Annual Awards

Dr. Box, a hepatologist at the University of Utah Health, has dedicated over 41 years to advancing patient care, medical education, and healthcare access for underserved communities. As a leader in hepatology, he has specialized in liver disease and transplantation, improving outcomes for patients with chronic liver conditions. His compassionate advocacy has particularly benefited liver transplant patients. Dr. Box is also a pioneer in healthcare innovation through his work with Project ECHO, a tele-mentoring initiative that connects rural healthcare providers with specialists. In 2011, he helped bring the ECHO model to Utah, making it the third site worldwide. Since then, Project ECHO has expanded to over 800 programs globally, empowering healthcare professionals to manage complex conditions like hepatitis C and cirrhosis. Under Dr. Box’s leadership, the University of Utah’s ECHO program has grown to include 33 programs, reaching 5,000+ healthcare providers and treating 5,500 patients. His work has revolutionized healthcare delivery, improving access to care and democratizing medical knowledge for underserved populations.

Since joining Kane County Hospital three years ago, Kurt has been an unwavering advocate for his community. Under his leadership, the hospital, originally built in 1997 and renovated in 2019, is now poised for its first major expansion, with a groundbreaking scheduled for this month. Kurt’s vision for the future includes broadening access to essential services such as surgical care, dialysis, chemotherapy and other IV treatments, as well as establishing a sleep lab. In addition to his work at the hospital, Kurt has been a steadfast supporter of RHAU. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the organization through a critical reorganization, ensuring its continued impact and success. With a blend of foresight, initiative, and collaboration, Kurt works closely with the RHAU board and rural healthcare partners to drive meaningful change and strengthen healthcare access across the region. His commitment and vision make him a true leader in advancing rural healthcare.

Dr. Bracken embodies the very best of rural healthcare. After training at the Mayo Clinic, he had many career opportunities, yet chose to return to Utah to practice primary care. He began his career at Sevier Valley Hospital in Richfield before settling in Enterprise, where he built his practice from the ground up next to his family’s hardware store. Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Bracken is deeply involved in his community, coaching youth sports and supporting local events, while still making time to moonlight at the Sevier Valley Emergency Department. Driven by a passion for rural health, Dr. Bracken navigated the rigorous process of establishing his clinic as a Rural Health Clinic, and he continues to thrive. Recently, he expanded his practice by welcoming a new provider to better serve his community. He is also helping to build a Rural Health Clinic network across Utah and recently contributed as a subject matter expert for a diabetes care improvement series through Project ECHO. In addition, Dr. Bracken serves as the treasurer for the RHAU Board. Dr. Bracken's love for rural southern Utah is evident in his dedication to the communities that have embraced him. He balances his professional commitments with being an exceptional husband and father. His tireless service and unwavering dedication make him truly deserving of this recognition.

Dr. Layton, who has served as Department Chair (2022-2024) and now Graduate Programs Director (2024-current) in the Department of Nursing at SUU has been instrumental in developing new and impactful masters-level nursing programs over the past few academic years, including the MS in Leadership and Administration (launched in 2023) and the MS - Family Nurse Practitioner program (launched in 2024). Both programs are online, which allows for current nursing professionals working in diverse locations (including rural) in both Utah and beyond to advance their education and training to improve the health and wellness of the people and communities that they serve. The often unnoticed 'extra miles and effort' that Dr. Layton has invested into program and curriculum development, along with pursuing program accreditation, deserves congratulatory acknowledgment amongst his peers and in the greater healthcare community. Congratulations to Dr. Selwyn Layton on his extraordinary leadership that will positively benefit rural health care in Utah (and beyond) for years to come.

Utah State University (USU) Extension improves lives across Utah through evidence-based programs. One such initiative, Be Epic, Escape the Vape (Be Epic), was created in 2020 to address rising youth e-cigarette use in rural Utah, particularly in Carbon, Emery, and Grand Counties. At the time, these areas had some of the highest youth vaping rates in the state, with 48.3% of 12th graders in the Four Corners District reporting lifetime use in the 2019 SHARP survey. Be Epic employs a multi-component approach targeting youth, parents, teachers, and the broader community. By combating myths and raising awareness about the harms of vaping, the program has made a significant impact. In the 2023 SHARP survey, the number of 12th graders reporting lifetime e-cigarette use dropped to 32.9%, and past 30-day use fell to 20.2%. While still high, these figures show a notable decline, reflecting the program’s success in reducing youth vaping in the region. If you aren’t familiar with the dozens of programs offered through USU Extension we highly encourage you to visit their website and learn more about how they can help your community. We are thrilled to recognize all programs and members of USU Extension with this award.