Improving access to quality health care for all of Nevada

We provide collaborative leadership and resources to health care and community organizations

Bridging the gap

At the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), we recognize the vital importance of rural health programs and services in addressing the unique health care challenges faced by underserved communities. Our commitment to improving rural health encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at increasing access to quality care, enhancing health education and fostering partnerships with local organizations. By training future health care professionals in rural settings and promoting telehealth services, we aim to ensure that individuals in these areas receive comprehensive, compassionate care. Through these efforts, we strive to create healthier communities and improve overall health outcomes across Nevada’s rural landscape.

Addressing rural health

Many of Nevada's rural and frontier communities are situated in sparsely populated counties, often far removed from the state's urban care centers. On average, rural Nevadans must travel 118 miles to reach an acute care hospital and 46.3 miles to the nearest incorporated town.

Nevada’s thirteen Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) play a crucial role in this landscape, serving as essential hubs for nearly 300,000 residents — about 10% of the state’s population — by providing vital inpatient and 24/7 emergency care to rural and frontier areas.

To better understand these challenges, the Nevada Instant Atlas offers a comprehensive visual display of demographic and health indicators across all 17 counties, highlighting the ongoing need for accessible healthcare services in Nevada’s remote communities.

Mapping Nevada’s Health for Stronger Communities

The Nevada Instant Atlas connects data to real-world impact. Explore interactive maps and visualizations that highlight health, population, and workforce trends across Nevada. Designed to support research, community planning, and policy development, the Atlas helps turn insight into action for a healthier Nevada.

Explore the Nevada Instant Atlas

Office of Statewide Initiatives Education and Outreach Programs

Nevada Area Health Education Centers

The Nevada Area Health Education Center (AHEC) program addresses community needs through partnerships that recruit, train and develop Nevada’s health care workforce.

Nevada Area Health Education Center

Nevada Health Service Corps State Loan Repayment Program

The Nevada Health Service Corps (NHSC) is a state loan repayment program that encourages physicians and practitioners to serve in medically underserved areas of Nevada.

Nevada Health Service Corps

Nevada Health Workforce Research Center

The Nevada Health Workforce Research Center (NHWRC) improves health workforce data collection and analysis to support workforce planning and development in Nevada.

Nevada Health Workforce Research

Nevada Rural Hospital Flexibility Program

The Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (Flex) provides grants and technical assistance to support hospitals and communities across Nevada.

Nevada Rural Hospital Flexibility Program

Nevada Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program

The Nevada Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) helps rural hospitals meet Medicare data requirements and improve health care quality.

Nevada Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program

Nevada State Office of Rural Health

The Nevada State Office of Rural Health (SORH) enhances rural Nevadans' access to quality health care by offering leadership, resources and collaboration for health and community organizations.

Nevada State Office of Rural Health

Nevada Organ Donor Program

The Nevada Organ Donor Program coordinates with the DMV to maintain a registry of organ donors and promotes organ donor education statewide.

Nevada Organ Donor Program

Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center

The Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center empowers health care providers to reduce new HIV infections and support people with HIV through education and partnerships.

Pacific AIDS Education & Training

Project ECHO Nevada

Project ECHO Nevada expands the capacity of health professionals to treat common, chronic and complex health conditions in underserved populations throughout Nevada.

Project ECHO