The State’s Premier Event for Rural Health Professionals
We are excited to announce that the 31st Annual Mississippi Rural Health Annual Conference will be held at the beautiful Sheraton Convention Center in Flowood, MS on November 12-13, 2026. 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 will bring together healthcare executives, hospital and clinic leaders, physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, public health professionals, educators, policymakers, students, government agencies, and industry partners for Mississippi's premier rural healthcare educational and networking event.
The 2026 conference will feature timely discussions and educational sessions focused on:
- Mississippi Medicaid policy updates and emerging healthcare initiatives
- Federal CMS regulatory and reimbursement updates
- Mississippi Rural Health Transformation Fund implementation and funding opportunities
- State healthcare policy and legislative priorities for 2027
- Rural hospital leadership strategies and operational innovation
- Rural Health Clinic compliance, billing, and survey readiness
- Emergency ground and air medical transportation across Mississippi
- Veterans healthcare access through innovative scheduling technology
- Workforce development and healthcare collaboration
- Constituency-specific networking and peer discussion forums
- Rural Physician Scholars' poster competition
- Recognition of outstanding rural healthcare leaders during the Annual Awards Banquet
We anticipate up to 6.0 hours of continuing education in nursing, social work, ACHE and nursing home administrator.
Agenda
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. Awards will be presented to the first, second and third place winners.
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, 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.
