Forging local level partnerships to make health programs possible.

The quintessential difference between most successful rural health programs and unsuccessful ones is local leadership. The ways in which a community invites, values, develops, nurtures, and supports the involvement of diverse stakeholder groups form an important part of the base for local rural health program success. Successful programs are initiated by local stakeholder groups who are committed to collaboration, have a working governance structure, a good understanding of their health and healthcare challenges, and a plan for sustainability. A key first step for rural community health planning is to contact one's local state Office of Rural Health. Most ORHs will provide information, guidance, and technical assistance. There are many challenges in rural health, but there are also great successes. North Carolina communities fare better than many because the North Carolina Office of Rural Health has demonstrated how effective state and local leadership work together to directly benefit rural communities and rural people.