Center for Rural Health

GHACenterforRuralLogo

The Center for Rural Health is a council within the Georgia Hospital Association that embodies the interests of Georgia's small rural hospitals, which we define as an acute care or critical access hospital that meets one of the following criteria: 

  • an average daily (inpatient) census of 75 or fewer and located in a county with a population of 75,000 people or fewer
  • or, designated critical access hospitals (CAH)

There are 71 hospital members of the Center for Rural Health.

The Center for Rural Health is advised by a Rural Health Council, comprised of 11 small rural hospital CEOs and the president of GHA (ex-officio). The mission of the Center for Rural Health is to represent the needs of Georgia’s small and rural hospitals in a manner that promotes accessibility to high quality and cost-efficient health care and to act as a central agency for the study, discussion, resolution, and dissemination of ideas and information that addresses problems faced by small and rural hospitals.

2026 Events

2026 Center for Rural Health Annual Meeting

Join us August 19-21 on beautiful Hilton Head Island to discover what’s next in rural healthcare.

Through engaging keynote presentations, interactive educational sessions, and valuable networking opportunities, you'll gain practical insights and meaningful connections to help you make an even greater impact in your organization and community.

Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, earn professional development credit, or build lasting relationships with peers across the healthcare industry, this conference offers an experience you won't want to miss.

REGISTER TODAY

Once you have registered for the conference, you will receive a GHA confirmation email that will include your unique link to the hotel reservation website. Click the link and follow the prompts to reserve your hotel room.

After you submit your reservation request, you will receive a confirmation email from the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. Your reservation is not complete until you receive this confirmation. Room reservations or cancellations will be accepted only until Tuesday, July 28.  

 

Wednesday, Aug. 19

8 a.m.-5 p.m. – General Education Sessions

5:30 p.m. – Reception

Thursday, Aug. 20

8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – General Education Sessions

Friday, Aug. 21

8 a.m.-11 a.m. – General Education Sessions

MEETING REGISTRATION FEES

  • $475 GHA-member early bird (until July 10)
  • $550 General member registration (July 11 - 31)
  • $600 Late member registration (after July 31)
  • Guest registration: $175

CANCELLATION DEADLINES

  • Full refund allowed until July 10.
  • 50% refund allowed July 11 – 31.
  • Substitutions only after July 31.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

23 Ocean Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

(843) 842-8000


Resort casual attire is appropriate for the entire meeting, including all evening functions. Contact Leigh Beakley with questions.

Hospital Leadership Training Program

GHA and Georgia Southern University (GSU) have partnered to provide state-mandated educational training for hospital executives and board members.

Rural Hospital Tax Credit Resources

Critical Access Hospitals

Established under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) are limited-service hospitals located in rural areas with no more than 25 acute-care beds. They receive cost-based payment for Medicare patients and are relieved from some Medicare regulations. There are 30 CAHs in Georgia.

  • Archbold Brooks County Hospital
  • Archbold Mitchell County Hospital
  • Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center
  • Atrium Health Navicent Peach
  • Bacon County Hospital and Health System
  • Bleckley Memorial Hospital
  • Candler County Hospital
  • Chatuge Regional Hospital, Inc.
  • Clinch Memorial Hospital
  • Early Medical Center
  • Effingham Health System
  • Elbert Memorial Hospital
  • Higgins General Hospital
  • Jasper Memorial Hospital
  • Jeff Davis Hospital
  • Jenkins County Medical Center
  • Liberty Regional Medical Center
  • Early Medical Center
  • Miller County Hospital
  • Monroe County Hospital, Atrium Health Navicent Partner
  • Morgan Medical Center
  • Mountain Lakes Medical Center
  • Optim Medical Center - Screven
  • Optim Medical Center - Tattnall
  • Phoebe Worth Medical Center
  • Putnam General Hospital
  • South Georgia Medical Center Lanier Campus
  • St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital
  • Warm Springs Medical Center
  • Wellstar Sylvan Grove Hospital, Inc.
  • Wills Memorial Hospital