(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG – The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department will celebrate National Rural Health Day on Thursday.

Since 2011, this annual observance – founded and coordinated by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health – has been held on the third Thursday of November to spotlight the unique health care challenges and strength of the nearly 61 million people living in rural America, according to a release from the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department.

“Rural communities are the backbone of our state, and their health is vital to our collective future,” said Amy Phelps, public information officer for the local health department. “We’re proud to celebrate National Rural Health Day and honor the unwavering commitment of rural health care providers, organizations and community leaders who work every day to improve the lives of others.”

Community members are invited to help the department celebrate the “Power of Rural” by visiting their special page for the day, www.movhd.com/national-rural-health-day. Kids’ activity sheets provided by NRHD, directions on how to build an emergency kit and vaccine myths and facts can be found there.

More information about National Rural Health Day is available at PowerOfRural.org.