Nominations are now being accepted for the second annual Rural Health Impact Awards, which will be presented at the 2025 Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Indiana Regional Medical Center’s fourth annual Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference on Nov. 20.
The Rural Health Impact Awards were established by the Conference Planning Committee to recognize individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to improving the health and well-being of rural community residents.
The Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference is held annually in conjunction with National Rural Health Day. It includes a day of presentations and discussions about challenges and possible solutions related to rural healthcare.
Honorees will be chosen based on demonstrated leadership, commitment, collaboration, and innovative thinking, including how the nominee’s work or leadership has addressed rural health challenges, including measurable outcomes or qualitative improvements that have changed lives, improved access, or addressed disparities in rural health.
"The committee was inspired by the commitment and dedication demonstrated by last year's award recipients,” IRMC Chief Human Resources Officer and Conference Planning Committee Co-Chair Dr. James Kinneer said. “We established these awards to shine a light on exceptional individuals in our area who address rural health challenges, and we look forward to honoring another group of recognized individuals this year."
The 2024 Rural Health Impact Award recipients are Joe Bujdos, mental health director for the Armstrong-Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program; Tammy Calderone, administrator for the Armstrong-Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program; Rachel Grove, director of Ambulatory Social Services with IRMC Physician Group; and Dr. Joann Migyanka, IUP special education professor emeritus who has been active in addressing the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum.
The nomination form and information on how to submit a nomination is available online. Nominations are due by Sept. 30. There is no nomination fee.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. As IUP celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025, the university honors a legacy of educational excellence while looking toward a future of innovation, leadership in healthcare education, and public service.