This paper examines a regional 2009 H1N1 rural response model, which utilises community partnerships with local government, county emergency management, public health, private healthcare, Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, and other organisations in rural Southeast Idaho. Unique aspects of the collaborative use of federal, state, county, and community systems in addressing specific needs of rural communities are described. The organisation and process of the model in identifying effective vaccine distribution methods and public education appropriate to each rural community are reviewed. Implementation of the model during the fall of 2009 to address the H1N1 pandemic resulted in immunisation rates that were higher in rural populations than with urban counties, contrary to national trends in immunisation rates. (Contains 1 table and 4 figures.)