Improving access to quality health care for rural 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.

Connecting health care providers to Nevada’s rural communities

The shortage of health care resources and technology creates a significant burden on rural and frontier communities in Nevada. UNR Med is deeply committed to recruiting and retaining medical students, residents and physicians to meet the state’s health care needs. We connect physicians with rural hospitals and clinics utilizing rural recruitment programs like 3RNet. By attracting more doctors to the state, we can improve healthcare access and quality in these underserved areas. Recruiting and retaining physicians is not just a priority — it’s vital to strengthening the future of health care in Nevada.

View available health care jobs on 3RNET

Nevada Rural Health Day

Every third Thursday in November, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) leads the nationwide celebration of National Rural Health Day, a time to highlight the unique health care challenges and triumphs of rural communities.

In Nevada, this observance takes on special significance as the governor issues an official proclamation recognizing Nevada Rural Health Day. To mark the occasion, the Nevada State Office of Rural Health hosts an annual summit, bringing together key rural stakeholders to explore pressing health care issues unique to the state. A highlight of the summit is the recognition of healthcare professionals whose dedication and care improve the lives of Nevada's rural residents.

A shot of the Rural and Frontier Health Data Book mid-flip.

Nevada Rural and Frontier Health Data Book

The Nevada Rural and Frontier Health Data Book contains a wide range of current county-level information on the resident population, economy, social environment, population health, health workforce, and the health care delivery system. It includes important data for public policy makers, health care professionals and administrators, rural health care advocates, and equally important, the residents of rural and frontier Nevada.

Rural health programs

Rural Nevada EMS Conference

The annual Rural Nevada EMS Conference enhances the skills and knowledge of rural emergency responders, from EMRs to paramedics.

Rural Nevada EMS Conference

Nevada Health Service Corps

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 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

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

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 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 AHEC program

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 Center

Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center-NV

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

Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center-NV

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.

Donor Program