The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is joining in on Thursday’s observance of National Rural Health Day, celebrating the critical role rural healthcare workers play across the state.
Mississippi, where 65 of 82 counties are considered rural, relies heavily on physicians, nurses, clinic staff, community health workers, and support personnel who deliver care in areas where resources are often limited. MSDH noted that National Rural Health Day offers an opportunity to highlight its work and underscore the challenges rural communities may continue to face.
“Rural providers are the backbone of healthcare in Mississippi. On Rural Health Day, we are honoring everyone, from the physicians to the hospital’s cleaning crew, who work tirelessly to improve the health of rural residents of Mississippi,” said Jennifer Gholson, the director of MSDH’s Center for Rural Health and Population Studies.
Created in 2024, MSDH’s Mississippi Center for Rural Health and Population Studies focuses on strengthening rural healthcare systems by supporting clinics, expanding access to primary care providers, and addressing barriers that prevent residents from receiving needed services.
This year, MSDH is also celebrating a Mississippi organization recognized nationally for its contributions. The Mississippi Access Group Network – Health Center Controlled Network (MAGnet-HCCN) has been named the state’s 2025 Community Star by the National Organization of the State Officers of Rural Health.
The group supports five community health centers across 24 counties and was honored for advancing innovation, equity, and sustainable care delivery. MAGnet-HCCN will be featured on the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health’s website dedicated to National Rural Health Day, alongside other award recipients.
National Rural Health Day is observed annually on the third Thursday in November to honor the nearly 61 million Americans who depend on rural healthcare systems and the professionals who serve them.
More information about MSDH’s rural health initiatives can be found here