Health Equity Conference

Fill your sails with insight. Chart a course to calmer seas.

NRHA's Health Equity Conference is one of the National Rural Health Association's fastest-growing conferences.

One of the only meetings in the nation to focus on health equity issues in rural America, this event offers attendees the opportunity to meet with peers and experts who share the same unique concerns and interests.

This conference is designed for those who are dedicated to bringing quality health care and services to the most underserved, and often under-represented, portions of the rural population.

And stick around for NRHA's Annual Rural Health Conference, the nation's largest gathering of rural health pros, May 19-22, in scenic San Diego.

These events are created for anyone with an interest in rural health care, including rural health practitioners, hospital administrators, clinic directors and lay health workers, social workers, state and federal health employees, academics, community members and more.

We’ll help you navigate the shifting currents of rural health with more than 60 innovative, practical, and cost-saving sessions — and even more at NRHA’s 5th Rural Hospital Innovation Summit.
 
“I attended NRHA’s Annual Conference in 2017 and loved the hotel and ideal San Diego setting. NRHA Conferences are always excellent events, but when you add the lush location, it is a can’t-miss affair.” – NRHA President Pat Schou
 
Pack your gear and arrive early for NRHA's Rural Medical Education Conference on May 19.
 
“If you’re interested in actively engaging in transformational work on behalf of rural communities, NRHA’s San Diego events are where it’s at. From sunny beaches and smooth sailing to fresh seafood and world-renowned attractions, spring is the perfect time for a Southern California vacation.” – NRHA member Peggy Wheeler
 
Make time to discover the San Diego Bay Wonderfront — 34 miles of coastal attractions including parks, hiking and biking paths, marinas, and world-class restaurants.
 
Register early to save hundreds.
 

The show will go on

NRHA acknowledges and takes seriously the impacts that COVID-19 could have on our members, their rural communities, and stakeholders nationwide.

That’s why NRHA is offering a no-risk registration policy for our 2020 San Diego events.

We're still planning to meet in May, so don’t miss your chance to bump elbows with rural health stars.

Act early to save hundreds on registration, airfare, and accommodations and review special event and travel policies related to COVID-19.
 

• icon-agenta Agenda

  2020 Agenda:

  
  2020 Health Equity Conference agenda (updated 03.16.20)
  
  Past agendas:
  2019 Health Equity Conference agenda
  2018 Health Equity Conference agenda
  2017 Health Equity Conference agenda

• icon-scholarships Scholarships

  Scholarship funds are now available for students and community members with a critical need for financial support with conference expenses.
  
  Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to people who meet the eligibility criteria specified on the application form, and who are unable to attend the 2020 Health Equity Conference without such support.
  
  For more information, please see the application form.
   

  Rosemary McKenzie Legacy Award

  Rosemary McKenzie's passion for rural health and dedication to multicultural and multiracial populations were unparalleled. Rosemary served as the National Rural Health Association's minority liaison and program services manager in the Kansas City, Mo., office for 27 years. She died in 2011 due to complications from pancreatic cancer.
  
  To carry on Rosemary McKenzie's legacy and honor her memory, the National Rural Health Association has established the Rosemary McKenzie Legacy Award to be presented annually during the Health Equity Conference, a conference she predominantly and passionately coordinated. The award winner will receive free registration to the 2018 conference and a $1,000 stipend to be used for travel and accommodations for the event, where they will be recognized.
  
  To donate, send a tax-deductible contribution to 4501 College Blvd Ste 225 Leawood, KS 66211. Please make checks out to "Rural Health Leadership and Education Foundation" and indicate "Rosemary Legacy Fund" on the memo line.
  
  You can also donate directly to the Rosemary Legacy fund through the Paypal button below.
   

  

• icon-field-visits Field Visits

• icon-rates Rates

  Register online for NRHA's San Diego events

  
  You may also register via downloadable PDF form email to [email protected], mail or fax.
  
  NRHA is offering a no-risk registration policy for our 2020 San Diego events due to COVID-19. 
  
  Cancellations will be either refunded in full or reserved as a credit toward a future event.
  
  Early registration rates (before April 27)
  $200 for members
  $300 for non-members*
  $100 for students
  
  Standard registration rates (after April 27)
  $300 member
  $400 non-member*
  $150 for students
  
  * Price includes a one-year complimentary membership for first-time NRHA members.
  
  Contact Lisa Inman at 816-756-3140 for more information on registration.

• icon-exhibitors Exhibitors

  Advertisers and sponsors

  Don't miss the opportunity to increase your visibility in the rural market with ads and sponsorships or by becoming a vetted NRHA Partner. 
  
  Download NRHA's 2020 engagement guide, or contact Colleen Bay to learn more.
  
  NRHA offers sponsorships for all events, providing a valuable opportunity for your organization to gain visibility. These sponsorships, ads and partnerships are great ways to get your company's message in the hands of hundreds of attendees. Remember, one-third of all U.S. hospitals are rural facilities.
  
  Learn about the many ways you can sponsor our Health Equity Conference.

• icon-building Accommodations

  Hotel

  The conference hotel, the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, includes relaxed waterfront lodging with 3 pools and is located within the Point Loma neighborhood, a seaside community with numerous fresh seafood restaurants and featuring nearby Sunset Cliffs & hiking trails at Cabrillo Monument.
  
  Tell the hotel you're with NRHA to get the best rates.
  
  The hotel, located at 1380 Harbor Island Drive, is just minutes away from the San Diego International Airport and complimentary shuttle service runs every 15 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to midnight.
  
  The group rate is $219 plus tax (currently 10.695%) with a deadline of April 27 or when rooms sell out. For reservations booked within the group block, the hotel's $26/day resort fee is waived and complimentary in-room WIFI is included.
   

  COVID-19 policies & precautions

  The Sheraton Hotel San Diego Marina takes standards for hygiene and cleanliness very seriously and has taken additional precautions to ensure the safety of guests in response to COVID-19.
   
  The venue has prominently displayed signs designating it a contact-free environment, with hand-hygiene stations at the entrance of every meeting room.
   
  Our conference hotel and many others are currently allowing fee-free cancellations if made 72 hours before your arrival.
   
  Many airlines are also currently waiving cancellation and change fees for flights booked by March 31.
   

  Tourism

  Experience San Diego: San Diego is known for its beaches, parks and warm climate. Balboa Park is the site of the world-famous San Diego Zoo, as well as numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums and gardens. A deep harbor is home to a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum, open to the public. Visitor information is available.

  Fraud alert

  Some NRHA’s members have been contacted by companies claiming to represent NRHA in booking hotel reservations for this conference. This is unfortunately a widespread problem in the meeting industry. NRHA does not use a third party booking service, and hotel reservations can be booked directly.
  
  NRHA certificates of attendance will be available at the registration desk. Attendees may use these certificates with third-party organizations or their employer as documentation of having received conference hours of instruction.