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 2026 Rural Health Awards will be presented during the Awards Dinner during the Louisiana Rural Health Summit on Thursday, November 12 at 5:30AM - 6:30PM. Awardees will be recognized, presented an award for display, and allowed time to speak during the Awards Dinner. Networking Reception to follow.
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 Union General Hospital as the 2026 Outstanding Rural Health Organization of the Year award recipient.
Union General’s impact extends beyond individual medical encounters. The organization strengthens the rural healthcare workforce, improves access to preventive and behavioral health services, supports families facing financial and transportation barriers, and keeps essential healthcare resources within the community. Through its clinical services, outreach programs, and collaborative approach, Union General Hospital has improved access to care, encouraged earlier intervention, and helped residents of Union Parish live healthier lives without having to leave their community for many essential services.
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 Southeast Community
Health Systems Youth Mobile Crisis Response as the 2026 Outstanding Rural Health Program of the Year award recipient.
The SCHS Youth Mobile Crisis Response program is a deliberately mobile program that brings a licensed behavioral health therapist and a registered Family Peer Support Specialist respond together to wherever the child is — a home, a classroom, a relative's porch. Services are free to families, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for youth from birth through age 20. The goal is stabilization in place: keeping a young person in school, at home, and out of an emergency department or the back of a patrol car.
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 John Morgan, RN, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Parish Hospital, as the 2026 Rural Professional of the Year.
John has spent the last nine years working to bring Jackson Parish Hospital from the brink of closure to being recognized as one of the nation's Top 100 Critical
Access Hospitals—one of only three in Louisiana. Today, he continues to argue for patients with the passion of a beside nurse and build towards the future.
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 Brian N Heinen, MD, of Heinen Medical Clinics in Eunice, LA, as the 2026 Rural Practitioner of the Year.
Dr. Heinen’s commitment to rural healthcare is not
simply a career—it is a lifelong calling. He has been practicing medicine since
1970, dedicating more than five decades to caring
for the people of rural Louisiana. His story is one of perseverance, service,
faith, and an unwavering belief that people living in rural communities deserve
access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare close to home.
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.
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