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Reimagining the Dakota Conference on Rural Health

Dec 2, 2025

Dakota Conference The 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
  • Innovation in practice

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

Nicole Threadgold

Nicole Threadgold, CRH grant program director, is overseeing the coordination of the conference. “The partner organizations have diligently listened, learned, and reimagined the 2026 Dakota Conference on Rural Health to continue meeting attendee needs. 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 December 2, and will run through January 9, 2026, at 5:00 pm Central. Session topics may include, but are not limited to:

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

Registration

Attendee registration will open on December 9 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.

Questions?

Nicole Threadgold
Grant Program Director
nicole.threadgold@UND.edu