Choptank Community Health System is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating National Rural Health Day on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
The observance was created in 2011 by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. It is held each year to spotlight the unique challenges facing rural communities and to honor the resilience of the nearly 61 million people who call rural America home.
“Rural communities are the backbone of our state, and their health is vital to our collective future,” said Choptank Health President and CEO Sara Rich. “We’re proud to celebrate National Rural Health Day and honor the unwavering commitment of rural healthcare providers, organizations, and community leaders who work every day to improve the lives of others.”
This year, Choptank Health marked the occasion by participating in the Rural Maryland Council’s Health-Focused Bus Tour, which highlighted Choptank Health’s new Federalsburg Health Center. The tour highlighted the innovative approaches Choptank Health is using to improve health and wellness for the Mid-Shore’s rural communities.
“Our Federalsburg Health Center is a great example of the critical role that accessible, community-based medical, dental and behavioral health services play in supporting our communities,” said Rich. “Each of our seven health centers is strategically located to address the needs of each community we serve.”
Founded in 1978 as Caroline Health Services, Inc., Choptank Health began as a private, nonprofit organization with a clear mission to provide comprehensive primary health care to the residents of Caroline County.
In 1980, the organization opened its first health center in Goldsboro, staffed by two providers. Choptank continues to serve patients in Goldsboro, a testament to Choptank Health’s longstanding dedication to community health.
Over time, Choptank Health expanded its services and regional footprint. The organization began establishing school-based health centers in 1999, and dental services were added in 2001.
“Today, Choptank Health provides medical, dental, behavioral, and school-based health services to more than 30,000 children and adults in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties,” said Rich.
Rich noted that programs such as telehealth, mobile health, and school-based health help Choptank Health reach more people in the most rural regions.
Choptank Health’s Mobile Health Unit travels weekly to communities such as Marydel and Millington, offering same-day and walk-up medical, behavioral, and dental services. The unit also takes part in community health fairs and other regional events.
In partnership with local public schools, Choptank Health operates School-Based Health Centers in Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties. These centers offer coordinated medical, dental, nutrition, and behavioral health care for enrolled students and school staff.
Rich said that by bringing care directly into neighborhoods, schools, and underserved areas, Choptank Health continues to reduce barriers and make services more accessible to Mid-Shore residents.
Choptank Community Health System provides medical and dental care to more than 30,000 adults and children, fulfilling its mission to deliver exceptional, comprehensive, and integrated health care for all. New medical patients are welcome at all Choptank locations. More information is available at www.choptankhealth.org.
Details about National Rural Health Day are at www.powerofrural.org.
