 2026) – Earlier this week, I joined health care leaders from across the country to discuss the current rural health care environment and the innovative solutions communities are exploring to ensure access to quality health care.
Attendees at the American Hospital Association's Rural Health Care Leadership Forum heard from industry experts on topics ranging from the changing landscape of rural health care delivery and creative approaches to recruiting and retaining a resilient health care workforce to building a culture of leadership.
Many practical resources were shared during the presentations, which could benefit many rural hospitals and communities. An overarching theme in a few breakout sessions was opportunities for collaboration and partnerships among hospitals and health care systems. Presenters discussed the various partnership options available, the benefits and disadvantages of each and the reasons to remain independent. Other topics included artificial intelligence, maternal health and governance best practices.
Attendees also heard an update from AHA staff on federal advocacy initiatives pursued on behalf of rural hospitals to address industry challenges. The latest advocacy activities focused on a variety of topics, including 340B, rural emergency hospitals, the Rural Health Transformation Program, workforce and immigration and ensuring fair reimbursement from public and private insurance carriers. The Kansas Hospital Association will continue to partner with AHA and the National Rural Health Association on federal advocacy policies to support and protect Kansas hospitals and the communities we serve.
Kansas health care leader representing the following hospitals attended and presented at the event.
- Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc.
- F.W. Huston Medical Center
- Gove County Medical Center
- Holton Community Hospital
- Hutchinson Regional Medical Center
- Rice Community Health
- Stormont Vail Health
- Sunflower Health Network
Thank you to everyone for representing Kansas!
--Chad Austin