Each year, VRHA recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the health and well-being of rural Virginians.
Commitment and service to the advancement of rural health in Virginia may be in the form of direct provision of health care services, governmental or educational advocacy, and activities or research that improves the health of communities or populations.
National Rural Health Day Community Star:
2024 – N. Travis Clark
2021 – Bryan Price
2020 – Tim Perkins
2019 – Beth O’Connor, M. Ed.
The Charles Crowder, Jr. Award:
This award is given annually by the Virginia Rural Health Association to recognize outstanding individual commitment and service to the advancement of rural health in Virginia.
2024 – Yvonne Frazier
2023 – Meagan Helmick
2019 – Sandra Balmoria, M.D.
2018 – Laura Hunt Trull
2017 – Charles Tarasidis
2016 – James L. Werth, Jr., Ph.D., ABPP
2015 – Luanne Rife
2014 – Mr. S. Henley Carter and Mr. George G. Phillips
2013 – Debbie Lipes
2012 – Teresa Gardner
2011 – Eleanor Sue Cantrell, MD. BPharm
2010 – Dr. David B. Nichols
2009 – Janice Wilkins
2008 – James E. Tyler
2007 – Dr. Gregory Byrd, Jr.
2006 – Dixie Tooke-Rawlins
2005 – Dr. Charles Miller
2004 – Delegate Albert D. Pollard
The Best Practices in Rural Health Award:
This award is given annually by the Virginia Rural Health Association to recognize a program or institution that exemplifies commitment and service to the advancement of rural health in Virginia.
2024 – Bay Rivers Telehealth Alliance
2023 – RAMPAGE
2019 – Virginia Tech Autism Clinic and Center for Autism Research
2018 – Stone Mountain Health Services (Black Lung Program)
2017 – Best Practices in Rural Health
2016 – Health Efficiency Navigation Initiative (Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital)
2015 – Stone Mountain Health Services Behavioral Health Program
2014 – Mountain Empire Older Citizens
2013 – Carilion Giles Community Hospital Discharge Planning Team
2012 – Radford University Doctor of Psychology Program
2011 – Augusta Dental Clinic
2010 – Carilion Giles Community Hospital
2009 – Lackey Free Clinic
2008 – Eastern Shore Rural Health System
2007 – Virginia Community Healthcare Association
2006 – Rappahannock Area Health Education Center
2005 – Virginia Dental Health Association
2004 – Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital Health Wagon
The Ken Studer Friend of the Association:
This award is given to recognize a program, institution or individual that has advocated for or aided the Association in support of the Association’s mission.
2024 – Heather Karr Anderson
2023 – Virginia Rural Center Rural Leadership Institute
2019 – New College Institute
2018 – Summer Sage
2017 – Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium
2016 – Remote Area Medical
2015 – Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association
2014 – Dr. Kenneth Studer, Ph. D.
2013 – VDH OMHHE Health Equity Report Collaborative Team
2012 – UVA Law School Nonprofit Clinic
2011 – National Rural Health Association
2010 – Virginia Rural Center
2009 – Virginia State Office of Rural Health
2008 – South Atlantic Division of the American Cancer Society
2007 – Rebecca J. Davis, PhD
2006 – Herman Marshall
2005 – Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lawmaker of the Year:
Lawmaker of the Year is designed to give special recognition to an elected official at any level who has demonstrated support for improving health in rural Virginia.
2024 – Delegate Rodney Willett
2023 – Delegate Sam Rasoul
2018 – Delegate Terry Kilgore
2017 – Delegate Todd Pillion
2015 – Representative Robert “Bob” Goodlatte
2014 – Senator Emmett Hanger
2010 – Delegate Clarence “Bud” Phillips
2009 – Delegate Dave Nutter