The Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health in Grand Forks is set to take place this week, bringing together healthcare professionals, educators, and students from across the state to discuss ways of maintaining healthy North Dakota communities.
At the conference, Brad Gibbens, the acting director and assistant professor at UND’s Center for Rural Health, will be honored with the Outstanding Rural Health Career award. This recognition comes after years of dedication to improving rural health outcomes in the state. Along with Gibbens, 10 other rural health and public health advocates and organizations will also be recognized for their achievements at an awards banquet on June 5th at the Alerus Center.
The Blue Zones Project in Grand Forks has been named Public Health Team of the Year for its work promoting healthy living practices in rural communities. First Care Health Center in Park River has won R-COOL-Health Scrubs Camp of the Year for its innovative approach to healthcare education for children. And Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center in Hillsboro has earned the Flex Quality Reporting Award for its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to patients.
The conference highlights a variety of categories including Outstanding Rural Health Provider, Outstanding Rural Health Volunteer, Outstanding Rural Health Program, Emerging Rural Leader, Legislator of the Year, Public Health Worker of the Year, and Public Health Outstanding Service Award. These awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to improving rural health outcomes in North Dakota.
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