Findings from the Rural Health Equity Landscape Analysis

Holly Laird, Rural and Disability Equity Lead at the California Department of Public Health, is on a mission to reframe how state systems engage with rural communities. A lifelong advocate with deep roots in local and state public health, Holly led the first-ever Rural Health Equity Landscape Analysis at CDPH—a powerful blueprint for how the government can better serve communities historically sidelined in public health conversations.

In this episode, Holly shares insights from the year-long analysis, revealing the systemic disconnects that rural Californians face—from data invisibility and outdated funding formulas to the politicization of words like “equity.” She breaks down the findings from both internal CDPH interviews and external community-based organizations, highlighting the urgent need for flexible funding, local partnerships, better broadband, and culturally competent communication. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what true rural equity could look like—and why listening to frontline communities is step one.

What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

•  CDPH's Strategic Plan and Priorities
•  Community Inclusion and Partnership Section
•  Rural Health Equity Landscape Analysis
•  Internal CDPH Findings
•  Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Health
•  External Community-Based Organization Findings
•  Barriers and Supports in Rural Health
•  Planning and Next Steps

Connect with Holly Laird:

•  LinkedIn 

Resources

• CA-RISE (Rual Initiative for Statewide Equity)
• Rual Messaging Guide - CA-RISE Toolkits 
• Frameworks Institute - Messaging for Rural Equity 
• Every Woman Counts Program (Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening) 
• California Equitable Recovery Initiative (CERI) 
• Middle Mile Broadband Initiative (CA Department of Technology) 

The CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. 

For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.

If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!

Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.