Southern Utah AHEC/RHAU 2023 Annual Report

RITA OSBORN, MBA MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As this fiscal year draws to a close, we want to celebrate our accomplishments with you all! Again, this year our center has grown, both in terms of staff and programs. Let me highlight a few of these here but this report highlights so many more.

Our National AHEC Organization met for their bi-annual conference in late June 2023 in Salt Lake City, UT. This historic event showcased AHEC program offices and centers that serve most of our country. Our Southern Utah AHEC ranks in the top ten percent of all AHEC centers in terms of budget and number of

staff! This is an amazing accomplishment that has come from our incredible team and the work they do on behalf of our communities. Our team was chosen to showcase the work being done in rural Sevier county by our Community Health Workers.

When the rubber meets the road, (yes, this is an analogy for the number of miles our team travels), our success comes from a secure rural healthcare workforce. Every program our center conducts harkens back to this goal. Each year, at this time of year we celebrate those alums of our pipeline programs who

choose to work in rural Utah.

Some of our new programs this next year include our new Mobile Wellness Van. This van was secured by funding from USHE and in conjunction with the SUU Nursing Department. It will provide wellness events in rural Utah. If you would like to host a visit in your community, please let us know.

This past year saw the beginning of Utah's Health Workforce Advisory Council (HWAC). This new, legislatively created council provides insight

and guidance to the legislature for initiatives that impact the healthcare workforce. I am honored to serve on this council and encourage you to reach out if you have questions or concerns about potential legislation.

Finally, I must celebrate our team! We have grown a team who are excelling at national levels in their areas of specialty. Growing and thriving, especially with a team that works across rural Utah can be challenging, but our team is amazing! Kudos to each and every one of you.

BUDGET

FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2022 - JUNE 30, 2023

TOTAL FUNDING: $3,047,299.25

OUR STAFF

Austin Jones Program Coordinator

Rita Osborn Executive Director

Kasey Shakespear Assistant Director

Carrie Torgersen Assistant Director

Eric Johansen Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator

Tracy Hetherington

Sam Thompson

Valerie Orlemann

Lauren Gleave

Carrie Olvera Community Health Worker Community Health Worker Program Coordinator Program Coordinator

Wendy Hutcheson Business Manager

Nathan Wiggins Data Analyst Program Manager

Alexus Erickson Jennifer Liebert Program Manager Program Coordinator

Heidi Heiner Program Coordinator

Ginny Smith Program Coordinator

Dane Howe Program Coordinator

Lauren Harris Program Coordinator

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS & LOCATIONS

Our staff members consistently demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of Utah's rural and underrepresented communities. Their hard work and passion is instrumental in our organization's growth and success over the past year.

We have staff members living in various counties throughout rural Utah including, Washington, Iron, Piute, Sevier, Sanpete, and Carbon.

We are proud to have a team that goes above and beyond to ensure the success of our programs and initiatives. Their expertise, professionalism, and compassionate approach makes a

significant impact on the individuals and communities we serve.

In addition to welcoming new Program Coordinators and witnessing staff members assume new roles, we saw our team flourish in their respective areas of expertise. Their collective efforts allowed us to expand our reach and create meaningful opportunities for those in need.

We cannot overstate our gratitude for the dedicated individuals who are part of our organization, providing invaluable knowledge and experience. Their continued commitment to our mission is a driving force behind our achievements.

MESSAGE FROM BOARD CHAIRGREG ROSENVALL

We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your continued dedication and support of the Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU). As we reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, we are thrilled to share exciting updates for the upcoming 2023 Annual Rural Health Association of Utah Conference.

Save the date for November 8th and 9th as we gather in St. George, Utah. The conference theme, "Innovations in Rural Health: Navigating the Future," promises two days of insightful discussions, networking, and knowledge sharing.

Discover diverse breakout sessions covering healthcare trends, available resources, and pressing rural health issues. Renowned speakers and innovators from the rural Utah healthcare

community will inspire and enlighten us.

We are proud to host the conference at the Dixie Convention Center, renowned for its modern facilities and prime location. This larger venue accommodates our growing membership and encourages collaboration and innovation.

Join us in the Annual RHAU Scholarship Golf Tournament on November 8th at the scenic Sunbrook Golf Club. Proceeds will support the Utah Health Scholars pre-health program at Southern Utah University and Utah Tech University.

We express our sincere gratitude for your unwavering support and commitment. Together, we can continue driving positive change and make a lasting impact on rural healthcare.

The mission of the Rural Health Association of Utah is to provide a unified voice to promote and enhance the quality of rural health through leadership, advocacy, coalition building, education, and to affect policy and legislation.

RHAU/SUAHEC BOARD MEMBERS

Greg Rosenvall President

Kurt Loveless, MBA Vice President/President-Elect

Russel Sorenson, PhD Board Member

Ivette Lopez, PhD Board Member

David Crimin, D.O. Board Member

GJ Willden, M.D. Board Member

Cynthia Kimball-Davis, PhD Treasurer Board Member

Colten Bracken, MD Glen S. Olson, DDS Board Member

Jesse Spencer, MD Board Member

John Bosak RVU Student Board Member

Board Member

Logan Reid, LPS, MS, MSW Board Member

Melissa Hinton, DNP, FNP-BC, CARN-AP, CEN

The Rural Health Association of Utah is excited to announce its 20th Annual Conference, which will be held at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, Utah, on Thursday, November 9th, 2023. This premier event brings together health professionals, policy makers, and community members to engage in meaningful discussions surrounding the challenges and successes of rural healthcare in Utah.

Join us for an enriching experience where you will gain valuable insights into current trends and best practices in rural health. Our esteemed experts will share the latest advances in rural healthcare, equipping you with the knowledge to drive positive change in your own communities. This conference also provides a unique networking opportunity, allowing you to connect with

like-minded professionals in the field.

As we navigate the future of rural healthcare, this conference offers an exceptional platform to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and exchange ideas and strategies for enhancing the quality of care in rural Utah. It is a must-attend event for those seeking to expand their knowledge, grow professionally, and forge stronger relationships within the rural health community. We invite you to be part of this fantastic event, where you will not only learn, but also have a memorable experience. Mark your calendars and join us at the Rural Health Association of Utah Annual Conference - an opportunity you won't want to miss.

The upcoming RHAU Annual Conference will be held in the ballroom of the Dixie Convention Center.

PATHWAY PROGRAMS PATHWAY PROGRAMS

ALEXUS ERICKSON MESSAGE FROM PATHWAY PROGRAM MANAGER

Throughout the year, our Pathway Programs have served nearly 900 students from Southern Utah University, Utah Tech University, Snow College, and Utah State University-Eastern. We are proud to report that our acceptance rate from SUU students to medical school stands at an impressive 92%, surpassing the national average, while also achieving an 85.7% acceptance rate into dental schools.

Our program experienced remarkable growth, welcoming new students into our Pathway Programs at an increasing rate on the campuses we serve. We also revitalized our high school outreach efforts by hosting a healthcare career exploration camp, providing young students with valuable insights and guidance for their future in the healthcare field.

In addition to our recruitment efforts, we worked diligently with our students, providing one-on-one support to prepare them for graduate school application submissions. We organized nearly 30 different seminars on our campuses, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on their pre-health journey successfully.

Throughout the year, our alumni played a vital role in our programs, providing valuable insights and mentorship to current students through job shadowing experiences and networking opportunities. In terms of cultural immersion trips, we successfully organized five trips, including three to the Dominican Republic, where students immersed themselves in the local culture, gained global health perspectives, and contributed to

community development. We also had a transformative trip to the Four Corners area, exploring Native American heritage, and another impactful journey in Montana, working with disabled veterans.

We held successful application workshops and interview bootcamps at SUU and Utah Tech, which helped students prepare to have a successful experience throughout the healthcare graduate program application cycle.

Moving forward, we remain dedicated to nurturing our students' spirit of service, with upcoming large-scale service projects in our local community. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our staff, partners, and supporters for their unwavering commitment, as together we shape the future of healthcare and positively impact lives.

UHS Program Locations & Numbers

102 UHS Students

25 UHS Students

510 UHS Students

320 UHS Students

SNOW COLLEGE SERVE WITH PUROSE EVENT

In collaboration with Snow College's Softball Team, and the Healthy Badger's Coalition, the Utah Health Scholars program proudly hosted a campus and community-wide service event aimed at making a positive impact, in honor of the late Snow College student, Paige Rydalch. Students from these exceptional programs and clubs dedicated their efforts to develop a service project that focused on assisting patients in pediatric and NICU departments, with a particular emphasis on rural communities. Each activity planned for the event involved creating items to be donated to these deserving causes.

The Serve with Purpose event embodied the spirit of community engagement and the power of collective action. Our goal was to foster compassion, empathy, and a sense of purpose among participants while making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

We are grateful for the collaboration and dedication of Snow College's Softball Team, the Healthy Badger's Coalition, and the Service Club in bringing this impactful event to life. Their collective efforts and commitment enabled us to create meaningful change and positively impact the lives of children in need.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who supported us in this endeavor and joined us to serve with purpose, making a lasting difference in the lives of patients in need.

UTAH HEALTH SCHOLARS ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

“In Utah Health Scholars, I particularly enjoyed volunteering at the foot clinic in a homeless shelter in St. George. Here I was able to practice medical skills like obtaining blood pressures and performing foot exams, all while interacting with the people living there. I admire the physicians that donate their time and their example influenced the kind of provider I have tried to become in the community in which I live now.”

-Eric Hammer, PA

Raised in both rural and suburban Utah, Eric Hammer was drawn to serve in Gunnison by his wife’s rural roots. Through Utah Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Eric has participated in Rural Health Scholars in college, a graduate rotation in PA school, and is currently active in recruiting healthcare providers to rural places through 3RNet. In addition, he volunteers his time each semester to teach a course at the Snow College Rural Health Scholars program, allowing him to motivate college students to pursue rural practice as a PA.

While in college, he participated in several cultural immersion trips to Montezuma Creek, Utah and Shiprock, Arizona. Assisting in medical ways in these rural, underserved areas furthered his passion for his career as a PA Eric graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Southern Utah University and a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Salus University in Philadelphia.

Currently, he specializes in family practice and obstetrics/ gynecology in rural Gunnison, as well as in the Emergency Room at the Gunnison Valley Hospital.

UHS CULTURAL IMMERSION TRIPS

Within the past year, Utah Health Scholars, in collaboration with various partners, had the opportunity to participate in healthcare cultural immersion trips to destinations including the Dominican Republic, Montana, and the Hopi Indian tribe in Chinle, Arizona. These eye-opening experiences provided pre-health students with hands-on opportunities to tackle global health issues and provide care to underserved communities, while also fostering cultural competency within the medical field.

One such trip took students to the Dominican Republic, where they embarked on mobile medical clinics, known as Barrio Clinics, making a positive impact on the lives of over 400 Dominican and Haitian patients. Working alongside exceptional healthcare professionals, the students witnessed a wide spectrum of medical cases, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and expanding their understanding of diverse healthcare needs.

In Montana, the Utah Health Scholars joined

forces with Warriors & Quiet Waters, an organization that guides veterans and their loved ones to find peace, meaning, and purpose through fly fishing and other nature-based activities. The students had the privilege of working alongside disabled veterans, engaging in heartfelt conversations, and forging lifelong friendships while experiencing the power of empathy and healing in nature.

The cultural immersion trip to the Navajo Nation and Hopi Health Care Center in Arizona aimed to learn more about Diné (Navajo) and Hopi culture and healthcare. Students interacted with Diné traditional healers, explored the beauty of

Spider Rock overlook, and engaged in conversations with knowledge holders and silversmiths, gaining deeper insights into the rich cultural heritage and healing practices of the Navajo and Hopi communities. These transformative experiences empowered Utah Health Scholars to embody the spirit of service and empathy, shaping them into future healthcare providers

committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities in need.

Southern Utah University student assists in performing wellness screenings on a Dominican woman and her children.

Flyfishing in Montana with the Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation

UTAH TECH HEALTH CAREERS EXPO

UHS at Utah Tech is happy to share with you the resounding success of the 2023 Health Careers Expo, held at Utah Tech University in May. This event was an extraordinary experience that allowed high school and undergraduate students to immerse themselves in a world of healing hands and explore the limitless possibilities within the healthcare industry.

The expo served as a platform for individuals to delve into the realm of health careers, and it proved to be an opportunity for discovery and inspiration for all who attended.

The Health Careers Expo offered hands-on experiences that allowed participants to get up close and personal with various aspects of the healthcare field. Whether it was practicing vital sign measurements, learning proper techniques for administering injections, or engaging in simulated medical scenarios, attendees were able to roll up their sleeves and truly get their hands dirty. These interactive experiences not only enhanced their understanding of healthcare practices but also sparked a deeper passion for their potential future careers.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of numerous individuals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers who devoted their time and expertise to ensure the Expo's triumph. Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts were instrumental in creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and learning.

AHEC UPDATES

Southern Utah AHEC is proud to report another successful year in 2022-2023. We continued to work hard to improve the health of our rural communities, and we made significant progress in a number of areas.

One of our highlights of the year was our participation in the National AHEC Organization (NAO) Conference, which was held in Salt Lake City in June 2023. Three of our staff members, Carrie Torgersen, Lauren Gleave, and Carrie Olvera, presented on the topic of "Improving Health Outcomes By Bridging Resources and Social Drivers With Community Health Workers." Their presentation was well-attended and very successful.

We also continued to provide a variety of other programs and services to our communities in 2023. These included:

• Facilitating clinical rotations for health professions students

• Sponsoring the Utah Health Scholars program

• Producing and distributing the Utah Directory of Health Training Programs

• Providing high school students with opportunities to explore health careers

• Hosting 3R Net, a national job board for rural health care positions

We are grateful for the support of our partners and stakeholders, and we look forward to continuing our work to improve the health of our rural communities in 2024 and beyond.

Assistant Director, Carrie Torgersen, presents at the NAO Conference

Southern Utah AHEC staff members pose for a photo at the 2023 NAO Conference

AHEC SCHOLARS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

"My journey as a Doctor of Nurse Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) student at the University of Utah and a future healthcare provider started as an immigrant from a rural town of Siliguri, India to the United States of America. Like every immigrant, this was a dream come true.

After moving to the U.S., I continued my passion for healthcare at Southern Utah University. Through the SUU Rural Health Scholar program, I received various support and guidance to be accepted into the health-related graduate program. SUU Rural Health Scholars is an excellent program directly supporting undergraduate SUU students in getting accepted into different health-related graduate schools. The program has enabled countless students to be taken in multiple health-related graduate programs in Medical, Dental, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Occupational and Physical Therapist, etc. I am extremely fortunate to have such a program in rural southern Utah that gave me the resources I needed to be accepted into the

University of Utah DNP-FNP program, one of the nation’s top universities. As a DNP-FNP student at the University of Utah, I am also a Utah AHEC (Area Health Education Center) scholar. It is an excellent program for healthcare professional students who are interested in meeting the health needs of Utah’s underserved rural and urban populations. Being in this excellent curriculum has enabled me to understand the complex U.S. healthcare system and various social determinants that affect an individual's health. Utah AHEC achieves its goals of serving professional healthcare students, including myself, by conducting the annual primary care summit (my favorite), several book discussions focused on social determinants of health every semester, a minimum of 80 hours of clinical at the rural and underserved population, access to grants for any research that affects the underserved population in Utah and many other extracurricular activities related to healthcare needs of the underserved population. Utah AHEC also provides healthcare students to get actively involved in positively impacting the health outcome for underserved populations.

During the program, Utah AHEC also assigns a mentor to enable the students to find all the right resources to be successful. I am extremely fortunate that Rita Osborn, Executive Director of Southern Utah AHEC, accepted to mentor me. She has been very gracious in helping me find all the resources I need to be a healthcare provider. I am confident that through the current Utah AHEC program, I will gain enough resources to positively impact the healthcare outcome in Utah’s underserved rural and urban populations as a healthcare provider."

- Vishant Thapa, DNP-FNP student

CLINICAL TRAINING PROGRAMS

CARRIE TORGERSEN

MESSAGE FROM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Throughout the 2022-2023 fiscal year, our clinical training programs have experienced tremendous growth and achieved notable success. As an organization dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare, we have been unwavering in our commitment to enhance the supply and distribution of healthcare professionals. Our efforts encompass various avenues, all aimed at making a significant impact.

One of our flagship initiatives, the Utah Psychology Internship Consortium, is set to graduate 7 highly skilled psychologists in July. Notably, 5 of these graduates chose to remain in Utah, reflecting the attractiveness of our state as a destination for talented professionals. This success is a testament to the growth of our program, as we have successfully matched 7 new interns for the upcoming cohort beginning in August. In addition, we are excited to announce the inclusion of a new host site, further expanding our capacity to provide exceptional training opportunities.

Another significant accomplishment is our role in facilitating over 200 student rotations throughout the year. These rotations played a vital role in providing healthcare students with hands-on training in rural and underserved areas. By offering these valuable opportunities, we contribute to the development of a skilled workforce prepared to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by these communities.

In line with our dedication to community health, we launched our third Community Health Worker certificate course this year. Upon completion, our communities in Utah will benefit from highly competent community health workers who are ready to make a meaningful difference. These individuals play a crucial role in promoting health and wellness within their communities.

To further support workforce development, we actively promote job opportunities in rural and underserved areas through our collaboration with 3RNet. By leveraging this platform, we generated hundreds of thousands of views from potential employees, helping to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and communities in need.

Lastly, our Community Health Workers in Sevier County demonstrated exceptional dedication, leading to a rise in the number of referrals and making a significant difference in the lives of local residents. Their work serves as a prime example of how Community Health Workers can effect positive change in rural communities.

Looking ahead, we are committed to continued growth, innovation, and forging partnerships that will enable us to make an even greater impact in rural and underserved areas of Utah. By nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and collaborating with key stakeholders, we strive to build a future where quality healthcare is accessible to all.

RURAL ROTATION SUCCESS STORY

I had the privilege of completing a rotation at the esteemed Kazan Memorial Clinic in Escalante, Utah, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with Jenny Evans, my preceptor, pharmacy technicians, and other healthcare professionals within the clinic. Working alongside Jenny, an experienced pharmacist in a rural community, provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of pharmacy practice in such settings. The clinic staff demonstrated exceptional kindness and hospitality, creating a welcoming environment for both patients and fellow healthcare providers. Witnessing the seamless teamwork displayed by the healthcare professionals in delivering optimal patient care was truly inspiring, exemplifying the importance of interprofessional collaboration.

During my rotation, I was privileged to participate in a community presentation highlighting the significance of

medication adherence and the pharmacy's role in supporting patients in this aspect.

Engaging with the residents of this town allowed me to forge connections and develop a deeper understanding of their healthcare needs. The Kazan Memorial Clinic has established itself as a hub of healthcare excellence, with dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to provide the highest quality of care.

Escalante, with its breathtaking landscapes, proved to be an ideal backdrop for my rotation experience. The panoramic views visible from the clinic and the opportunity to explore the town's surrounding trails added to the overall richness of my stay. I am immensely grateful for the invaluable experience and the lasting relationships I formed with the exceptional healthcare workers who made my six-week tenure truly remarkable.

— ALI PATROLIA, PHARMACY STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

UTAH PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP CONSORTIUM

We are pleased to announce the upcoming graduation of 7 talented individuals from our renowned Utah Psychology Internship Consortium, scheduled for July. This significant achievement signifies their successful completion of our rigorous program and their preparedness to embark on their professional journey as psychologists. Notably, we are delighted to share that 5 of these graduates have decided to remain in Utah, a testament to the appeal and opportunities available in our state for aspiring psychologists.

As an organization committed to continuous growth and development, we are excited to witness the expansion of our program. The addition of a new host site further strengthens our ability to provide exceptional training opportunities to aspiring psychologists. This expansion not only bolsters our consortium's capacity but also enables us to accommodate the increasing number of interns seeking to join our program, further elevating the quality and impact of our training initiatives.

Looking ahead, we eagerly welcome a new cohort of 7 interns who have been successfully matched for the upcoming

cohort beginning in August. This diverse group of individuals brings a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, fostering an enriched learning environment and facilitating collaborative growth. With their unique contributions, we are confident that our consortium will continue to thrive and produce skilled psychologists who can make significant contributions to the field, advancing mental well-being across Utah.

The ongoing success and growth of the Utah Psychology Internship Consortium are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our staff, the commitment of our interns, and the invaluable support of our esteemed partners. Together, we cultivate a supportive community that empowers aspiring psychologists to excel, ensuring they are equipped to address the complex challenges of mental health and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities throughout Utah.

For more information about the Utah Psychology Internship Consortium, including its mission and initiatives, feel free to reach out to us directly at nathanwiggins@suu.edu

3RNet plays a valuable role in connecting skilled medical professionals with practices in need of their services.

The commitment of 3RNet to supporting healthcare professionals in finding the right job is truly remarkable. Their platform serves as a valuable resource, providing crucial information and guidance to assist healthcare professionals in making informed career decisions. We are proud to collaborate

with 3RNet and be part of their mission to facilitate successful matches.

We are confident that this placement will have a positive impact, as the resident joins their new practice and begins contributing to the healthcare needs of their community. This achievement underscores the significance of connecting talented professionals with healthcare practices, ultimately improving access to quality care in various settings.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

KASEY SHAKESPEAR, MHA, MPH, MA MESSAGE FROM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

I am pleased to address our esteemed partners throughout Utah, especially those serving rural communities. The past year has been filled with excitement and accomplishments for the Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) and our community projects. We have remained steadfast in our commitment to addressing behavioral health challenges and strengthening the healthcare workforce in rural Utah. While new challenges have emerged, we are actively working to overcome them.

Our RHAU Project ECHO Hub successfully hosted its inaugural health equity series, consisting of six highly attended sessions. We extend our deepest gratitude to the communities for their invaluable support in making this series a resounding success. Moving forward, we are eager to leverage this platform to deliver timely and tailored education that addresses the unique needs of rural communities. Furthermore, we are collaborating with other ECHO Hubs in Utah, including those at Intermountain Heath, the University of Utah Health, and Comagine Health, to ensure comprehensive virtual educational offerings.

Our fully operational RHAU Health Resource Database now provides access to over 3000 health-related resources specifically tailored to rural Utah. This database is a testament to our commitment to facilitating local access through education about available resources. The educational cards distributed across all 24 rural and frontier counties of Utah have garnered tremendous support. We remain dedicated to the ongoing maintenance and expansion of this invaluable resource.

Our participation in the Health Resource Service Administration (HRSA)'s Rural Community Opioid Response Program has yielded significant outcomes over the past year. Notably, we have supported Aspire365 in securing contracts to provide their innovative at-home chronic care treatment model throughout Utah, addressing substance use-related and general behavioral health needs. This collaborative approach aims to alleviate the burden on rural healthcare organizations. Additionally, we proudly assisted the University of Utah's School of Nursing in organizing a student SUD summit in Price, Utah, this past May.

In the realm of health and wellness, our team continues to lead initiatives on college campuses across rural Utah. The Healthy T-Bird Coalition at Southern Utah University and the Health Trailblazer Coalition at Utah Tech University have experienced remarkable growth in membership and impact. These coalitions, led by passionate and capable student leaders, have made substantial contributions to their communities. Moreover, we are thrilled to announce the establishment of our third coalition, the Health Badgers Coalition at Snow College, during the previous academic year. Our plans include expanding our efforts to additional campuses while upholding evidence-based approaches through our existing initiatives.

The expansion of the Rural Health Association of Utah's Annual Conference marks a momentous development that promises to elevate its quality and impact. By relocating the conference to the Dixie Convention Center, we have gained the opportunity to enhance planning and introduce new features to the conference experience. This includes a networking

event on November 8, 2023, where attendees will receive updates from our office and celebrate the remarkable individuals making a difference in rural Utah. We wholeheartedly invite you to join us in St. George from November 8th to 9th for this transformative event.

In conclusion, I extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated staff members, whose passion and talent drive our mission of supporting rural Utah. Additionally, I express my sincere appreciation to our partners for their unwavering support. It is a privilege to work alongside and serve such remarkable individuals. Together, we will continue to achieve great success in our endeavors.

HIGHER EDUCATION PREVENTION COALITIONS

It was an exciting year for our Higher Education Prevention Coalitions. We saw great growth and excitement with our existing coalitions at Southern Utah University and Utah Tech, with huge strides being made in our campus efforts. The Healthy T-Birds Coalition was nominated for the SUU Health & Wellness Club of the Year award, and the Healthy Trailblazers Coalition was nominated for the Utah Tech Club of the Year award for the second year in a row. These nominations are a testament to the efforts of our student leaders to work hard, cultivate meaningful relationships across campus, and facilitate positive outcomes for the campus communities.

With the Healthy T-Birds and Health Trailblazers Coalitions running smoothly this year, we were also able to add another coalition to the mix. As with the existing coalitions, the Healthy Badgers Coalition will utilize the campus club model to serve both the Ephraim and Richfield campuses of Snow College. We are excited to see what can be accomplished at Snow College, as there is already great support and enthusiasm in place behind the coalition. By working closely with community and campus partners, we

envision great success in our efforts to bring a greater emphasis on health, wellness, and substance abuse prevention to our local campuses.

In February, representatives from each of the coalitions were able to attend the annual Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) conference in Washington D.C., which provided us with a wonderful opportunity for further training and understanding of current issues, trends, and solutions. We were glad that our student

leaders were able to attend this conference and interact with peers and experts in the field and gain first-hand appreciation for the efforts being made around the country in prevention.

There is so much positive momentum happening behind our coalitions, and we couldn’t be more thankful to our campus community board members on each of our campuses that make what we do possible.

The Healthy Trailblazers Coalition student team pose for a photo at Utah Tech's campus.

Healthy T-Birds student team give out swag at a club event.

Healthy Trailblazers student team give out swag at a Utah Tech club event.

Staff and community members participate in a tailgating event at the rivalry SUU and Utah Tech football game.

Students participate in a "Hot Cocoa with the Popo" event, promoting ties between college students and local law enforcement.

HEALTH EQUITY PROJECT ECHO RECORDINGS

We are pleased to announce the availability of the recordings for our Health Equity Project ECHO series on our RHAU YouTube channel. This engaging and informative series focuses on promoting health equity in rural communities, featuring experts, practitioners, and community leaders who share insights, strategies, and best practices.

To access the recordings of each session, simply visit our RHAU YouTube channel, where you can find the complete series. For your convenience, we have provided a direct link to the channel and a QR code below, allowing you to easily navigate to the recordings.

The Health Equity Project ECHO series recordings serve as a valuable resource for individuals who were unable to attend the live sessions or those who wish to revisit the content and share it with their colleagues and communities. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to deepen your understanding of health equity and contribute to positive change in rural Utah.

Link to RHAU YouTube channel: bit.ly/project-echo-series

Scan the QR code to access the recordings:

We would also like to invite you to join our 8 part Project ECHO series on Substance Use Disorder Stigma Reduction. These sessions will take place every Tuesday, starting on October 3, 2023, and will run from 12 - 1 PM.

Incentive payments for attendance are available on a limited, first come, first served basis to residents of Carbon, Emery and Grand counties. Residents from all other counties in Utah are still welcome to register and attend. For more information about Project ECHO and previous RHAU Project ECHO series, visit our website.

Please fill out the following registration form to receive the link to the sessions:

bit.ly/sud-stigma-reduction

GRANT PROJECTS

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program Psychostimulant Support Grant - $391,914 over 4 Years

During the first year of this four-year work plan, our office has worked to increase resources for communities facing challenges around Opioid Use Disorder through increasing the capacity to offer Mental Health First aid, and the Strengthening Families Program. We also assisted in the planning of a student SUD summit, and staff members Kasey Shakespear and Jennifer Liebert provided education on SUD in Rural Utah and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program

Behavioral Healthcare Support Grant - $500.000 over 3 years.

This grant fund has allowed us to continue actively working with our Utah Rural Opioid Healthcare Consortium in Carbon, Emery, and Grand Counties. What is unique is that the program focuses on psychostimulants which includes illicit drugs and non-opioid medications with potential for abuse. Three of our community partners have engaged with us to recieve additional education and support around Contingency Management. Over the next year, we will be producing patient education materials on psychostimulants, hosting the first of three ECHO

series, and expanding capacity to educate on Question/ Persuade/Refer, a suicide prevention intervention.

Closing Projects

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program

Implementation II - $1,000,000 over 3-years.

We are in the closing months of a 3-year work plan that included treatment provided by Aspire365 to 14 individuals with Opioid Use Disorder in Garfield, Kane, Piute, and Wayne Counties. The outcomes of these individuals have been very positive. We are in the beginning phases of preparing to draft publications to report the outcomes. Under the grant project, our team was also able to develop software to aid in the delivery of this service and enhance data collection. As we close out the project, one of the major tasks still in process is placing 7-8 medication disposal boxes throughout the four county region to enhance access to proper medication disposal. Overall, this has been a very impactful project.

Addressing Health Equity in a Post COVID-19 Landscape - $150,000 over 20 months

Under this grant, our office was able to attend training and complete the requisite requirements to be recognized as a formal Project ECHO Hub through the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. With this new status, we delivered our first 6 part ECHO series on Health Equity in rural Utah. We also created an entirely new health resource database that can be filtered by county and resource type. The database includes all 24 rural/frontier counties in Utah, as well as Cache county, which is designated as urban but due to being surrounded by rural communities, requested to be added. The project was an enormous success that saw significant engagement in both newly created resources.

CONTACT US

SUU

351 University Blvd.

Cedar City, UT, 84720

SC 304

(435) 865-8573

UTAH TECH

225 S. 700 E. St. George, UT 84770

Hazy 321

(435) 879-4364

SNOW COLLEGE

150 College Ave Ephriam, UT 84627

(435) 283-7218

USU EASTERN

451 E 400 N Price, UT 84501

(435) 463-4528

rhau.org

utahhealthscholars.org

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"AS SOMEONE WHO LIVES IN RURAL UTAH , I HAVE A UNIQUE UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES FOR THOSE IN RURAL AREAS. MORE THAN EVER, WE NEED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS IN THESE AREAS TO HELP PEOPLE WHO ARE STRUGGLING AND DESPERATELY NEED ACCESS TO BETTER HEALTH CARE."

- SPENCER COX, UTAH STATE GOVERNOR

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