Celebrating the Power of Rural: National Rural Health Day at Gunnison Valley Health

On National Rural Health Day, Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) celebrates the unique role rural healthcare plays in keeping communities healthy, connected, and thriving. Rural America makes up 86% of the nation’s land. We are proud to be part of the 2,200 rural hospitals across the country who serve as lifelines, and economic anchors in their communities. That geography shapes every aspect of how care is delivered, from access to services 

Despite the challenges, including that two-thirds of Health Professional Shortage Areas are rural, rural healthcare solutions are growing stronger. Residency programs in rural areas have quadrupled since 2008, and graduates are far more likely to stay and practice locally. That’s the power of rural. We grow our own solutions. 

What It Means for Gunnison County 

At GVH, we embrace both the challenges and the independence that define rural healthcare. Serving a remote mountain community means we can’t rely on one-size-fits-all models. Our patients need solutions built for life here. That’s why GVH has evolved into a full-service health system, offering care from prenatal visits to end-of-life support. 

Every service we provide locally, whether emergency care, behavioral health, surgery, dermatology, or rehabilitation, means fewer trips outside the valley and less time away from work or family. It also means more lives saved because access to quality care in Gunnison County isn’t a convenience; it’s a lifeline. The Gunnison Valley Health Paramedics team covers a response area of 4,400 square miles.  

Our successful implementation of the EPIC electronic health record, in partnership with UCHealth, ensures patients’ health information travels with them—securely and seamlessly—whether they’re receiving care at GVH or visiting a specialist elsewhere. It’s another way we keep our community connected and empowered. 

At GVH, we prove every day that rural healthcare can be both personal and progressive. We don’t just deliver care, we deliver peace of mind, close to home. 

Looking Ahead 

Rural healthcare faces real challenges, but our strength lies in deep community roots and innovation. We know our patients, understand local rhythms, and deliver high-quality care with fewer resources. What rural healthcare needs isn’t sympathy — it’s recognition that success looks different here, and that different tools, approaches, and relationships make all the difference. 

Moving Forward Together 

To our GVH team, thank you for embodying the power of rural every day. To our community, your trust and support sustain us. National Rural Health Day is a reminder that rural healthcare isn’t a smaller version of urban care — it’s a relationship-driven model built on resilience, innovation, and care tailored to the people we serve. 

At Gunnison Valley Health, we’re proud to lead that tradition. Small but mighty isn’t our limitation — it’s our advantage.