The Texas A&M Rural and Community Health Institute:

In 2023, in response to growing healthcare challenges in rural communities across Texas, Texas A&M Health created the Rural Engagement Program with support from the 88th Texas Legislature. Driven by its land-grant mission, this interdisciplinary initiative brings together the Rural and Community Health Institute (RCHI), the Colleges of Medicine and Nursing, the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, and the Telehealth Institute to expand access and fortify healthcare delivery for nearly 4 million rural Texans.

Recognizing the unique operational and financial challenges faced by many rural hospitals and clinics, RCHI conducts regional site visits to optimize resource allocation and reduce the burden associated with facility leaders traveling to RCHI’s office in College Station. Technical Assistant Coordinators from RCHI travel statewide to meet with rural hospitals and clinics, assess specific needs, and draft action plans to address challenges. These plans, developed and implemented with the help of rural health industry experts, are provided free of charge to the facility. This collaborative approach has resulted in improved financial performance, service line optimization and expansion, the implementation of quality and safety initiatives, support for value-based care, and marketing campaigns to raise awareness of available services.

The State Office of Rural Health (SORH) is a valuable partner with RCHI and offers support in its ongoing mission. Team members in both organizations share knowledge of rural healthcare needs in Texas and collaborate on best practices for serving these facilities and communities.

One recent example of this partnership in action occurred in March, when RCHI hosted a billing and coding workshop tailored for rural healthcare facilities. Led by ArchPro Coding, a recognized leader in rural billing and coding education, the event addressed a critical training need identified through RCHI’s ongoing dialogue with the SORH.

Along with the members of the Rural Engagement Program, RCHI is committed to its mission of supporting rural healthcare institutions so they can best serve the rural residents of Texas in delivering high-quality health care.