Rural Health Association of Utah Executive Director recognized for supporting nursing education and expanding opportunities for rural communities SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Kasey Shakespear, MHA, MPH, MA, Executive Director of the Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU), was honored with the prestigious Friend of Nursing Award by Nightingale Education Group during its NightinGala on August 20, 2026. The Friend of Nursing Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and commitment have...

The Rural Health Association of Utah is proud to celebrate Dr. Melissa J. Hinton on being named a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP), one of the profession's highest honors. This prestigious recognition reflects her outstanding leadership, advocacy, and lasting contributions to improving healthcare access and patient outcomes in Utah and beyond.

Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) has appointed Student Doctor Mike Banasky as its 2026–2027 Board Student Representative. A native of Price, Utah and current osteopathic medical student at Rocky Vista University, Banasky brings experience in rural mental health advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and crisis support services, with a focus on expanding access to care in underserved communities.