Rural Health

What's Happening in Rural Health

J-1 Visa Program

The new 2024 J-1 Visa Waiver Program application cycle opens October 1, 2023, and closes September 30, 2024. See the Workforce and Recruitment webpage for more information about the program.

2023 Northwest Rural Health Conference

The 2023 Northwest Rural Health Conference was a great success! We had 488 attendees! This year’s success would not have been possible without the organizations that dedicated their time to planning this event. We would like to recognize and thank the Oregon State Office of Rural Health, the WWAMI AHEC Programs, Washington Rural Health Association, and Fred Hutch. Save the Date: 2024 NW Rural Health Conference will be on March 25-27, 2024.

Age-Friendly Public Health System (AFPHS) Training on Rural Healthy Aging Brief

Check out the AFPHS Issue Brief – August 2023 Ensuring Age-Friendly Public Health In Rural Communities: Challenges, Opportunities, and Model Programs.

What we do

The Washington State Office of Rural Health and Primary Care Office support health systems planning and development in Washington's rural and underserved communities to improve health and healthcare across the life span. Check out our new Rural Health Infographic below to learn more about the work we do and services we provide.


Workforce Recruitment & Retention

  • Direct recruitment
  • Loan repayment
  • J-1 Visa Waiver

 Rural Health Systems

  • Small Hospital Improvement
  • Rural Health Centers
  • Critical Access Hospitals
  • Medicare Beneficiary
  • Quality Improvement Project

Primary Care Office

  • Federally Qualified Health Centers
  • Health Professional Shortage Areas
  • Medically Underserved Area and Population Designations

Programs & Services

  • State Office of Rural Health
  • Healthcare Volunteerism
  • Washington Rural Palliative Care Initiative

Data, Maps & Resources

Healthcare access and health in rural area studies and data

Useful Links

  • Federal grants
  • Private grants
  • State grants
  • National resources

Contact and Connect

Contact our office | Subscribe to our topic to receive Rural Health updates.