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> Montana Rural Health Association
Montana Rural Health Association
MRHA Brochure and Membership Form
MRHA Newsletter
Introduction
The Montana Office of Rural Health (MORH) at Montana State University has established the infrastructure for development of the Montana Rural Health Association (MRHA). After completion of the process of developing the MRHA, the functional role of the MORH will be as a supporting member; including the provision of technical assistance as requested by the MRHA Board of Directors, Executive Committee and staff of the association.
The MORH recognizes the importance of and need for an external non-profit organization to support the efforts of health professions organizations, health care facilities, and health care providers working to improve and sustain quality health care for rural Montanans and throughout rural America.
Background
In 1991, the MORH for the State of Montana was established at Montana State University. In the early years of the MORH, plans were initiated for development of a MRHA. However, progress toward its development were limited to: (a) preparation of a brochure and membership application, (b) mailing of information to prospective members, (c) solicitation of membership and (d) communication to members through a newsletter. The initial membership consisted of approximately 75 individuals and organizations. Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws for the MRHA were written in 2002 and an application to the Internal Revenue Service for designation as a non-profit corporation. In 2003, the MRHA received notification from the Internal Revenue Service, Montana Secretary of State and Montana Department of Revenue of designation as a non-profit organization. This year, with funding from the National Rural Health Association, the MRHA will renew its membership building, create a website and web based newsletter, and be a co-sponsor of a rural health conference.
For more information on the National Rural Health Association, visit their website at http://www.nrharural.org/
Mission
The mission of the MRHA is to promote a healthy rural Montana by addressing issues of health care delivery, health professions education, public health education, health services, rural health research, and health policy through national, state, and community leadership.
Goals
The goals of the MRHA are to: (a) provide a better understanding of health and health care problems which are unique to rural Montana, (b) provide a forum for the exchange and distribution of ideas, information, research, and methods for improvement of rural health, (d) identify rural health needs, (d) assist with the development of solutions to rural health problems which are applicable at the community, county, state, regional and national levels, (e) encourage research initiatives of importance to rural communities, rural health care facilities, rural health
professionals, and rural citizens, (f) promote the development of a Montana Rural Health Research Office, (g) serve as an advocte for rural health, (h) support the development of rural educational opportunities for health professionals, (i) serve as a communication and support network for rural health care in Montana, (j) support the continuation of the MORH and other offices and organizations promoting and serving rural health, (k) establish partnerships with community, state, regional, and national organizations, (l) advocate for the continuation of a visible and viable Federal Office of Rural Health Policy and (m) participate as an active member of the National Rural Health Association and the National Association of State Offices of Rural Health.
Members
Membership in the MRHA is open to any individual, health care organization, health professions association, health care facility, local health department, federal agency, state agency, educational institution, business, foundation, or corporation interested in supporting the mission and goals of the association.
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Contacts
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