Data & Analysis

Rural Health Transformation Program Tracker

As part of our ongoing analysis of the stability of the rural health safety net, we’ve developed an interactive tool to help rural hospital leadership and those advocating on their behalf to better understand how states plan to utilize RHT funds.

Data & Analysis

2026 rural health state of the state

Rural healthcare is at a crossroads. Rural Health Transformation-funded initiatives will support innovation and improve care delivery, but our latest analysis suggests that time is of the essence.

Data & Analysis

Medicaid cuts would push rural hospitals—and care for rural communities—over the edge

Our analysis looks at the impact Medicaid cuts could have on already struggling rural hospitals and care in rural communities.

Data & Analysis

2025 rural health state of the state

Across the US, the rural health safety net remains under intense pressure. Since 2010, 182 rural hospitals closed or converted to an operating model that excludes inpatient care.

Data & Analysis

Unrelenting pressure pushes rural safety net into uncharted territory

America’s rural hospitals have been battling against drivers of instability for more than a decade, but this newest research suggests the crisis has accelerated quickly to previously unseen levels.

Data & Analysis

Rural health safety net under renewed pressure as pandemic fades

In this study, we examine the stability of the rural health safety net, declining access to services, and the potential impact of the new Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation.

Data & Analysis

Staffing crisis casts shadow over vulnerable rural communities

Responding to the staffing crisis requires rural hospital leadership teams be more creative in how they approach recruitment and retention.

Data & Analysis

Staffing hurdles chip away at access to care

The results of our latest survey shed light on how rural hospitals are navigating vaccination mandates and the continued impact of nurse staffing shortages on the delivery of care.

Data & Analysis

Vaccine Hesitancy Among Rural Hospitals: The Arrival of a Challenging "New Normal"

Our national survey indicates that COVID-19 vaccine-related hesitancy and resistance among rural hospital healthcare personnel is prominent.

Data & Analysis

Crises collide: The COVID-19 pandemic and the stability of the rural health safety net

This study builds upon our existing research into the stability of the rural health safety net and provides the clearest picture yet of the extent to which the pandemic has impacted rural hospitals and their ability to deliver care within their communities.