• Healthcare Hero: Recognizes members of the medical, dental, pharmacy, social work, or nursing professions working in the rural health field.
• Healthcare Physician Hero: Specifically recognizes a physician (MD/DO) providing exemplary care in a rural setting.
• Healthcare Advanced Practitioner Hero: Recognizes advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), providing exemplary care in rural settings.
• Healthcare Administrator Hero: Recognizes individuals working in administrative or oversight roles in healthcare settings, often with training in business, marketing, or management.
• Behavioral Health Hero: Recognizes individuals working in mental health and/or behavioral health who serve rural communities. This award honors those providing critical support in therapy, counseling, substance use treatment, or crisis intervention.
• Community Health Hero: Recognizes a frontline public health worker who serves as a trusted community liaison, facilitating access to health and social services.
• Health IT & Informatics Hero: Recognizes professionals in IT, focusing on the design, development, and maintenance of healthcare information systems that enhance electronic health records and support information management.  

2023 Rural Health Heroes

Healthcare Hero - Dakota Redd from Hendry Regional Medical Center

Dakota Redd

Community Health Hero - Robert Harris from Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast

Robert Harris

Mental Health Hero - James Poole from Archer Family Health Care UF College of Nursing

James Poole

Healthcare Administrator Hero - Paula Webb from Lake Butler Hospital

2022 Rural Health Heroes