November 19, 2026
WHEREAS, nearly 61 million people or 19.7% of the U.S. population, live in rural areas, which makes up 86% of the nation’s land; and in Michigan 2.74 million or 27.1% of residents live in rural communities across 83 counties; and,
WHEREAS, rural communities in Michigan and across the nation are exceptional places to live, work, and volunteer, known for their resilience, resourcefulness, and innovation in meeting challenges with creativity and collaboration; and,
WHEREAS, the health and well-being of our citizens are of utmost importance, and the strength of Michigan depends on the health of every community within it, from its largest cities to its smallest rural townships; and,
WHEREAS, dedicated health professionals in rural Michigan deliver high-quality, personalized care to communities facing limited access to healthcare services, an aging population with higher rates of chronic disease, and a greater proportion of uninsured and underinsured citizens; and,
WHEREAS, rural women in Michigan face growing barriers to maternal and reproductive health care, including the loss of local obstetric services and increased travel distances, requiring community-informed solutions; and,
WHEREAS, persistent rural health disparities, driven by rural workforce shortages, geographic and transportation barriers, and underrepresentation of rural communities in clinical research, call for continued research and partnership to improve access, treatment, and long-term health outcomes; and,
WHEREAS National Rural Health Day established by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and observed annually on the third Thursday of November, celebrates the “Power of Rural," honors healthcare providers, and advances efforts to expand access and strengthen collaboration across rural communities; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Michigan joins Michigan Medicine and rural health partners across the state in committing to recognize National Rural Health Day as an opportunity to uplift rural communities, reduce health disparities, and strengthen support for rural healthcare systems; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 19, 2026, as National Rural Health Day in Michigan.
