Community Conversations is an ongoing, bimonthly virtual event to bring together rural community members and partners to discuss pressing rural health topics. These events are intended to share information and more importantly, learn from YOU about the needs in your rural communities.

2026 event schedule:

March 19 | Rural Health Transformation Program Updates | Recording | Slides

May 21 - 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.  | How Rural Communities Can Successfully Recruit Health Care Providers: Tools, Incentives, and Real-World Strategies | Recording | Slides

July 23 - 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. | Strengthening Rural EMS Systems Through Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) | Register here

Join ORH for a Community Conversation highlighting innovative approaches to strengthening rural EMS systems through Mobile Integrated Health (MIH)/Community Paramedicine (CP). This session will highlight insights and experiences from MIH/CP leaders from across Oregon, including Sabrina Ballew (Mercy Flights), Nina Kerr-Bryant (Scappoose Rural Fire Protection District) and Jessica Marcum (Umatilla County Fire District #1). Presenters will discuss how their MIH programs are improving access to care, supporting EMS workforce retention and sustainability and addressing the unique challenges facing EMS agencies in rural and remote areas. 

September 17 - 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | How CHWs at Rural Hospitals and Clinics are Improving Health Outcomes | Register here

Join ORH for our September Community Conversations event, hear directly from rural hospital and clinic leaders as they discuss the benefits, roadblocks and lessons learned from integrating CHWs into their organizations.

November 19 - 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | National Rural Health Day - Celebrating Rural Health in Oregon | Register here