We are pleased to announce the 2008 Nomination forms are now available for the Rural Health Association of Tennessee Annual Awards, which will be presented at the Annual Conference on November 20, 2008.

    Rural Health Worker of the Year

This award is bestowed upon an individual who has made an outstanding contribution of major significance to rural health and is a member of the Association. Consideration shall be given to all areas of rural health. Nomination information should indicate that the individual’s efforts have surpassed normal expectations and that efforts are exemplary of the dedication to the advancement of the health of the public.

     Distinguished Service

This award recognizes an individual who has contributed outstanding service to the Association and rural health over a period of years.

    Special Exemplary Project

This award recognizes an organization or group which has successfully developed a unique program or project that advances rural health.

    Award of Merit

This award recognizes any individual, group of individuals, or agency, which made an outstanding contribution of major significance to the rural health movement. Nominees need not be association members. Factors taken into consideration include: broad benefits to health, innovative programs, unusual contributions or activities that provide outstanding benefit to the public’s health and are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Association. The nominating agency should not consider longevity, discipline, popularity, and service generally expected in one’s job. There will be no special consideration given to nominees who are anticipating retirement or have just retired.

    Rural Health Practitioner of the Year

This award is given to a direct service provider honored for leadership in bringing health services to citizens of rural Tennessee. Factors considered: must be a provider (physician or mid-level provider); must provide outstanding care; must be involved in the community; and must be providing a lasting contribution to the rural health care system in Tennessee.

    The Al Grant Award

Al Grant has been an instrumental figure in the birth and growth of State Rural Health Associations across the nation. There are 34 state associations in total. He is truly a proponent of rural life and is the ideal embodiment of the citizen legislator, combining his public health knowledge with political savvy and persistence to better the State of Tennessee and its citizens. This award is bestowed upon an individual who has exhibited above-and-beyond exemplary-initiative in forwarding the cause of rural health in Tennessee over the person’s career. This recipient should display the ability to bring together multi-faceted individuals to the common good of the health of all rural citizens of Tennessee. 

The award need not be awarded every year if the Awards Committee feels there is not a suitable recipient.