ROOTS
People and Places of Rural Health
September 2017 
In This Issue
New Resources Now Available!

 
These fact sheets, developed through collaboration with the Educational Exchange Committee and the PPMT Committee, are intended for SORH to use when engaging rural hospitals and clinics in their states. Both provide a basic overview of the regulations impacting clinics and hospitals.

Social Determinants of Health Reference Guide

I n collaboration with the Association of State and Territorial Health 
Officials (ASTHO), NOSORH recently released
Social Determinants of Health: A Quick Reference Guide for State Offices of Rural Health and State and Territorial Health Officials.
 
  This guide offers an overview of social determinants of health, highlighting the key interplays between health status and the social issues of housing, transportation, education, and food insecurity. The guide also provides targeted resources and state examples.
     
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These resources are located on the NOSORH website under Educational Resources by Topic.

For questions regarding these resources, please contact Chris Salyers, Education and Services Director.

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Honoring Leadership
Past and Present 
Andy Nichols
Andy Nichols was a rural health leader in Arizona from before the day there was even a State Office of Rural Health. He was a future-focused advocate of rural health from the time of his early career. He was a master of policy and innovative approaches to funding and health care delivery. Each year, the Andy Nichols Rural Health Advocate Award is presented to recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to rural, frontier or border health, has demonstrated deep commitment to social justice and improvement for the health of underserved populations.

John Barnas, Executive Director of the Michigan Center for Rural Health, was nominated by Cathleen McElligott, Massachusetts Office of Rural Health, who shared "I knew Andy personally, and John exhibits many of the same dear qualities as Andy did, that being great leadership, great vision, great advocacy/legislative work and great commitment and strong collaborations." 

John sent this reflection shortly after receiving this award as a reminder to focus on the future, but learn from our roots. Congratulations to John and many thanks.
Greetings,

At the NOSORH annual meeting I was awarded the Andy Nichols  Award. I must tell you I am honored and I was surprised; quite surprised. The following day on my flight home I thought about the award, and I want to share a couple of my thoughts.
 
First, you never know who is watching you work. I was clueles that  Cathleen knew so much of the Michigan Center for Rural  Healt activities. As I said when I accepted the award, it doesn't happen without Crystal, Emma, Jeff, Sara, Victoria, Rachel and the administrative  assistants. 

Secondly, so many of you never met Andy Nichols. Take a minute and  think how much you love your job, the rural communities, and their health care providers. Now, multiple that by 10...that was Andy Nichols and why I am so honored to accept an award in his memory.

Thank you,

John Barnas
Executive Director
Michigan Center for Rural Health
NOSORH Member of the Month

Kirby Lecy
Massachusetts Office of Rural Health
Outreach & Communications Coordinator

NOSORH Member Since: 2014

NOSORH Leadership Institute
Graduate in 2013

 
What I'm working on right now:
Supporting a new rural health network, National Rural Health Day plans and some health workforce initiatives.
 
My Top 3 Goals for 2017:
1. Getting my physical self back in line with my mental self through running. 
2. Taking more time to reach out and appreciate people around me who are important to me, impact me, and inspire me. 
3. Less procrastination- time pressure does not actually make me "work better", despite all the excuses my brain tells me.
 
Favorite thing about working at a SORH:
Variety! Every day is a new topic to learn about, challenge to overcome and inspiration to receive. I have never been surrounded by such passion, knowledge and motivation both in my state and through all our national colleagues and partners. 
 
If I weren't doing this, I would be...
Saving the world through agricultural empowerment - AKA farming! 

Best advice I ever received:
A stranger once changed the course of my life with a few simple statements. The paraphrased version: "That only we have the power to create the world we live in. Take the time to build intention in your life, even if it is just how you choose to view the day or a circumstance. Those small actions radiate in ways you never thought possible." The simple act of re-framing small things in my world has opened up doors and happiness I never thought possible!
 
People would be surprised if they knew:
Prior to my public health work, I was a swim lesson instructor and Aquatics Director.
 
3 great things about rural health in Massachusetts:
The 52% of landmass in my state that is rural is home to the most collaborative and innovative people and organizations. Despite inequities, they find ways to take care of one another using incredible partnerships that span public, private and non profit entities. Nothing pleases me more than when an urban area wants to learn more about these innovative models happening in rural because they are astounded by the work happening!
 
Contact Ashley Muninger to nominate the next Member of the Month!
Comings and Goings
Matt McCullough was recently promoted to be the new Director of the Utah Office of Primary Care and Rural Health. Matt has been with the office as a Senior Research Analyst managing the PCO program since June of 2016. He has over ten years of experience with GIS and spatial data analysis and is currently pursuing a PhD in Medical/Health Geography at the University of Utah. His research focus is on the spatial determinants of health outcomes and access to care. He is very excited about his new role and the opportunity to work with a great staff to make a difference for rural health in Utah.
Julie Ketelsen  left the Texas Office of Rural Affairs as a Rural Health Specialist to work in the immunization unit at the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Ariel Serrano  will be leaving the Idaho Bureau of Rural Health and Primary Care as Health Program Specialist on September 29. She will be relocating to Anchorage, AK, for a new adventure.