Rural Health Awards Nominations
Each year NRHA 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.
An Awards Event Celebrating Excellence in Rural Health
Each year NRHA 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.
Consider nominating your favorite rural health individual, program or organization so that they may be honored nationally for their contributions to rural health.
Nominations for the 2025 Rural Health Awards are now closed. 2026 nominations will open in December. Selections will be made solely on the basis of a narrative included on the nomination form. If you have questions about the Rural Health Awards, contact Donna Douglas.
The entry deadline was Feb. 24 and late submissions are not permitted – no exceptions.
Introducing the Quinn NRHA Student Awards
Through the generosity of longtime NRHA member, Kathleen Quinn, NRHA is pleased to announce the formation of the Quinn NRHA Student Awards. Eligible candidates for student awards include individuals enrolled in an institution of higher learning in some form or capacity, including residents, undergraduate, graduate, technical, vocational, community college, or junior college students. This award recognizes extraordinary student initiative within the field of rural health including rural health care delivery, education, promotion, research, or advocacy. Efforts may include organizing and directing rural health activities or groups, significant achievements, unique approaches to identifying or meeting needs, clinical health care delivery, health care infrastructure development, significant health care research, or educational or promotional activities.
Two student winners will be named, each receiving a $1,500 scholarship plus a travel allowance to attend NRHA’s Annual Rural Health Conference.
NRHA Awards Presentation
The 2025 Awards Luncheon will be held at NRHA's 48th Annual Rural Health Conference May 22 in Atlanta. At this time the awardees are presented with a commemorative gift before approximately 1,000 rural health peers.
If you have questions about the Rural Health Awards, contact Donna Douglas.
NRHA Awards Recognition
Click here for a list of previous award winners.
Click here to view acceptance videos of previous award winners.
Organizational awards
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 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.
Individual awards
The Louis Gorin Award for Outstanding Achievement in Rural Health Care is presented annually in memory of Louis Gorin, a federal employee who for 25 years helped lead the design and authorization of health initiatives for rural America. Award recipients are selected based on their creativity, unselfishness, compassion and cooperative attitude in seeking ways to make lasting contributions to rural health care. The nominees’ work should expand beyond the local community and have a demonstrated effect on rural health at state and national levels. This category includes, but is not limited to, contributions to rural health policy, legislation, health care and health programs.
NRHA's Rural Health Practitioner of the Year Award recognizes a direct service provider for leadership in bringing health services to rural populations. This award is meant to be inclusive of all health disciplines (e.g. dentistry, optometry, nursing, etc.). Factors taken into consideration include providing outstanding care, involvement in the community, and lasting contributions to the health care system.
NRHA's Outstanding Researcher or Educator Award strives to recognize that health services research, as well as education and curriculum development specific to rural health needs, has the potential to make long-lasting contributions. Criteria considered include the scope of accomplishments, significance of the work to rural health, and sophistication of the scholarly effort. The premise is made that distinguished professionals in research and/or education have the potential through their own work, or through inspiring the work of others, to encourage, assist, enhance, expand and improve rural health. Nominees may be professionals in the fields of research or education.
Eligible candidates for student awards include individuals enrolled in an institution of higher learning in some form or capacity, including residents, undergraduate, graduate, technical, vocational, community college, or junior college students. This award recognizes extraordinary student initiative within the field of rural health including rural health care delivery, education, promotion, research, or advocacy. Efforts may include organizing and directing rural health activities or groups, significant achievements, unique approaches to identifying or meeting needs, clinical health care delivery, health care infrastructure development, significant health care research, or educational or promotional activities.
Two student winners will be named, each receiving a $1,500 scholarship plus a travel allowance to attend NRHA’s Annual Rural Health Conference.