RHAU Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Record-Breaking 2024 Annual Conference

St. George, UT – The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) marked its 25th anniversary in grand style at the 2024 Annual RHAU Conference. This milestone event welcomed a record-breaking 285 attendees from across Utah and the nation — the largest turnout in the association’s history.

Themed "Cultivating Healthier Lives in Rural Utah," the conference paid homage to Utah's agricultural heritage and spirit of self-reliance. The event kicked off on the evening of Wednesday, November 13, 2024, with a networking dinner at the Dixie Convention Center. Attendees gathered to honor several outstanding individuals and one exceptional organization during the Annual RHAU Awards presentation.

One of the evening’s most exciting announcements was the appointment of Kasey Shakespear as RHAU’s first full-time, fully dedicated Executive Director. Shakespear, alongside RHAU Board President Kurt Loveless, shared an inspiring vision for the future of RHAU, unveiling ambitious plans for 2025.

New Initiatives and Resources for 2025

Among the initiatives revealed was the launch of grant writing services aimed at empowering healthcare organizations in rural Utah. “This new resource will unlock opportunities for healthcare organizations that might not have the capacity to pursue funding on their own,” said Shakespear.

RHAU also announced the upcoming launch of a member portal on RHAU.org. The portal will provide members with enhanced tools, resources, and networking opportunities.

Additionally, RHAU introduced plans to establish a new Advisory Council and an Advocacy Committee. The Advocacy Committee, supported by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), will play a pivotal role in advancing RHAU’s advocacy efforts and giving members more ways to engage and make an impact.

A Packed Day of Learning and Collaboration

The main conference commenced on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Dixie Convention Center, featuring an unprecedented 43 sponsors and 28 poster presenters — both all-time highs for RHAU. Attendees explored the latest in rural health research, innovations, and initiatives.

Headlining the conference was keynote speaker Corbin Allred, a local physician assistant at St. George Regional Hospital, as well as a renowned writer, director, and actor. Allred delivered an impactful keynote address that inspired and challenged attendees to push for positive change in rural healthcare.

Another highlight was a legislative update panel organized by Marc Watterson, Director of the Utah Office of Primary Care and Rural Health. The panel featured in-person remarks from Senator Evan Vickers, along with recorded insights from Senators Norman Thurston, Raymond Ward, and Christina Watkins. Zil Joyce Dixon Romero from the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) also addressed the conference, offering a national perspective on the support of rural health initiatives.

Breakout Sessions and Expert Insights

Breakout sessions featured experts from leading organizations, including the Utah Telehealth Network, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Intermountain Health, Primary Children’s Hospital, the Association for Utah Community Health (AUCH), Utah State University Extension, and Utah Tech University. Topics ranged from telehealth advancements and trauma networks to grant writing, medical services, cybersecurity, and more.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The momentum from this year’s conference carries into 2025, with the next RHAU Annual Conference scheduled for November 11-12, 2025, back in St. George. Organizers are already planning another impactful event that promises to continue building on the legacy of RHAU’s first 25 years. Anyone passionate about rural health is encouraged to attend and be part of the movement shaping the future of healthcare in rural Utah.

For more information on RHAU’s upcoming initiatives, membership resources, and the 2025 Annual Conference, visit RHAU.org.

RHAU Conference Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7svf_ZQdHc