Governor Stein Proclaims National Rural Health Day

National Rural Health Day 

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina has our nation’s second-largest rural population, more than 3 million residents who make their home in our state’s rural areas; and

Whereas, North Carolina has a rich tradition of leadership in rural health and is home to the first Office of Rural Health in the United States, founded in 1973; and

Whereas, alongside the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), rural communities are working to design and implement a historic investment in rural health through North Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program to secure and strengthen rural health care now and into the future; and

Whereas, rural communities in North Carolina are wonderful places to live, work, and play and serve as true examples of innovation that showcase what it means to balance both tradition and transformation; and

Whereas, North Carolina’s rural health care system is home to more than 400 rural health facilities, each playing a foundational role in the economic well-being of the communities they call home; and

Whereas, rural health care providers and support staff are dedicated professionals who know their communities best, understand the unique culture of place, and often wear multiple hats to ensure the health of their communities, all while providing comprehensive, compassionate, patient-centered care; and

Whereas, ensuring that all people have optimal access to high-quality health care services regardless of their identity, circumstances, or geographic location is essential to the overall health and success of rural residents; and

Whereas, we have a shared responsibility to support and invest in the health infrastructure of our rural communities to ensure that all North Carolinians can live their healthiest lives; and

Whereas, rural communities in partnership with NCDHHS, the North Carolina Office of Rural Health, the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program, and other agencies and organizations collaborate and innovate to advance the unique health needs and opportunities that exist across our great state;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 19, 2026, as “National Rural Health Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-sixth day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.