About the IRHA

Mission Statement
The Iowa Rural Health Association is committed to:  strengthening health systems for rural residents and communities through leadership, education, advocacy, public awareness and networking.

Vision
Optimal health for all Iowans, with a focus on rural populations.

Goals
• Provide access to quality rural health services
• Advocate for rural health development
• Foster cooperative partnerships to improve rural health
• Support the work of other health interest groups in their efforts to improve rural health
• Improve public education and awareness of rural health policy issues
• Provide opportunities for leadership development through active membership involvement
• Promote the relationship between a viable rural health care delivery system and community economic development

History of the Iowa Rural Health Association
The Iowa Rural Health Association was established in 1993 through the efforts of the Office of Rural Health within the Iowa Department of Public Health's Bureau of Rural Health and Primary Care. The Iowa Rural Health Association, (IRHA) was organized as an Iowa Nonprofit Corporation under 504A of the Iowa Code.

The last meeting of the initial Iowa Rural Health Association was in September of 1994. At that time, the organization had 109 individual members and 26 organizational members.

In 1997, the State Rural Health Association Assistance Program, funded by the Office of Rural Health Policy, provided grant dollars to revitalize the IRHA Board of Directors, increase the membership base, develop effective communication tools, sponsor an annual conference and educational seminar and to develop an advocacy plan.

By-Laws
To view IRHA's By-Laws, click here.

Leadership
The Iowa Rural Health Association is governed by a Board of Directors of between 9 and 15 active members of the association who serve 3 year terms. Board members are elected by majority vote of qualified members. To download a list of the current board, click here.  Current IRHA Board Members are:

William Appelgate
Iowa Chronic Care Consortium
West Des Moines, IA
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Barb Blough
Iowa Dental Association
Des Moines, IA
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Fred Eastman - President-Elect
Midwest Rural Telemedicine Consortium
Des Moines, IA
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Donna Harvey
Iowa Department on Aging
Des Moines, IA
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Dr. Keith Mueller
University of Iowa College of Public Health
Iowa City, IA
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Peg O'Connor - Past President
Mercy Medical Center - Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
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Jon Rosmann - Secretary-Treasurer
Iowa Prescription Drug Corporation
Des Moines, IA
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Lisa Schnedler
Van Buren County Hospital
Keosauqua, IA
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Tori Squires - President
Iowa Primary Care Association
Urbandale, IA
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Eric Tempelis
Gundersen Lutheran Health System
LaCrosse, WI
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Gloria Vermie
Office of Rural Health, Iowa Department of Public Health
Des Moines, IA
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Administrative Staffing
Administrative staffing for IRHA is located in Des Moines and provided by Diversified Management Services (DMS). DMS works closely with the IRHA Board to promote its mission and goals, allowing the leadership time to focus on important issues that affect the membership. Current IRHA staff members are:

Melissa Primus
(515) 282-8192 ext. 0416
Contact the IRHA Office