State Office of Rural Health

Strengthening health systems in Utah's rural communities

Photo credit: Carl Curtis

Learn about SORH

Utah's State Office of Rural Health (SORH) is housed within the Office of Primary Care and Rural Health. SORH works to increase awareness of rural health challenges and programs, and strengthens Utah’s rural healthcare delivery systems. This office assists clinics in rural counties to become certified as Rural Health Clinics, ensuring that these areas have sustainable access to primary care and laboratory services. PCRH also champions National Rural Health Day on the third Thursday of November every year.

State Offices of Rural Health are located in all 50 states, and are funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Utah’s SORH program shares rural health data and updates via the PCRH website and a monthly newsletter, and PCRH staff answer questions (technical assistance) from the community and stakeholders about rural health programs and resources.

2022-2023 Annual Report

PCRH is pleased to report our progress toward accomplishing our mission "to collaborate with statewide partners to improve access to quality primary, behavioral, and oral healthcare in rural and underserved communities." Through our State Office of Rural Health (SORH) grant, PCRH is able to foster information sharing and spur rural health-related activities. Download the full 2022-2023 annual report to read more.
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National Rural Health Day photo contest winners

PCRH champions National Rural Health Day on the third Thursday of November.

This year, we asked Utahns, "what do you see when you think of rural health? Do you focus on the blazing sunset, the geese in flight, or are you reminded of that amazing hike you just completed, thanks to the excellent care you received from your local doctor? What does rural health look like to you?"

As we celebrate Rural Health Week in Utah from November 12–18, 2023, we honor and highlight the beauty of our people and the places we call home. Featured here are the winners of the 2023 Rural Health photo contest.

First place

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Photo credit: Jolyn Smith

Second place

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Photo credit: Lizzie Barlow

Third place

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Photo credit: Kirk Benge

Honorable mention

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Photo credit: DeAnn Brown

Honorable mention

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Photo credit: Eric Johansen

The governor's proclamation

Governor Cox declared November 13-18, 2023 as Rural Health Week in Utah. With approximately one-quarter of Utah's population living in rural communities, Rural Health Week is an opportunity to demonstrate the needs and the opportunities of Utah's health systems to meet the needs of all Utahns.
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Learn more about SORH

The State Offices of Rural Health (SORH) are funded by the Health  Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). All 50 states have a SORH. These offices differ in size, scope, and structure. The services and resources they provide vary.
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