Authors
Patrick Grady, Catherine Hersey, Jodi Anthony
Rural health systems are under increasing pressure from hospital closures, workforce shortages, declining inpatient volumes, and persistent gaps in access to care. In response, many states are using Rural Health Transformation Program funding to invest in rural health hubs: regional structures that connect hospitals, clinics, EMS, behavioral health providers, public health agencies, and community organizations to coordinate care across dispersed rural communities.
Evaluating these hubs is essential: it tells states what is working, where to amplify investments or change course, and generates evidence that other states can adopt and adapt as the national rural health transformation effort matures.
Our white paper outlines a practical framework for evaluation, including how to assess network connectivity, access, quality, workforce capacity, financial sustainability, and rural-specific implementation challenges.
Ready to put the framework into practice?
Download the Rural Health Hub Evaluation Planning Tool — a companion tool and worksheet to help states identify sample metric areas, align measures to implementation stage, and begin shaping a tailored evaluation strategy.
Download the Planning Tool