NCDHHS Office of Rural Health Celebrates Nationwide Observance of National Rural Health Day on Nov. 16, Recognizes NC's 'Community Star' | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    RALEIGH     The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Rural Health is proud to recognize the selfless, community-minded spirit of health professionals and volunteers in communities across the state during National Rural Health Day 2023. National Rural Health Day falls on the third Thursday in November each year and recognizes the efforts of those serving the health needs of residents in rural areas, including those who serve the 4.6 million people living in one of the 70 rural counties across North Carolina.

    This year also marks the 50th anniversary of NCDHHS' Office of Rural Health, which was the first such office in the nation.

    "Fifty years ago, North Carolina blazed the trail by highlighting the opportunity and economic potential of our rural communities with the creation of the Office of Rural Health," said NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. "I am grateful for our staff, providers, community health workers and advocates who are champions for the health and well-being of our rural communities across the state."


    Beginning in 2015, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health made a nationwide call for Community Star nominations, seeking individuals, organizations and coalitions making a positive impact in rural communities to highlight during National Rural Health Day. Dr. Karen Smith, Hoke County Medical Director and lead Family Medicine Physician, has been named North Carolina's 2023 Community Star, NOSORH recently announced.

    "Dr. Smith is a leader not only in her community, but across the state and uses policy development and cross discipline collaboration to address the holistic well-being of the communities she serves," said ORH Director Maggie Sauer. "She is exactly the vision that Jim Bernstein, our founder, hoped for. We are so excited to celebrate her success."

    In 2017, Dr. Smith received the American Academy of Family Physician's Physician of the Year Award. She is a member of the NC Medical Society Board and recently received the 2023 Larry Wooten Rural Leadership Award. When asked about the "Power of Rural," Dr. Smith said, "While we may be remote in locale, we are close in the heart. We truly care about and for others."

    NC Office of Rural Health 50th Anniversary Celebration

    "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Embracing the Future"

    Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

    As part of National Rural Health Day, the Office of Rural Health will host a hybrid event to "Celebrate the Power of Rural," recognizing the strength and resilience of rural communities. The event, hosted at the Bertie County Council on Aging in Windsor and livestreamed, will showcase the efforts of rural healthcare providers, the state Office of Rural Health and other rural stakeholders to address the unique health care landscape of the past, present and future.

    Highlights of the event include a focus on youth, community engagement and healthy aging in rural areas. Attendance of federal partners, remarks from Governor Roy Cooper and Secretary Kinsley, and the reading of the Governor's Proclamation are all key components of the event, with additional remarks from Dr. Smith and a keynote address from Patrick Woodie of the NC Rural Center.

    The event is sponsored by the Office of Rural Health, North Carolina Rural Health Association, Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation, NC Rural Center and Hometown Strong. You can view more information at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/orh/nrhd.


    For more information about the North Carolina Office of Rural Health, visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/orh. The Office of Rural Health supports equitable access to health in rural and underserved communities. To achieve its mission, it works collaboratively to provide funding, training and technical assistance for high quality, innovative, accessible and cost-effective services that support the maintenance and growth of the state's rural communities.

    Additional information about National Rural Health Day can be found at PowerOfRural.org.

• NC Department of Health and Human Services
• 2001 Mail Service Center
• Raleigh, NC 27699-2001
• Ph: (919) 855-4840
• news@dhhs.nc.gov