Valley City Agency Among Winners of Prestigious Rural and Public Health Awards

GRAND FORKS — The 40th Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health is soon approaching. This annual event celebrates key figures in North Dakota’s rural and public health sectors. The highlight will be the awards banquet on June 18 at 11:50 a.m. in the Bismarck Event Center.

This year’s award winners are:

• Emerging Rural Leader – Dr. Karen Andres, West River Health Services, Hettinger
• Outstanding Rural Health Career – Alan O’Neil, CEO, Unity Medical Center, Grafton
• Outstanding Rural Health Provider – Dr. Catherine Houle, West River Health Services, Hettinger
• Outstanding Rural Volunteer – Linda Conneran, Hospice of the Red River Valley, Grand Forks
• Rural Health Legislator of the Year – Jon Nelson, State Representative, Rugby
• Flex Quality Reporting Award – Langdon Prairie Health, Langdon
• Scrubs Camp of the Year – Coal Country Community Health Center, Beulah
• Public Health Worker of the Year – Sarah Weninger, Mandan
• Public Health Outstanding Service – Kirby Kruger, Bismarck
• Public Health Team of the Year – City County Health District, Valley City

Event Details:

Tickets for the banquet are free for conference participants and $30 for others. Attendees must register in advance. More information can be found on the official conference website.

The Dakota Conference provides a platform for health care professionals, educators, and students to share best practices for promoting healthier communities across North Dakota. It includes workshops, keynote speakers, poster presentations, and the awards dinner.

Interestingly, rural health care faces unique challenges, including limited access to services and workforce shortages. A recent survey by the National Rural Health Association found that nearly 80% of rural residents reported difficulty accessing medical services. This highlights the importance of recognizing efforts by individuals and organizations who strive to improve health outcomes in these areas.

Experts note that the work of rural health advocates is crucial in shaping policies and programs. For instance, Dr. Gigi C. El-Bayoumi, a health policy expert, emphasizes the power of grassroots advocacy in influencing local health initiatives. Her research shows that engaged communities can significantly alter health landscapes.

Overall, the Dakota Conference not only honors exceptional contributors to public health but also fosters discussions on ongoing challenges and solutions, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in ensuring better health for all North Dakotans.

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