The Illinois Rural Health Association (IRHA) was organized in 1989 to improve access to health care for rural Illinoisans.
The association is comprised of individual, organizational and student members interested in providing leadership on rural health issues. IRHA's diverse constituency includes individuals concerned with rural health, health care providers and administrators from both private and public settings, state and local government leaders, researchers, educators, consumer groups, consultants, insurance and employer representatives.
IRHA maintains strong relationships with the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Rural Health and other state, public and private associations that advocate for improved rural health. IRHA also is a member of the National Rural Association State Association Council.
- Advocate for the health interests of rural residents in public and private policy issues.
- Foster public and private partnerships to improve rural health.
- Support the work of other health interest groups in their efforts to improve rural health.
- Provide educational resources for rural health professionals and students.
- Enhance public awareness of rural health issues.
- Provide networking opportunities for people interested in rural health.
- Strengthen the capacity of the organization to support its mission.
Current IRHA Board
Gibson Area Hospital
Kim Sanders – President-Elect
SIU Center for Rural Health & Social Services
Terri Agin – Treasurer
Illinois Health Connect
Julie Aman - Secretary
Anders CPA & Advisors
Hana Hinkle – Past President
National Center for Rural Health Professions
Ken Ryan
IL State Medical Society
Cynthia Wise
Mid IL Medical Care Associates
Board of Directors
Susan Bence
Lt. Governor's Office for Rural Affairs
Bill Dart
Acting Chief, IDPH Center for Rural Health
Julie Casper
IDPH Center for Rural Health
Curt Jibben
Mason County Health Department
Melissa Henriksen - Secretary
Northern Illinois University - Center for Governmental Studies
Sandra Larson, PhD
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
Michael McNear, MD
Jersey Community Hospital
Amanda Minor
Douglas County Health Department
Amy Rademaker
Carle Center for Rural Health & Farm Safety
Abby Radcliffe
Illinois Hospital Association
Kim Wilkerson, Dean
Rend Lake College
Through the years, many individuals representing agencies and organizations interested in improving the status of rural health and the availability of health care throughout Illinois have given tirelessly of their time and talents to assure the success of IRHA. We recognize these contributions from the Charter Members and Past Presidents, without whom there would be no IRHA.
Jack Taylor
