Introduction

Preface:
California is a vast and dynamic state, but not all of its people benefit from the state's prosperity. With a serious lack of coordination and communication throughout rural areas, little has been done to alleviate the health care situation of Californians with greatest need.

Purpose:
The RHRN aims to consolidate the variety of rural health research, funding, and needs throughout the state to create one coherent rural health research agenda. By collaborating with people on the front lines, the agenda will focus on the concerns and problems that rural constituents consider a priority. Continuing communication between agencies, universities, and rural residents throughout California ensures that the agenda can stay flexible and current as needs change over time.

Mission:
To support community-based health services research to improve and enhance health in rural California.

History:
The RHRN was formally discussed and accepted as a viable venture in December 2003, at the Annual Rural Health Conference held by the California State Rural Health Association. People from across the state who are interested in rural health discussed their greatest concerns, and the possibilities that such a research network could offer.

A five-member steering committee was established at that time that would navigate the initial challenges in establishing the Network. These members brought a variety of affiliations to the Network, including the University of Southern California, the UC Davis Health System, the California Institute for Rural Studies, Shingletown Medical Center, and the California State Rural Health Association.

Join Us :
Please join us in addressing rural health needs and sign up to be a Network member. We hope this website gives you a better understanding of the problems rural California faces, and the resources to get involved. To join the RHRN at no cost, click here.

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