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RHAU Welcomes First-Ever Advisory Council & Advocacy Committee Members!

RHAU News
43 minutes ago2 min read

March 3, 2025


ST. GEORGE, UT – The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) is expanding its reach and impact with the formation of the RHAU Advisory Council and RHAU Advocacy Committee. Comprising passionate healthcare professionals from across Utah and neighboring regions, these two groups will play a pivotal role in advancing RHAU’s mission to strengthen rural health initiatives.


“Fortunate—that’s the best word for it,” says Kasey Shakespear, Executive Director of RHAU. “We put out a call for individuals to join the RHAU team during our 2024 Annual Conference, and the response has been incredible. We’re thrilled to welcome such a dedicated group of professionals who will help shape the future of rural healthcare in Utah.”


RHAU Advisory Council: Strengthening Collaboration & Impact


The RHAU Advisory Council brings together representatives from organizations serving communities across Utah and the Mountain West. This council will ensure that RHAU’s initiatives align with statewide efforts, fostering collaboration, reducing duplication, and enhancing operational efficiency. By keeping the RHAU Board informed, the Advisory Council helps maximize the organization’s impact in advancing rural healthcare initiatives.


Advisory Council Members:

  • Laura Rosch, DO, CS, MS, FACOI (Rocky Vista University)

  • Tiffany Vickers, Ph.D., CHES (Montana State University)

  • Mike Hoang, MBS (Scriptyx)

  • Richard Wedig, B.S.B.A. (Promed)

  • Marcie Gray, SUDC (USARA)

  • Liz Craker, MBA (Utah DHHS Office of Primary Care and Rural Health)

  • Sarah Bauman, MBA (Utah Telehealth Network)

  • Suzanne Smith, CPM, LDEM (Utah DHHS)

  • Larry Garrett, Ph.D., RN (University of Utah School of Nursing)

  • Sarah Day, MPA (University of Utah Project ECHO)

  • Alan Pruhs (Association for Utah Community Health)


Learn more about the RHAU Advisory Council at https://www.rhau.org/advisory-council


RHAU Advocacy Committee: Leading Policy & Legislative Efforts


The RHAU Advocacy Committee is composed of dedicated professionals committed to improving rural healthcare policy. This committee plays a key role in educating state and federal policymakers about the unique challenges rural communities face. By leading RHAU’s advocacy efforts both locally and nationally, the committee helps shape policies, secure resources, and drive meaningful legislative change to ensure rural Utah’s healthcare needs are met.


Advocacy Committee Members:

  • Michelle Hofmann, MD (University of Utah School of Medicine)

  • Bruce Tippets, BA (Dreams in Motion)

  • Denise Cummins, DNP, RN, WHNP-BC, CPHQ (BYU School of Nursing)

  • Nicki Perisho, MPH, RN (Northwest Telehealth Resource Center)

  • Marissa Courtad, RN (Amazing Care)

  • Rachel Craig, MS (Association for Utah Community Health)


Learn more about the RHAU Advocacy Committee at https://www.rhau.org/advocacy-committee


Looking Ahead


Both groups will convene for their first meetings in April 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for RHAU’s expanding efforts across Utah. The RHAU Board of Directors extends its deepest gratitude to these individuals and their organizations for their commitment to supporting rural healthcare.


Stay connected and learn more at RHAU.org.


 
 
 
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