Florida Rural Health Association

Created in 1992, FRHA brings together people and organizations from around the state to press for health care that rural residents can access and afford. Its coalition includes rural hospitals and clinics, safety net providers, local governments, nonprofits, educational institutions, community-based groups, public health workers, and Area Health Education Centers.

The mission is to protect and improve the health of people living in rural Florida. FRHA pursues it by building ties among communities, hospitals, health professionals, and county and state agencies, by acting as a hub for rural health information and research, and by speaking up for what rural Florida needs in health care.

The association runs webinars and virtual learning sessions for care providers, public health staff and community partners, and keeps recordings of past events online. Earlier series include a health literacy program offered with United Healthcare Community Plan and a pediatric pulmonary series with the UF Pediatric Pulmonary Center.

FRHA also presents awards such as Rural Physician of the Year and the Wendell Rollason Award, and recognizes Rural Health Heroes. In 2021 FRHA was recognized as a Community Star for National Rural Health Day. The office is in Alachua.