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 2023 Rural Health Awards will be presented during the Awards Luncheon of the Louisiana Rural Health Summit on Monday, November 6 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 Jackson Parish Hospital as the 2023 Outstanding Rural Health Organization of the Year award recipient.
Jackson Parish Hospital has served the residents of Jackson Parish since 1962. This Critical Access Hospital (CAH), recognized as a Hospital Service District, is the only hospital in Jackson Parish and provides inpatient, full-service lab, radiology, speech, rehab, physical and occupational therapy, and emergency department services, as well as gastroenterology and oncology services through contract. The hospital also owns three provider-based rural health clinics (RHCs). After many years of ups and downs, Jackson Parish Hospital is flourishing and serving Jackson Parish and surrounding parishes with quality care in up-to-date hospital rooms that have state-of-the-art technology.
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 LifePhases Consulting, LLC as the 2023 Outstanding Rural Health Program of the Year award recipient.
LifePhases Consulting, LLC was founded in 2011 under the leadership of Sherry Banks, M.S.N., R.N., B.C and Jill Elias, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. Combined, these two outstanding, goal driven, and innovative leaders, have 45 years of specialized experience in the field of formulating rural health delivery systems. LifePhases has consulted with, collaborated with, and opened many mental health services for hospitals and clinics across the state of Louisiana. LifePhases’ contribution to the expansion of mental health services is helping to meet a dire need for our rural communities and residents.
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 Evalyn Ormond, Retired Chief Executive Officer of Union General Hospital, as the 2023 Rural Professional of the Year.
Prior to her retirement last year, Evalyn Ormond worked in healthcare for 45 years. As Chief Executive Officer, Evalyn worked to get the first tax passed for support of Union General Hospital and successfully transitioned the hospital from an Acute Care Hospital to a Critical Access Hospital. As a champion for Union General Hospital for 30 years, Evalyn has led, supported, and overseen the development, establishment, and growth of numerous programs and service lines at the facility. She also served in numerous healthcare associations and organizations and advocated for support of various community support organizations outside of the walls of the hospital.
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 Trina Keller, Family Nurse
Practitioner at Our Lady of the Lake - Riverside, as the 2023 Rural Practitioner
of the Year.
Trina Keller, FNP,
began her career in rural health in 2014 at Riverside Family Medicine in
Maurepas, Louisiana. Trina’s patient
population grew quickly, and she was soon held in high regard by the community,
becoming the “go-to” provider in the area.
Trina is known for going above and beyond for her patients and her excellence
in examination, diagnostic interpretation, and prescribing lead to her patients’
fast recovery and long-term well-being. Trina
has been described as described Trina as “an exceptional provider” who has “has
a strong work ethic, has a strong connection and commitment to her patients
while providing stability and support for her co-workers.”
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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