Welcome to the Georgia Rural Health Association (GRHA) Home Page

2008 GRHA Annual Conference and Business Meeting
Rural Can’t Wait
Better Health in ‘08
September 15-17
Brasstown Valley Resort

Plan to be part of the Georgia Rural Health Association’s annual conference and business meeting at Brasstown Valley Resort September 15-17. This year’s conference will address a variety of issues including public health concerns, quality of care, and the use of technology. A student poster session will demonstrate what students are focusing on in their studies and how that will contribute to better health outcomes and care. Some of our sessions will include topics chosen from a call for abstracts. Evening entertainment includes a reception honoring our annual Awards of Excellence Recipients. Information about golf rates and other activities at Brasstown Valley Resort will be on this site as they become available.

With local, state, and national elections following soon after our conference, we are inviting elected officials to speak about their concerns and goals for helping rural Georgians live healthier. Speakers for both plenary and break-out sessions will be updated on the GRHA web site as they confirm. Conference participants will include healthcare CEOs and CFOs, a variety of providers, educators, students, and health advocates, in addition to community leaders and elected officials.

Conference registration information is available below. Following the conference, all handouts and presentations will be posted and password protected for conference registrants and sponsors only. The GRHA conference and annual meeting will provide your organization with an opportunity to meet with Georgians from across our state who, like you, are working to strengthen rural communities with improved healthcare services and outcomes.

Updates on conference sessions, award nomination forms, calls for abstracts and student posters, speaker sessions, and other information are available here on the GRHA website at www.garuralhealth.org.

On Line Registration Coming Soon...

Below are links to forms pertaining to the 2008 GRHA Annual Conference and Business Meeting.

• 2008 Annual Meeting Registration Form (MS Word Document)
• 2008 Annual Meeting Registration Form (PDF Document)
• 2008 Annual Meeting Call for Abstract for Speaker Session (MS Word Document)
• 2008 Annual Meeting Call for Abstract for Speaker Session (PDF Document)
• 2008 Annual Meeting Call for Abstract for Student Presentations (MS Word Document)
• 2008 Annual Meeting Call for Abstract for Student Presentations (PDF Document)
• 2008 GRHA Membership Renewal Form (MS Word Document)
• 2008 GRHA Membership Renewal Form (PDF Document)

If you are interested in being a member of the Legislative Committee or Annual Meeting Committee, please contact Katherine Cummings at katherine@garuralhealth.org or call 478.552.3620. Check the web site at garuralhealth.org for information and updates.

Information on last year's (2007) Annual Conference and Meeting can be found [HERE].

Welcome to our newest members!
	GRHA thanks Wellcare of Georgia for their support as a Platinum level member.
	The Georgia Rural Health Association is proud to have the American Cancer Society as a member. The American Cancer Society has joined GRHA at the Bronze Level and is a welcome contributor to the furtherance of our mutual goal of improved rural health. Thank you American Cancer Society.
	The Georgia Rural Health Association is pleased to welcome the Coca-Cola Company, joining at the Bronze Level. Coca-Cola is a valued addition to our association. We look forward to working together to improve rural health care in Georgia.

Download the January - March, 2008 GRHA Newsletter!

Educating and Advocating for a Healthy Rural Georgia

Georgia Rural Health Association (GRHA) is the oldest state rural health association in the country. Founded in 1981, this nonprofit network of healthcare providers, educators, and individuals is united in its commitment to improve the health and healthcare services of rural Georgians. GRHA understands that the rural areas in our state are unique and differ greatly from urban areas in our state. These rural communities, and those who provide healthcare services to them, require educational programs and support tailored to their specific needs.

The Association’s mission includes:

Promoting rural health as a distinct concern in Georgia

Serving as an advocate for rural health by promoting improved health status, healthcare systems, and health-related education for rural Georgians

Encouraging the development of appropriate healthcare resources for residents of rural Georgia

To accomplish this mission, GRHA acts as a conduit for the exchange and distribution of information intended to improve health outcomes and preserve health services throughout rural Georgia.

Rural Georgia Health Facts

• Georgia has 108 rural counties. (click [HERE] for listing of rural counties in GA)
• Poverty rates for rural counties exceed those in urban counties by 58%.
• The rural counties have approximately half as many physicians and dramatic shortages of nurses, therapists, and nutritionists (per capita) as the metro counties.
• The crude death rate is higher in rural areas than the urban county rate. From Georgia Center for Rural Health and Research.
• Lower educational levels found in rural counties contribute to poverty and handicap the individual and family in making health decisions.