2018 WRHA Awards Recipients Left to Right: Beionka Moore, WRHA Executive Director; Tammy Arndt, Director of Telehealth Inland NW Health Services; Susan Skillman, Deputy Director at CHWS at University of Washington; Dr. Tobe Howard Harberd, Rural Physician in Chelan, WA; Ron Wallin, Board Chair, WhidbeyHealth; Kyrk Taylor, Masters Student, WSU
Each year, the Washington Rural Health Association honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions in the field of rural health care. As a leadership organization, we take great pride in recognizing the efforts of professionals and colleagues in our rural health family across the state.
We invite our members to consider nominating an individual or organization that has made a significant positive impact on rural health in Washington State for next year’s ceremony. Nominees do not have to be members of WRHA to be eligible for these awards. Nominations may be made by any member of WRHA.
An individual or organization may be nominated in one of the following categories:
LEAH LAYNE MEMORIAL HEALTH LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award honors the late Leah Layne, a long-time campaigner and activist on behalf of rural health. This award is based on demonstrated leadership skills, someone who best exemplifies Leah’s spirit, vision, foresight and dedication in the field of rural health.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO RURAL HEALTH
This award is based on the overall contributions a nominee has made to benefit rural health. This award is for nominees who have, over the course of their careers, made significant impacts in rural health across the state.
DR. JOHN ANDERSON MEMORIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING RURAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER
This award honors the late Dr. John Anderson, a dedicated physician and a leader in the development of a system to ensure that physicians and other health care have an opportunity to work in the rural communities of Washington State. This award is based on the demonstrated leadership skills and the dedication to provide quality healthcare services to rural communities.
MARY SELECKY FRIEND OF RURAL HEALTH
This award seeks nominees who have made a special effort to cause and effect change in rural health policy, legislation, etc. to specifically benefit rural health outcomes. This category honors individuals who are legislators, trustees, community wellness activists, etc.
FUTURE OF RURAL HEALTH
This award recognizes an outstanding youth 14-20 years of age from a rural community who has performed outstanding volunteer service for better health in his/her community or who is successfully pursuing health sciences educational opportunities.
Past WRHA Awards Recipients
Leah Layne Memorial Health Leadership Award
2018 Susan Skillman 2015 Kris Sparks 2014 Paul Nurick 2013 Renee Jensen 2011 Tom Martin 2010 Vic Dirksen
Outstanding Contribution to Rural Health Award
2018 Ron Wallin 2017 Chief Gordon Pomeroy 2016 Thomas Martin 2015 Robert Campbell, MHA 2014 Bruce Buckles 2013 Mike Bell, CPA 2012 Natalie Gonzalez 2011 Bettie Rundlett 2010 Camille Scott and Barbara Schlimmer
The Dr. John Anderson Memorial Award for Outstanding Rural Health Practitioner (created in 2010)
2018 Dr. Tobe Howard Harberd 2017 Dr. Yong Ki Shin and Dr. Clara Chon Shin 2016 Dr. William Hurley 2015 Mark Larson, MD; Edward Macke, MD and Robert St. Clair, MD 2014 Andy Castrodale, MD 2013 Shawn Andrews, MD 2012 Rob and Patty Slagle 2011 Patrick Ogilvie, MD 2010 Robert Watkins, MD and James Mowry, MD
The Mary Selecky Friend of Rural Health Award (renamed in 2013)
2018 Tammy A. Arndt 2017 Eric Larson, PhD 2016 Jeff Mero 2015 Brenda Suiter 2014 Nancy Webster 2013 Roger Rosenblatt 2012 Katherine A. Sanders 2011 Helen Kuebel
Future of Rural Health Award
2018 Kyrk Taylor 2014 Maggie Douglas 2011 Sarah Olson 2007 Becky Bertram 2006 Ashley Jones 2005 Miguel Blancas