.png)
Reporte anual
Annual Award Nominations
Thank you for your interest in nominating outstanding individuals and organizations serving rural Utah for the 2025 RHAU Annual Awards!
We’re excited to announce two new award categories for 2025:
-
RHAU Rural Nurse of the Year
-
RHAU Health Professional of the Year
In addition, we’ve made updates to some existing awards:
-
The “RHAU Rural Faculty of the Year” award has been renamed to “RHAU Rural Educator of the Year.” This award now includes a broader range of eligible nominees—such as educators at institutions of higher education, clinical preceptors, residency program leaders, and others who mentor and support future rural healthcare professionals in Utah.
-
We’ve also made the difficult decision to retire the RHAU Educational Partner of the Year award. Organizations that would have qualified for this category are now eligible under the RHAU Educator of the Year award.
Nominations are open until Friday, September 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. MST.
Award recipients will be honored during the 2025 RHAU Annual Conference on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, Utah, beginning at 6:00 p.m. MST.
Descriptions of each category and nomination forms can be found below. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@rhau.org.
RHAU Lifetime Achievement Award
The Rural Health Association of Utah Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in the field of healthcare within rural communities in Utah. This award celebrates the remarkable contributions of individuals who have devoted their careers to improving the health and well-being of residents in remote and underserved areas. Recipients of this award have exhibited outstanding leadership, shown a profound commitment to addressing the unique challenges of rural healthcare delivery, and have made significant strides in enhancing medical access, quality, and services in these regions. Through their tireless efforts, awardees have left an enduring legacy that has positively shaped healthcare practices and positively influenced the lives of countless individuals in rural areas.
RHAU Rural Health Champion of the Year
The Rural Health Association of Utah’s Rural Health Champion of the Year Award stands as a pinnacle of recognition, honoring a remarkable individual or organization that has displayed unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership, and a profound impact in the realm of rural health care in the state of Utah over the previous year. This esteemed accolade celebrates those who have gone above and beyond to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities, demonstrating innovative solutions, advocating for change, and making substantial strides in enhancing healthcare access and quality. The awardee's transformative efforts not only improve health outcomes within underserved areas but also serve as an inspiration for others to actively engage in and contribute to the advancement of rural health on a broader scale.
RHAU Rural Provider of the Year
The Rural Health Association of Utah’s Rural Provider of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary healthcare provider—whether in medical, mental health, oral health, or another healthcare discipline—who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, outstanding clinical skills, and a profound impact on healthcare delivery within rural Utah communities. This prestigious award celebrates the provider's commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural populations, showcasing their unwavering efforts to ensure access to high-quality care. Through innovative practices, compassionate patient care, and a deep understanding of local needs, the awardee has become a beacon of excellence in rural healthcare. This recognition not only honors their outstanding achievements but also highlights their role as a vital healthcare partner in improving the well-being of individuals and families in underserved areas.
RHAU Rural Nurse of the Year
The Rural Health Association of Utah’s Rural Nurse of the Year Award honors an exceptional nurse who embodies the compassion, resilience, and dedication at the heart of healthcare. This award recognizes a rural nurse—whether in clinical practice, community health, education, or leadership—who has made a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals and families in rural Utah. Nurses are often the frontline lifeline in rural communities, and this award celebrates a professional whose clinical excellence, patient advocacy, and commitment to overcoming rural health challenges have truly set them apart. Through tireless service, innovative care, and a deep connection to the community, the awardee exemplifies the vital role of nursing in delivering high-quality, person-centered care across rural Utah.
RHAU Rural Health Professional of the Year
The Rural Health Association of Utah’s Rural Health Professional of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding individual working outside of direct clinical care—such as support staff, administrators, community program managers, community health workers, or other vital roles—who has made a significant impact on rural health in Utah. These professionals are the backbone of rural healthcare systems, ensuring that services are accessible, coordinated, and responsive to community needs. This award honors someone whose dedication, innovation, and behind-the-scenes leadership have improved health outcomes and strengthened the fabric of rural communities. Whether through program development, patient support, outreach, or operational excellence, the awardee exemplifies what it means to be a champion for rural health and a trusted partner in advancing community well-being.
RHAU Rural Educator of the Year
The Rural Health Association of Utah’s Rural Educator of the Year Award acknowledges an exceptional educator—whether a faculty member at an institution of higher education, a clinical preceptor, or a dedicated mentor—who has made a significant impact in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals for the unique challenges and opportunities present in rural settings. This distinguished award celebrates individuals who equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to provide compassionate, effective care in remote and underserved communities. Through innovative teaching methods, hands-on mentorship, and a deep commitment to fostering an understanding of rural healthcare dynamics, the recipient has demonstrated a remarkable ability to inspire and shape future rural healthcare providers. This accolade not only honors their outstanding contributions to education and mentorship but also highlights their vital role in building a strong, sustainable rural health workforce across Utah.