In this seminar, we will provide an introduction to the Rural Health Research Center, including its three main components: the Rural Health Research Center grant, the Rural Health Program, and the Flex Monitoring Team. We will also provide brief presentations on three research projects: rural obstetric unit closures, rural intimate partner violence risk and screening, and rural medical debt.

The Rural Health Research Center (RHRC) conducts research to advance equity and improve health and well-being among those who are frequently absent from policy discussions, but whose lives are deeply impacted by policy decisions. The center’s work is informed by the lived experiences of rural people, families, and communities that experience disproportionate health risks and exhibit disproportionate resilience.