Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center Mercer University School of Medicine

06/23/2026

During the first week of their summer experience, the 2026 Maternal Health Observership Scholars and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Rural Pediatric Scholars connected with Mercer University School of Medicine Dean Jean Sumner, MD, MACP, attended journal club discussions and began clinical rotations in rural Georgia communities.

The scholars also participated in an educational session with guest speaker David Goodman, PhD, who discussed how to be informed consumers of maternal mortality data and the importance of using data to improve maternal health outcomes.

06/16/2026

Yesterday, GRHIC welcomed its 2026 Maternal Health Observership Scholars and Mercer University School of Medicine Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Rural Pediatric Scholars.

Scholars participated in orientation before beginning their summer experience. The six-week program provides rising second-year medical students with hands-on learning opportunities focused on rural healthcare and service in medically underserved communities across rural Georgia.

We wish all of our scholars a rewarding and memorable summer!

06/12/2026

Anne Montgomery, PhD, a biostatistician at GRHIC and associate professor and program director at Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM), received funding through the 2026 Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Young Scholars Enhancement Grant Program to support a new project focused on farmer mental health education and sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Montgomery will lead the initiative in collaboration with student scholars from MUSM and Fort Valley State University. Scholars will assist in developing an evaluation tool designed specifically for agricultural outreach and farmer mental health training programs.

🔗 Learn More: garuralhealth.link/farmer-grant

Anne Montgomery, Ph.D., received funding through the 2026 Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Young Scholars Enhancement Grant Program to support a new project focused on farmer…

06/08/2026

Mercer didn't follow the trend — we helped start it.​

As the first U.S. medical school to fully adopt problem-based learning (PBL), Mercer School of Medicine helped pioneer an approach that teaches future physicians how to think critically, solve complex problems and apply knowledge to patient care.​

Today, medical schools nationwide use PBL to help prepare MD students for clinical practice.​

Learn more at the link in the comments.

06/08/2026

Since 2023, Farmacy Herb Makers Nursery has brought people together in Worth County. Through its herbal nursery, wellness programs and community garden, the farm helps connect residents with healthy living, sustainable agriculture and one another.

🔗 Read More: garuralhealth.link/farmacy-nursery

06/05/2026

This summer, the GRHIC Mental Health and Wellness Team will travel across Georgia to meet with rural school districts, assess their needs, highlight successful efforts and identify opportunities to strengthen student wellness support. Through the Pediatric Mental Health Initiative and the KidsABC program, GRHIC offers free services tailored to the unique needs of rural schools and children.

🔗 Learn More: garuralhealth.link/school-health

The Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center offers free pediatric mental health services designed to meet the unique needs of schools and children in rural communities.

06/01/2026

Join us June 9 to learn how Fort Valley State University, one of Georgia’s two land-grant universities, supports farmers across the state through its Extension Service, which serves approximately 35 counties. Examine FVSU’s history as a land-grant institution, the programs it offers to support producers and its role in the Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance to improve the health, safety and well-being of Georgia farmers.

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

05/29/2026

On June 17, David O'Banion, MD, FAAP, an expert in developmental and behavioral pediatrics, will lead a free training on ADHD and learning disabilities. 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

05/28/2026

Check out the latest issue of For Rural:
https://garuralhealth.link/MAY2026

05/28/2026

Farmacy Herb Makers Nursery has become a gathering place in Worth County, where Eda Garcia and her husband, Sam X, promote wellness through medicinal herbs, sustainable farming and community gardening.

Throughout the summer, we're spotlighting rural farms and farmers markets in rural Georgia communities to emphasize that access to fresh, healthy food is just as vital as access to quality healthcare.

🔗 Read More: garuralhealth.link/farmacy-nursery