Free Rides to Vaccines
MRHAMissouri Rural Health Association (MRHA) is vested in the success of the organizations we serve. Living and working in rural Missouri has its intricacies. Our goal is to connect our constituents with partnerships, resources, technical assistance, advocacy support, and other tools to help them address community needs. Free transportation to COVID-19 vaccination appointments now available in 14 counties! To learn more, contact Mary Gordon at Mary@morha.org.
Hot-Button Topics
Link. Engage. Sustain.
FDA Approves COVID-19 Vaccine
On August 23, 2021, the FDA approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.
Delta Variant
Delta is currently the predominant variant of the virus in the United States. The Delta variant is more than two times as contagious as previous variants and may cause more sever illness than previous variants in unvaccinated people. Although fully vaccinated people can get a breakthrough infection and spread the virus to others, unvaccinated people remain the greatest concern, including unvaccinated children. Layered prevention strategies, including wearing masks, are needed to reduce the transmission of this variant.
Health News & Policy Updates
Medicaid Expansion in Missouri
The rules have changed. Learn more.
CDC COVID-19 Updates
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides daily updates and guidance.
Mobilizing Health Care Workforce via Telehealth
ProviderBridge.org was created by the Federation of State Medical Boards through the CARES Act and the FORHP-supported Licensure Portability Program.
Customized Caregiver Training and Relief Program
What We Do
Our Services
Advocate
Educate
Connect
Assist
What Drives Us
Our Mission
MRHA’s mission is to safeguard and improve the health of rural Missourians. MRHA accomplishes its mission by engaging in partnerships and providing leadership on rural issues through advocacy, communication and education. Read our Title V Policy.
Get Involved
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Upcoming Events
Suicide Prevention Month Webinar Series
Every Wednesday in September. Learn more and register.
It's Time to Renew Your Membership!
Annual dues are now due. To get started, complete the MRHA membership renewal form. Renew, today.
Medicaid Expansion in Missouri
Over 200,000 Missourians are newly eligible. Learn more.
Governance
Meet the Board
Patricia Miller, MPA
Patty Miller is deeply committed to the needs for rural Missourians.
She’s an experienced CEO with a demonstrated history of leadership in nonprofit organization management. She is a strong business development professional with a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Missouri.
Board President
CEO – MO State Alliance of YMCA
Carla Gibson
Carla Gibson is a Senior Program Officer at the REACH Healthcare Foundation.
She is responsible for developing programs and initiatives tied to the Foundation’s health equity focus. With REACH since 2006, Carla provides grant making leadership, and creates partnerships that span cultural competency, immigrant and refugee health, trauma-informed care, mental health services and rural health improvement.
Senior Program Officer
REACH Healthcare Foundation
Jim Mikes
James Mikes, ScD, MPH, former vice president of Rural Advocacy & Regulation at MHA, has operated hospitals in Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Arizona.
He holds a public health degree from St. Louis University and was awarded a Doctor of Science from Tulane University. He serves on the adjunct faculty at St. Louis University Department of Health Management & Policy.
Retired Health Administration Professor
St. Louis University
A Note from Melissa Van Dyne
Ready to Serve
How Can MRHA Help?
As MRHA’s executive director, my goal is to listen to concerns, ask questions and work with our board, partners, and members to help address community needs. I will work alongside community leaders and connect them with resources that make a positive impact. MRHA is here to help.
Let’s Work Together
There’s a renewed momentum behind MRHA that’s promoting growth. Whether its expanding service offerings, increasing integrated marketing efforts to promote the association, or equipping our members with more resources, this momentum is sure and steady.