As my year as NRHA President closes out- I think President-elect Trump's advice is good. Every year I purchase my daughter a few Christmas ornaments. Usually a nice Radko or Waterford (we're Irish), and some fun ones representative of her hobbies, and the times. When I picked this out 5 years ago from Macy's annual celebrity ornament line- I never fathomed to think it would become political memorabilia. Life is like that- a surprise around every bend.
NRHA is fortunate to have Alan Morgan’s leadership. Alan and his leadership team, and all of our staff have helped our organization be ready to work with the new administration, and the many new faces we will see in federal offices as a result of the change in administrations.
It’s an honor to serve as your President, and I know Dr. David Schmitz will do an amazing job in 2017. I’ve had the good fortune to spend a lot of time recently in some of our NRHA member states. Not a day goes by that I don’t talk to someone in rural America doing something amazing in rural health. Our physicians, administrators, health professionals, State Office of Rural Health staff, and our state, federal, and local government partners have stepped up time after time. It would be impossible to name all of the amazing rural health leaders. I keep thinking back to Alana Knudson’s Rural Health Rock Star presentation at our annual conference. There are many of you who became innovators out of necessity. Where would be today without Critical Access Hospitals, or rural ACOs? Where would we be without the brave souls who banded together and fought for creatve ideas?
On National Rural Health Day- I want you all to know:
I am thankful for the work you do!
I am in awe of the work you do!
I appreciate all of the work you do! I am certain- although there are tough days, the folks you work for appreciate you too!
HAPPY RURAL HEALTH DAY!
Lisa