An Awards Event Celebrating Excellence in Rural Health
Each year LRHA honors outstanding individuals and organizations in the field of rural health who have dedicated their time and talents to improving the health and well-being of others. Previous recipients have stretched the boundaries of possibility by forging innovative programs and services, making rural life healthier and more compassionate.
Awards Presentation and Recognition
The 2024 Rural Health Awards will be presented during the Awards Luncheon of the Louisiana Rural Health Summit on Thursday, November 7 at 12:00PM - 1:00PM. Awardees will be recognized, presented an award for display, and allowed time to speak during the Awards Luncheon.
Rural Health Awards Categories
Outstanding Rural Health Organization
The Outstanding Rural Health Organization Award recognizes any community-based group or organization that has improved access to health services and information for rural people through innovative, comprehensive approaches. Factors considered include outreach, preventive health and education, quality and efficiency of care, and strong community support and involvement.
The Louisiana Rural Health Association (LRHA) is honored to name Amite Rural Health Clinic as the 2024 Outstanding Rural Health Organization of the Year award recipient.
Amite Rural Health
Clinic has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the rural community of Amite. In a region characterized by its rural nature
and limited healthcare resources, Amite Rural Health Clinic stands as a beacon
of accessible and comprehensive care. The
clinic's commitment to rural health is demonstrated through its proactive
community engagement. Hosting two large free health fairs each year, one in
Amite, LA and the other in Kentwood, LA, the clinic brings essential healthcare
services directly to the rural communities, offering screenings, health
education, and preventive care to those who might otherwise lack access.
Additionally, the clinic's presence at local fairs and festivals, providing
first aid services, highlights its role as a reliable healthcare provider and
community partner.
The Outstanding Rural Health Program Award recognizes a community, regional, or statewide program involving one or more health professionals or entities that promotes or facilitates the development of rural health delivery systems. Factors considered include coordination of services with other health care agencies to avoid duplication of services, networking and collaboration with other health care entities to achieve common goals, innovation in development and implementation, and lasting impact on populations and areas served.
The Louisiana Rural Health Association is honored to name The Adolescent Pre-Diabetes Prevention Program as the 2024 Outstanding Rural Health Program of the Year award recipient.
The Adolescent Pre-Diabetes Prevention Program is a “Louisiana grown” initiative designed to reduce the incidence of pre-diabetes among adolescents in twenty rural Louisiana parishes. This Program contributes to rural health through improved health status for participants and increased awareness of personal health issues within the communities. Because of this program, fewer students continue down the path toward diabetes. By participating in the program, students have the opportunity to either eliminate or delay the possibility of diabetes onset.
The Rural Health Professional of the Year recognizes a rural health care leader, or a community rural health care delivery practice (CAH, CHC or RHC) for contribution/leadership in health care services throughout rural communities. Efforts taken into consideration include providing outstanding leadership, community involvement, lasting contributions to the health care system, and outreach efforts.
The Louisiana Rural Health Association is honored to name Dianne Davidson, Chief Executive Officer of Union General Hospital, as the 2024 Rural Professional of the Year.
With over three decades
of dedicated service in healthcare administration, Dianne Davidson has
transformed Union General Hospital in Farmerville, Louisiana, into a vital hub
for rural health services, ensuring that residents of Union Parish and
surrounding communities have access to quality care.
Dianne’s leadership is rooted in her deep knowledge of
healthcare operations and her commitment to improving rural health delivery
systems. Beginning her career in administrative roles and rising to the
position of CEO in 2023, Dianne has built a reputation for being a dynamic,
compassionate, and visionary leader. Her ability to navigate the evolving
healthcare landscape with precision has ensured that Union General remains at
the forefront of innovation and patient-centered care.
The Rural Health Practitioner of the Year recognizes a direct healthcare clinical provider for their leadership in delivering health services to rural populations. Factors taken into consideration include providing outstanding care, involvement in the community, and lasting contributions to the healthcare system.
The Louisiana Rural
Health Association is honored to recognize Krystle Chase Circello, MMS, PA-C, Physician Assistant at Arbor Family Health, as the 2024 Rural Practitioner
of the Year.
Krystle is a dedicated
provider, ensuring her treatment plans meet all of her patients’ needs including:
referral for assistance with health insurance applications, transportation
needs, medication assistance, specialty services, and distribution of meals.
Krystle spends time educating patients on the importance of quality care and
encourages the recommended age-appropriate preventative screenings in hopes of
yielding better outcomes. Krystle’s patient satisfaction is, without fail,
excellent. Common patient comments are that Krystle “explains conditions and
treatments”, “takes time to answer my questions”, “will see me to follow up
just to check on me”, as well as “We love Krystle” and “Krystle and her staff
are great”. These comments have appeared frequently in Quality Meeting reviews
over 4 ½ years.
Integrity: We value transparency, build trust, and represent the interest of our collective membership.
Connection: We believe communication and relationships are critical for supporting our members.
Unity: We know that we can collectively impact lives of rural Louisianans through collaboration, representation, and advocacy.
Culture: We embody diversity, equity, and inclusion as we serve all in Rural Louisiana and leverage cultural assets as Healthcare Provider and community champions.
Action: We demonstrate our role as a rural health leader by serving with compassion, and embracing innovation in addressing the unique challenges of Rural Louisiana.
