November 16th, 2023
Each year, the Wyoming Office of Rural Health (ORH) celebrates National Rural Health Day to bring much needed attention to the incredible efforts rural health providers and other rural stakeholders take in addressing the unique needs of rural and frontier communities in Wyoming. These small towns, ranching communities, and frontier areas are places where neighbors know each other, listen to each other, respect each other, and work together. National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural.” Next year’s National Rural Health Day will be celebrated on November 16th, 2023.
New this year will be the Goose Chase! An interactive experience where you will complete a scavenger hunt in your community to win prizes!!
Photo Contest
The ORH uses a photo conest as part of the National Rural Health Day to bring attention to the beauty and frontier nature that encompasses Wyoming.
Wyoming’s Office of Rural Health National Rural Health Day Photo Contest 2022 was a HUGE SUCCESS!!
1st Place in Landscape & Wildlife 2022
Staredown by Rose Fry
1st Place in People, Places, Things 2022
Bloom Where You’re Planted by Angie Hanchett
2nd Place in Landscape & Wildlife 2022
Tumbling Creek by Kristin Moran
2nd Place in People, Places, Things 2022
Cowboy Checking His Herd by Rose Fry
Community Stars!
Community Stars are a key part on the National Rural Health Day! Recognizing the important and vital work of people and organization in rural health. Community Stars are nominated by each state’s community to represent the face and grassroots initiatives that are working to address the health and improve the lives of those who call rural their home. Wyoming’s 2022 Community Star is Sublette County. Sublette is the only county in Wyoming without a Hospital. Voters elected in 2020 to approve the formation of a special hospital district and this group has worked non stop to see the creation of a Critical Access Hospital in Sublette County. After two years of dedication, they submitted an application to the USDA and received approval for a $32 million dollar loan to build a CAH. The Sublette County Commissioners have also committed $20 million to build an attached Long Term Care facility. This project will be a game changer for the small community of 8,500 nestled at the base of the Wind River Mountains. The next closest medical facility is 80 miles away in Jackson or 100 miles away in Rock Springs. This is the sort of pull up by your boot straps creative and innovative thinking makes Sublette County Hospital District worthy of this award.