Annual Meeting Speaker Proposal Submission for 2025

The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) invites you to partner with us to bring meaningful education to the 2025 NOSORH Annual Meeting.  

The NOSORH Annual Meeting provides a supportive space for addressing rural health needs and fostering opportunities for our communities. This in-person meeting is two and a half days of leadership development, education, partnerships, recognition, and networking targeted at State Offices of Rural Health (SORH) staff.  

The NOSORH Annual Meeting will take place in Oklahoma City, OK, on September 9-11, 2025, at the OKANA. Please review the NOSORH Annual Meeting page for more information.  

We encourage a wide variety of speakers to submit proposals that focus on, but are not limited to, these key rural health topics:

• Innovations and Success Stories in State Offices of Rural Health (SORH): Highlighting impactful case studies and transformative initiatives.
• Maternal and Child Health: Dedicated focus on innovative solutions, best practices, and sustainable approaches to improving maternal and child health outcomes in rural areas.
• Behavioral Health and Rural Health Integration: Enhancing mental health services within the rural healthcare framework, including collaborative efforts with the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) and other key stakeholders.
• Workforce Development and Sustainability: Addressing challenges, sharing solutions, and promoting self-care practices within health teams.
• SORH Leadership Strategies: Implementing employee self-care tools, succession planning, and addressing burnout.
• Emergency Management and Community Resilience: Preparedness, response, and recovery strategies tailored for rural areas.
• Emerging Models and Technologies in Rural Health: Telehealth, broadband initiatives, and alternative payment models that shape the future of rural healthcare.

Presentation format: General and breakout sessions are allotted 45 minutes. There is strong interest in panel discussions, interactive workshops, and sessions that highlight collaboration with a SORH or rural state project.

Due Date: Proposals are due by the end of business on March 26, 2025

Selection Process: Session selections for the NOSORH Annual Meeting are made by volunteer abstract reviewers and a planning committee comprised of State Offices of Rural Health. Reviews of proposals are based on clarity, engagement, relevance, originality, practicality, and speaker expertise. Preference is given to presentations that include a SORH. If your proposal is accepted, you will be notified around April 30th.

Speaker Benefits and Logistics: Thank you for your commitment to participating in our event. While NOSORH does not offer an honorarium, your approved travel expenses for one speaker (per group presenting the same topic) will be fully reimbursed. Also, lodging and per diem will be covered during the designated period. Please review the Travel Reimbursement Policy for more information. More information will be provided in the acceptance letter upon your selection. Your prompt completion of registration and forms is appreciated, ensuring a smooth process as we coordinate the details for this successful meeting. We value your cooperation and look forward to your involvement.

Questions: For technical questions regarding your proposal submission, please contact Trevor Brown, NOSORH Program Specialist, at trevorb@nosorh.org.

For meeting questions, please contact Caroline Wroczynski, NOSORH Education Manager, at carolinew@nosorh.org.