AHA 2026 Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award Digital Toolkit

The Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award honors rural hospitals that are leading the way in innovative, sustainable and community-centered care. If your hospital is operating unique programs and services that address health care challenges in your community, submit an application by noon CT, Aug. 29. Honorees will be recognized at the AHA’s Rural Health Care Leadership Summit in February 2026.

• “The new AHA Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award seeks to recognize and share the accomplishments of rural hospitals that exemplify responsiveness, innovation and excellence in developing, implementing and/or sustaining programs and services. Applications are due at noon CDT on August 29. Don't miss your chance for your organization to be recognized!”
• “Apply Now for the AHA Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award - applications are due at noon CDT on August 29.”
• “Apply Now for the AHA Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award. Winning organizations should be improving programs, care redesign, collaboration or technology solutions to address emerging challenges in rural, remote and frontier areas of the United States and territories. Applications are due at noon CDT on August 29.”
• “The new AHA Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award seeks to recognize and share the accomplishments of rural hospitals that exemplify responsiveness, innovation and excellence in developing, implementing and/or sustaining programs and services. Apply now!”
• “One winner and up to three finalists will be selected for the AHA Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award. The award will be presented at the 2026 AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, Feb. 8 – 11, in San Antonio. Applications are due at noon CDT on August 29. Don't miss your chance for your organization to be recognized!”
• “The deadline is approaching to apply for the new AHA Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award. Winning organizations should be improving programs, care redesign, collaboration or technology solutions to address emerging challenges in rural, remote and frontier areas of the United States and territories. Applications are due August 29 at noon CDT. Don't miss your chance for your organization to be recognized!”
• “Only one week left to apply for the new AHA Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award! Applications are due August 29 at noon CDT. The award seeks to recognize and share the accomplishments of rural hospitals that exemplify responsiveness, innovation and excellence in developing, implementing and/or sustaining programs and services. Click here to apply!”