Valued Voice

The crowd at the 2025 Wisconsin Rural Health ConferenceFrom June 4-6, more than 300 WHA members gathered in Wisconsin Dells for the annual Wisconsin Rural Health Conference. The conference started with the annual golf outing, held this year at Wild Rock Golf Course, followed by a welcome reception. There, WHA members had the opportunity to network with one another and to visit a record number 67 exhibitors. 

On the first day of the conference, health care futurist and economist Nate Kaufman talked about current realities and probable future climate of the health care industry. The morning session was rounded out by President and CEO of the Wisconsin Hospital Association Eric Borgerding and Executive Director of the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative Tim Size presenting their annual message on the current state of health care in Wisconsin. During the afternoon, attendees had the opportunity to attend a variety of breakout sessions, which were hand selected by WHA’s Council on Rural Health. 

Day two included speakers Brian Uridge and Dr. Katherine Meese. Uridge’s presentation, “Achieving a Culture of Zero Violence,” explored strategies to reduce workplace violence and strengthen safety and security in care settings. Dr. Meese explored “The Human Margin: Building Foundations of Trust.” She shared how rehumanizing health care work can help leaders support and retain their teams.   

A big THANK YOU to this year’s corporate member sponsors and exhibitors. This event would not be possible without their support.

See more about this year’s conference in next week’s In Review document.