Summit to address rural program, policy needs Oct. 27

Rural communities require rural-specific, innovative programs and policies to reverse disparities in access to basic resources, education and educational opportunity. An upcoming event is designed to help close those disparities by sharing successful rural programs and policies that are positively impacting the collective health of rural communities.

SIU Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy, SIU School of Law and Southern Illinois Healthcare are proud to jointly provide the 2022 Innovating Illinois Rural Health Summit: Addressing Rural Needs in Programs and Policies from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on October 27. This event will bring together local and state experts in health, law and public policy to highlight successful programs and troubleshoot longstanding rural health challenges.

“A greater system of care emerges when equity, mental health and the social determinants of health are considered by hospitals, health care, social service providers and community leaders,” said Wiley Jenkins, PhD, interim chair of SIU Medicine’s Department of Population Science and Policy. “This conference will highlight rural innovations and address the specific needs of the state’s unique rural communities.”

The summit is an all-day event in Springfield with the opportunity to attend in person or virtually. Keynote speakers include Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra and Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director Theresa Eagleson. Sessions topics include children’s mental health, the health care workforce, rural opioid use and the role of a rural hospital.

Advance registration is required. Accreditation and credit are available for select individuals. Complete program information is available here.