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RURAL HEALTH & TELEHEALTH AWARDS

The Rural Health Association of Oklahoma presents awards annually in a number of categories. This year, there were will be six Rural Health categories and five Telehealth categories for awards. The awards this year will be presented at an Awards Reception on October 2, 2024 from 6pm to 8pm the evening before the conference sessions begin. The Awards Reception will be held at the River Spirit Casino and Resort in Tulsa, Okla. (the same venue as the Oklahoma Rural Health Conference). 

Rural Health Advocate of the Year

This recipient should be a tireless advocate for rural health issues.  The nominee has repeatedly demonstrated his/her commitment to rural health through grassroots efforts or policy changes.  The Rural Health Advocate of the Year inspires others to understand the significance rural health care plays for Oklahomans across the state by engaging (other) elected officials in discussions and promoting policies that support rural health care.

Rural Health Leader of the Year

This recipient should be an outstanding rural health leader who uses a comprehensive or unique approach to address a specific rural health issue; demonstrates an ability to guide others through complicated rural health issues to achieve a set goal, and/or creates a network or partnership with others to create programs or initiatives that benefit rural Oklahomans.

Rural Health Educator of the Year

This recipient has a proven record of educating rural health care students, current workforce, or community members, or who has developed a successful and unique education program for rural Oklahomans. 

Rural Health Hero of the Year

This award category recognizes the tireless efforts made by a healthcare professional during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The nominee is a healthcare worker of any level in a rural setting who exceeds the job expectations in an effort to care for the population served.

Rural Health Practitioner of the Year

This recipient is a physician/practitioner who goes above and beyond for patients. The nominee serves a rural community and understands the unique complexities of the environment, working tirelessly to address the needs of the patients and communities served. 

Rural Health Lifetime Achievement Award

This recipient has dedicated his/her life and career to rural health in Oklahoma. 

Telehealth Hero of the Year Award

This award is given by the Telehealth Alliance of Oklahoma. The recipient is an advocate for or has greatly advanced telehealth services in Oklahoma.

Telehealth Newcomer Award

The Telehealth Newcomer Award is to honor a new telehealth leader who has made an impact on telehealth in Oklahoma either in their organization, their community or the state in the 2 past years.  This person has impacted telehealth by implementing ideas or programs that improve the adoption and effectiveness of telehealth in providing access to healthcare.

Telehealth Policy Leader Award

The Telehealth Policy Leader Award recognizes individuals or organizations that have been a leader in guiding telehealth policy and government relations activities for the benefit of the citizens of Oklahoma.  This award recognizes individuals or organizations in public service whose actions and leadership have brought about profound, positive change for the healthcare/telehealth environment that assists in removing barriers and ease of access to healthcare through telehealth.

The Telehealth Pioneer Award supports individual scientists and/or entrepreneurs with exceptional creativity who propose bold, highly innovative, and broadly impactful research and/or inventions towards the ultimate goal of pushing boundaries and enhancing human health through the use of technology.

Telehealth Pioneer Award

Telehealth Lifetime Achievement Award

The Telehealth Lifetime Achievement Award honors outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to the advancement of telehealth for at least 2 decades. Their documented accomplishments represent those the exploration, testing, development and implementation of telehealth in their organization, community, state and nation.

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Nominations are closed for 2024. 

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