The American Heart Association (AHA) held the inaugural Eastern States Rural Health Summit on June 13, 2025. Rural populations make up about 20% of the U.S. population, totaling approximately 60 million people. These communities are diverse but share common challenges in health access and outcomes. The summit served as a platform to elevate the unique health needs of rural populations, recognizing that these communities often face significant disparities due to individual, systemic, and social determinants of health. By bringing together experts, community leaders, and advocates, the event aimed to spark dialogue, share innovative solutions, and build momentum for change.
The day began with a welcome from Albert Pylinski Jr., corporate secretary and member of the Board of Directors of NYCM Insurance Company as well as a member of the Board of Directors of ACIC Insurance Company and other subsidiaries of the NYCM Group. Pylinski introduced Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, Chief Medical Officer of the AHA . Dr. Sanchez shared personal reflections and professional insights that underscored the urgency and complexity of rural health disparities. AHA Executive Vice President Kelly Grose followed with an overview, setting the tone for a day of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose.
The morning breakout sessions showcased practical, community-driven solutions. Faculty from the University of Buffalo presented their success in building a robust AED registry, while the University of Washington’s Rural Health Research Center highlighted new research in health equity such as drone AED deliveries that have been implemented in Sweden. Meanwhile, leaders from Lewis County, NY shared their blueprint for implementing county-wide public Wi-Fi, a critical step in improving digital access and healthcare connectivity in rural areas.
A mid-morning listening session invited participants to reflect on the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities and engage in discussions to brainstorm health initiatives for rural areas. Building on previous listening tour Sessions, three breakout groups—led by Bob Pepper, Dr. Patrick Thomas, and Dr. Dan Ireland—gathered qualitative insights to inform future strategies. These sessions emphasized the importance of community voice in shaping effective, culturally responsive health interventions.
The keynote address by Clancy Cash Harrison was a powerful call to action. Through personal storytelling and data, she challenged attendees to rethink their assumptions about hunger and health. Her message of “food dignity” encouraged participants to confront stigma, advocate for equitable food access, and foster meaningful change within their organizations and communities.
The afternoon concluded with panel discussions and breakout sessions that highlighted both policy changes and grassroots innovations. AHA leaders discussed their multifaceted approach to rural health, while volunteers shared success stories from across the Eastern States. Final sessions featured insights from AgriSafe, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia Association for Free & Charitable Clinics, each offering actionable strategies to improve health outcomes in rural settings.
The summit culminated in a shared commitment to the AHA’s broader mission, as outlined in our Presidential Advisory on Rural Health. This advisory calls for urgent action to prioritize rural populations in health programming, research, and policy. As of 2016, poverty rates in rural counties averaged 18% compared with 17% in urban areas and 14% in suburban ones. Rural communities face higher rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality, driven by individual risk factors, social determinants of health, and systemic barriers in healthcare delivery. The advisory proposes a comprehensive set of solutions, including health system innovation, policy reform, and targeted research. The summit echoed this call, reinforcing that improving rural health is not only a matter of equity, but also essential to building a healthier future for all.
Read the Presidential Advisory on Rural Health HERE.