A local healthcare system is vital to the economy of a rural community, and it is a necessary part of rural development. For example, in rural counties healthcare is often second only to the local school system in the number of people it employs, and often counts for fifteen to twenty percent of the county's jobs. A viable healthcare system is critical in recruiting businesses and retaining retirees in a community.

The program is a collaborative effort. Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics, the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, the Oklahoma Office of Rural Health, and the Area Health Education Centers work together to assist rural Oklahoma communities in promoting and supporting rural economic development through local healthcare strategies.

Our efforts enable communities to make informed decisons about health services and economic development, recruitment, retention, and health service needs in the community. Oklahoma Rural Health Works will prove to be a valuable tool for healthcare providers and community leaders in community health and economic planning.