The State’s Premier Event for Rural Health Professionals
We are excited to announce that the 30th Annual Mississippi Rural Health Annual Conference will be held at the beautiful Sheraton Convention Center in Flowood, MS on November 19-21, 2025. This highly anticipated event is the largest rural health conference in the state, and this year, it promises to be more impactful than ever before.
This conference is an incredible opportunity for healthcare professionals, leaders, and stakeholders who are committed to improving the health and well-being of Mississippi’s rural communities. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into rural healthcare challenges and solutions, hear from top experts in the field, and be part of an inspiring and dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and progress.
This year's conference is back to being fully in-person at the beautiful Sheraton Hotel and Convention Center in Flowood, MS.
Not only will we have the best education that you can find, but we will also have multiple elected officials in attendance, awards presented for hospital quality and leadership, a recognition banquet for our rural health fellows, and the Mississippi Rural Physician Scholars’ poster contest. You'll find great food, networking, education, leadership, and so much more.
Click here to view the draft agenda
Rural Health Golf Tournament
The Mississippi Rural Health Association will host a pre-conference golf tournament, open to all members and vendors. You may register as either an individual player or a four-some team. Registration for the golf tournament is available here in the main conference registration, or you may register separately by clicking here. A trophy will be awarded to the first and second place finishing teams.
Rural Health Clinic Policy & Procedure Manual Update Workshop
This pre-conference workshop, led by Joanie Perkins, will provide attendees with a comprehensive update on Rural Health Clinic (RHC) policy and procedure manual requirements. Participants will review recent federal and state regulatory changes affecting clinical operations, compliance, and documentation. The session will also cover best practices for updating internal manuals to reflect changes in staffing models, billing practices, and emergency preparedness. Attendees will leave with practical tools and templates to streamline their policy reviews and enhance survey readiness. Registration for this workshop is available here in the main conference registration, or you may register separately by clicking here.
Mississippi Maternal and Child Health Conference
Join us for the Mississippi Maternal and Child Health Conference, a powerful morning of insight, innovation, and collaboration dedicated to improving outcomes for mothers and children across our state. Kicking off with a networking breakfast, the conference dives into critical topics such as maternal mental health, telehealth strategies for rural maternity care, and early childhood screenings. From evidence-based approaches to perinatal mental health to real-world telemonitoring case studies and a multidisciplinary child health panel, this event equips healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates with the tools they need to make a lasting impact. Come connect with leaders in the field and be part of shaping a healthier future for Mississippi’s families. There is no cost to attend this session separate from the main conference. Registration for this conference is available here in the main conference registration, or you may register separately by clicking here.
Mississippi Rural Health Day Reception
Returning to this year's conference is the Mississippi Rural Health Day Reception, held in celebration of National Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 20—a day dedicated to honoring the “Power of Rural” and the tireless dedication of Mississippi’s rural healthcare heroes. This lively reception will gather healthcare leaders, community advocates, and policy influencers for an uplifting evening of connection, recognition, and celebration. Attendees will enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, music and engaging conversation. Together, we'll shine a spotlight on the innovative programs and collaborations that make rural Mississippi stronger.
Mississippi Rural Physician Scholars' Poster Contest
The Mississippi Rural Physician Scholars' Poster Contest showcases the next generation of rural healthcare leaders as they take a deep dive into the health challenges facing their hometowns. Each student develops a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment, highlighting key data, disparities, and proposed solutions tailored to the unique needs of their local populations. During the conference, scholars will present their findings to attendees, engaging in meaningful dialogue about how to improve access, outcomes, and equity in Mississippi’s rural communities. The top three posters, as selected by a panel of judges, will receive cash awards and special recognition during the conference, celebrating their innovation, insight, and dedication to serving rural Mississippi.
Recognition of Mississippi Hospitals with Quality Awards
Each year at the Mississippi Rural Health Conference, we celebrate those rural hospitals that rank in the top quartile nationally for quality outcomes, as measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data and recognized by The Chartis Group through their Rural Hospital Performance INDEX. These awards honor hospitals that consistently deliver exceptional clinical outcomes, patient safety, and satisfaction and who are true beacons of rural healthcare excellence. During our awards ceremony, we will proudly present these accolades to Mississippi hospitals that have risen to the highest standard of care, acknowledging their unwavering dedication to improving patient health and upholding the vitality of our rural communities.
