​​​​Bringing better health care to Indiana’s smallest communities

IHA continues to work to improve the quality and availability of health care in rural communities, but many challenges remain. By providing members with information about critical access hospitals serving Hoosiers in rural areas—and by offering advocacy opportunities through the Rural Health Council—we hope to improve care for all those who live outside of Indiana’s urban areas.

Critical Access Hospitals

Critical access hospitals are located in geographically remote areas to provide inpatient and outpatient care to citizens in rural areas. To be designated as a critical access hospital, a facility must:

• Provide 24-hour emergency care
• Have an average annual stay of less than 96 hours
• Have 25 or fewer beds

Critical Access Hospitals in Indiana

​​Join a community of rural health professionals

If you’re interested in working together with other health care professionals to address the challenges facing Indiana’s rural hospitals, IHA recommends exploring the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA). IRHA was organized in 1997, and since that time has grown and strengthened its membership. They work to improve the health of all Hoosiers in rural settings through leadership, education, advocacy, collaboration and resource development.

Become an Advocate
Keep track of Indiana legislation that affects access to care in rural communities through IHA’s Bill T​rack.

Rural Health Council​
IHA’s Rural Health Council​ meets quarterly at IHA headquarters in Indianapolis to collaborate on solutions to the challenges facing Indiana’s rural hospitals.