Reimagining the 2026 Dakota Conference on Rural Health

The Dakota Conference on Rural Health, which has been a mainstay in North Dakota for over 40 years, has seen different iterations over its four decades. In 2026, the summer conference is being reimagined. The conference will take a stronger look at leadership, workforce, and innovation happening throughout rural communities in North Dakota.

Comprised of four partner organizations, the University of North Dakota (UND) Center for Rural Health (CRH), the UND College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines, the North Dakota Rural Health Association, and Altru Health System, the 2026 conference will have a focus on three areas: leadership/administration, workforce, and innovation in practice.

The conference will take place in Grand Forks at the Alerus Center, on June 3-4, 2026, and will feature three keynotes, 21 breakout sessions, poster presentations, time to visit with industry exhibitors, a legislative panel, and an awards program. The reconfiguration of the conference is in response to surveys sent to past participants and exhibitors that were distributed this past summer.

“The partner organizations have diligently listened, learned, and reimagined the 2026 Dakota Conference on Rural Health to continue meeting attendee needs,” said Nicole Threadgold, the CRH grant program director who is overseeing the coordination of the conference. “We are excited for the new format and refined focus, and look forward to seeing everyone in Grand Forks.”

Call for Presentations

The call for presentations opened on Dec. 2, and will run through Jan. 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. (Central). Session topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Creative strategies
• Diverse populations
• Financing
• Prevention
• Professional development
• Quality

“We are honored to be able to facilitate the Dakota Conference on Rural Health,” added Jacob Warren, director of CRH, “and be a part of bringing new ideas, best practices, and innovative ideas to rural health professionals across the state.”

Registration

Attendee registration is now open with an early bird discount available. Exhibiting registration will open on December 16, with a variety of levels and benefits. CRH provides coordination and facilitation of the conference.

For questions about the upcoming Dakota Conference on Rural Health or registration information, please reach out to: Nicole Threadgold at nicole.threadgold@und.edu.