The California State Rural Health Association (CSRHA) convened its annual conference in Folsom, California on Thursday, March 27, 2025. It proved to be an enrichening experience for many there, including me. I won’t spend a lot of time reviewing the presenters as I outlined the role of the CSRHA and the lineup of excellent presenters in a previous blog post.  

I wanted to share a few of the highlights of the day.

RDHAP Connect had a table in the exhibitor area. I got to share the table with another RDHAP, Lindsey Vizcay, who practices out of Solano County in northern California. We had the opportunity to share with many of our non-dental colleagues who RDHAPs are and our role in providing oral health care for homebound, bedbound, and rural Californians. We handed out RDHAP Connect contact information and Lindsey, as an RDHAP Connect subscriber, was able to connect with professionals in her area. 

We also reached out in ways other than helping caregivers find an RDHAP to care for their loved one. Organizations who work with those with disabilities, aging, and rural Californians were brainstorming with us ways to partner with RDHAPs to improve access to care. It was marvelous to discuss the possibilities with these folks from organizations all across California. 

Participants at this year’s conference included those from universities, non-profit organizations, rural hospitals, medical centers, insurance providers, County public health departments, and vendors of products and services designed to help rural residents and providers. We hope to further explore possibilities to collaborate with rural agencies to provide preventive oral health care. 

I do want to share that if you, as an RDHAP, are reading this, RDHAP Connect shares contact information of our subscribers with interested agencies, family members, and caregivers. The best way to get your information into their hands is to subscribe and add your name to the list and maps in your area.