Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center Mercer University School of Medicine

10/08/2026

On Oct. 13, join the Georgia Healthy Farmer Mindset virtual meeting to hear from the next generation of agricultural leaders about their work to address farm stress and improve mental health in farming communities. Plus, meet Andrew Schmidt, the new executive director of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, and learn how the foundation supports ag education, stronger communities and Georgia’s farmers.

🔗 Bookmark this link and join us on Zoom: gafarmstress.org/healthy-mindset

10/05/2026

10/02/2026

Molena Horse & Cattle Company is a 300-acre family farm in Pike County with more than 140 years of history. Glenn and Kathleen Beckham operate the farm, which has been in Glenn’s family for more than four generations.

We spotlight rural farms across Georgia to highlight the importance of access to fresh, healthy food alongside quality healthcare

*As seen in the September issue of For Rural. Read More. 🔗 garuralhealth.link/molena 🔗

09/30/2026

Read the latest issues of For Rural: garuralhealth.link/SEPT2026

09/29/2026

Earlier this month, GRHIC, Mercer University School of Medicine and CWC Alliance hosted the second annual Prescription for Prevention conference. The event brought together clinicians, counselors and recovery advocates to share resources and raise awareness about the opioid crisis and the challenges it presents in rural Georgia communities. Conference sessions addressed substance use disorder treatment in youth, the physiology of addiction, the impact of addiction and loss on families, and the connection between mental wellness and substance use prevention.

09/28/2026

On October 14, pediatric emergency medicine physician Sarah Gard Lazarus, DO, will present a free training on SIDS Awareness. The session is part of the Pediatric Alliance Webinar Series, a monthly program featuring subject-matter experts on a range of topics. Participants can earn free CME and CNE credits.

Register today: garuralhealth.link/PAWS

09/28/2026

09/15/2026

Scenes from last week’s Elbert Memorial Hospital Emergency Department celebration. They were recognized for reaching key milestones as a participating KidsABC hospital.

More on this celebration: garuralhealth.link/elbert

09/11/2026

The Elbert Memorial Hospital Emergency Department was recognized for its commitment to strengthening pediatric emergency care in Elbert County during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The hospital was celebrated for reaching key milestones as a participating member of the Kids Alliance for Better Care (KidsABC). Established in 2023, the alliance is a collaboration between Mercer University School of Medicine, its Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

READ MORE: garuralhealth.link/elbert

The Elbert Memorial Hospital (EMH) Emergency Department was recognized for its commitment to strengthening pediatric emergency care in Elbert County during a Sept. 10 ribbon-cutting ceremony.