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 2025 Rural Health Awards will be presented during the Awards Luncheon of the Louisiana Rural Health Summit on Thursday, November 13 at 11:30AM - 12:30PM. 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 Arbor Family Health as the 2025 Outstanding Rural Health Organization of the Year award recipient.
Arbor Family Health continues to make significant strides in expanding healthcare access through innovative and community-focused approaches. Serving a predominantly rural region with high poverty rates, Arbor understands the unique challenges these communities face—geographic isolation, limited transportation, and scarce healthcare infrastructure. Prevention and patient empowerment are at the heart of Arbor’s mission. From immunization events and health screenings to chronic disease management and nutrition education, Arbor equips patients with the tools to take charge of their health. These programs help prevent long-term complications, reduce costly emergency visits, and improve overall quality of life across the lifespan.
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 Brokers of Hope as the 2025 Outstanding Rural Health Program of the Year award recipient.
Brokers of Hope, a program of The Center for Children and Families and funded in part by the Post Family Foundation, is transforming lives in Union Parish, Louisiana by offering hope, advocacy, and access to essential services for families in need. With a mission rooted in compassion and empowerment, Brokers of Hope addresses the complex challenges facing rural families while ensuring that no one is left behind. Their programs not only provide immediate relief but also foster resilience and long-term stability for families in Union Parish.
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 Jacqueline Rae Costley-Reviel, Chief Executive Officer of Allen Parish Hospital, as the 2025 Rural Professional of the Year.
Jacqueline has spent the last 30 years impacting rural health. She comes from a rural farming community and after graduating in Nursing she found her passion in rural health. She has completed her 11th year in the role and her impact for the rural community she serves will be long-lasting. Through hard work and dedication, she built a team that ultimately built a replacement hospital for the community and add numerous service lines to increase access to 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 Robert Brian Harris, MD, Chief of Staff at Reeves Memorial Medical Center, as the 2025 Rural Practitioner of the Year.
For over 25 years, Dr. Brian Harris has exemplified what it means to be a rural healthcare champion. A native of Bernice, Louisiana, Dr. Harris returned to his hometown after graduating from LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport in 1999, with a deep commitment to improving the health of his community. In a region designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area, his presence has been nothing short of transformative. Dr. Harris began his career at Reeves Memorial Medical Center (RMMC), where he continues to serve in multiple critical roles: as a primary care provider in the Rural Health Clinic, Emergency Room physician, Hospitalist, Chief of Staff, collaborating physician for nurse practitioners, and mentor to aspiring healthcare professionals. His holistic and compassionate approach to care has earned him the trust and admiration of patients and colleagues alike.
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.
