2025 Iowa Rural Health Association Conference
When: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Where: Simpson College in Indianola, IA
Participants discovered bold solutions and built powerful connections at this year’s Rural Health Conference. With a focus on rural maternal health, aging-friendly services, and cancer care access, the event featured expert panels, interactive breakouts, and a special fireside chat with Iowa governor candidates. Attendees received the latest updates on the Rural Health Transformation Program and helped shape the future of rural health in Iowa.
Cancer Care in Rural Iowa FREE Webinar: Data, Disparities, and Driving Solutions
This dynamic one-hour session held on September 20, 2025 explored cancer trends and disparities across Iowa, with a focus on the unique challenges faced in rural communities. Experts from the Iowa Cancer Consortium and the Rural Policy Research Institute shared the latest data, collaborative strategies, and innovative programs designed to expand prevention, screening, and treatment access.
Highlights included an update on the Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project, showcasing county-level insights and opportunities for action. Participants gained valuable takeaways on how health professionals, researchers, advocates, students, and community partners can work together to reduce disparities and strengthen rural cancer care.
Rural Maternal Health in Iowa FREE Webinar: Progress, Partnerships, and Pathways Forward
This engaging one-hour webinar explored the current state of rural maternal health in Iowa. Participants examined urgent challenges, highlighted emerging data, and spotlighted innovative, community-driven efforts to improve maternal health outcomes and equity across rural communities. The session featured insights into the collaborative work occurring through the Maternal Health Centers of Excellence—including grassroots initiatives, health system innovations, and policy efforts shaping the future of care for mothers and families in Iowa.
Healthcare providers, public health professionals, community leaders, and advocates received valuable updates and real-world examples of how statewide partners—researchers, clinicians, public health experts, and community members—are working together to make a difference.
Participants learned, connected, and contributed to the movement to strengthen maternal health in rural Iowa.