SUAHEC Primary Care Summit Presentation 2024.pptx

Southern Utah AHEC presentation for 2024 Primary Care Summit

1. ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024

2. MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RITA OSBORN, MBA Wow – what a year it has been! Our center has grown in the size of our team, our programs, and our budget! We are so excited to share with you in this report how the Utah Center for Rural Health and Southern Utah AHEC are impacting rural health in Utah! One significant change for the landscape of rural health is that our Rural Health Association of Utah will now be an independent organization, no longer hosted at Southern Utah University. This change will allow the association to better advocate for rural health issues that, as state employees, our center staff could not assist with very well. This organization is part of the National Rural Health Association, and most state associations are independent. Watch for news coming directly from them, and please, get involved if you are able. Some of our newest developments include a new HRSA grant that will allow us to assess the need for a consortium of Rural Health Clinics, the publication of our 2024-2025 Directory of Utah Health Training Programs, a new certificate program at SUU for Behavioral Health Technicians, and the SCAN project, a training about skin cancer for hair stylists. Rural Utah continues to grow its healthcare workforce, and one of the most rewarding parts of my role is to have alumni from our pathway programs return to practice. My recent award from the NRHA as Educator of the Year humbly reminds me that each of us plays a role in encouraging, mentoring, and shaping the future healthcare workforce. Each of us has the capacity to make a difference in the future of the children in our communities and hopefully support them on their career paths. Small things matter! Please connect with the schools in your communities, share words of encouragement with those struggling to succeed, and reach out to us if you find a student who is in need of a mentor! Help keep our rural workforce strong!

3. RITA OSBORN OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR THE NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION NAMES RITA OSBORN OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR Rita Osborn, Executive Director of the Rural Health Association of Utah was honored on May 9, 2024 with the National Rural Health Association’s (NRHA) Outstanding Educator Award. Founder of the Utah Health Scholars Program at Southern Utah University, Osborn is passionate about assisting and advising students who aspire to health careers, particularly first-generation college students from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds. The scholars program helps prepare undergraduate students for admission to graduate programs through rotations of academic and non- academic experiences. “In addition to helping and encouraging students, Rita serves the community as part of the Health Workforce Advisory Council,” said Kendyl Brockman, Health Policy Analyst. “Rural Utah is so fortunate to have Rita. She works tirelessly to ensure that rural and underserved communities in Utah receive accessible, high-quality healthcare.” NRHA’s Rural Health Awards are given each year to those in the field of rural health who have dedicated their time and talents to improving the health and well-being of others. NRHA is a nonprofit organization working to improve the health and well-being of rural Americans and provide leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education, and research. 6

4. Planning Execution Monitoring Closure COLLEGE UTAH CENTER FOR RURAL HEALTH PIPELINE YOUTH OUTREACH GRADUATE SCHOOL EMERGING PROFESSIONALS COMMUNITIES EXISTING PROFESSIONALS HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY Ignite interest in healthcare careers among youth through outreach programs. Prepare competitive applicants for health professional training programs. Offer exposure to rural healthcare through clinical placements in rural communities. Provide comprehensive training, mentorship, and career opportunities in rural healthcare. Facilitate recruitment, education, resources, and collaboration with healthcare providers. Offer community education and patient support resources to improve health outcomes. Support through continuing education, networking, and reducing barriers to practice in rural Utah.

5. BUDGET 23-24

6. 13 Franka Smit Program Manager Erica Simonson Program Coordinator Avery Peterson Marketing Assistant Sam Thompson Program Coordinator Reed Muir Program Coordinator Lauren Gleave Community Health Worker Ashley Neeley Program Coordinator Hunter Torgersen Administrative Assistant Ginny Smith Program Coordinator Carrie Olvera Community Health Worker Morgan Mecham Program Coordinator Tracy Hetherington Program Coordinator Carisa Wood Program Coordinator Heidi Heiner Program Coordinator Lauren Harris Community Health Worker Rita Osborn Executive Director Wendy Hutcheson Grants & Contracts Manager Kasey Shakespear Carrie Torgersen Assistant Director Alexus Erickson Program Manager Austin Jones Program Manager Nathan Wiggins Assistant Director Assistant Director Eric Johansen, Marketing & Communications Manager OUR STAFF

7. 12 STAFF HIGHLIGHTS We are excited to share recent updates about our dedicated team, whose hard work is vital to advancing our efforts and growing our center. We warmly welcome new team members: Avery Peterson as Marketing Assistant, Franka Smit as Program Manager, Hunter Torgersen as Administrative Assistant, Ashley Neeley, Erica Simonson and Morgan Mecham as Program Coordinators. Each brings valuable skills and fresh perspectives to enhance our mission. We are also pleased to announce several well-deserved promotions: Nathan Wiggins to Assistant Director of Operations, Wendy Hutcheson to Grants To all our staff, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment. Your efforts are the backbone of our mission to improve healthcare in rural Utah. Thank you for your excellence and dedication. and Contracts Manager, Austin Jones to Program Manager, and Eric Johansen to Marketing Communications Manager. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in our success.

8. 15 The continued growth of the Utah Center for Rural Health has necessitated the establishment of a new Administrative Operations division to manage financial, marketing, and analysis processes. In our first year under this new organizational structure, the Administrative Operations team has made great strides in developing systems to optimize our business functions. The Utah Center for Rural Health prioritizes making business decisions based on analysis, and is distinguished as one of the few Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) with a data analysis team. The unique skill sets of this team allows our center to be able to meet our reporting requirements efficiently, and track program outcomes in real time using interactive dashboards and well- established statistical research methods. Budgetary tracking for the numerous funding streams making up a multi-million dollar operation would be impossible without our financial and administrative team. Team managers rely on accurate, up to date financial records in order to make programmatic decisions that shape the communities that we serve. Under the direction of our marketing team, our center has established an effective and appealing brand that has brought much attention to the work we engage in. An organization can only enjoy success for a limited amount of time without the creativity and ingenuity of an innovative marketing team. The exposure our center has enjoyed as a result of these efforts has provided opportunities for larger events, additional funding, and more chances to engage with the students we serve. This coming year, the Administrative Operations team intends to place their focus on strategic planning in order to continue to optimize its business functions. Our team is built on a model of lending support to all of our other team members, and celebrating their successes - which is only too fitting, since true success is helping those around you achieve success with you. Nathan Wiggins ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS Message From Nathan Wiggins, Assistant Director of Administrative Operations

9. 16 PATHWAY PROGRAMS Message from Alexus Erickson, Program Manager Throughout the year, our Pathway Programs supported nearly 900 students from Southern Utah University, Utah Tech University, Snow College, and Utah State University-Eastern. We are proud to report an impressive 96.1% acceptance rate to medical schools and an 85.7% acceptance rate to dental schools for the 2022-2023 application cycle, both surpassing national averages. Our program has grown significantly, with increased enrollment across our partner campuses. Our team is now comprised of eight Pre-Professional Advisors stationed throughout rural Utah. Additionally, we have enhanced our high school outreach, hosting healthcare presentations over the past year in the Four Corners area, Montezuma Creek, AZ, and Delta, UT. In addition to our recruitment efforts, we have provided individualized support to our students, helping them prepare their graduate school applications. We organized nearly 86 seminars across our campuses, equipping students with the skills necessary for their pre-health journey. A highlight of the year was hosting our first UHS Alumni Event, which provided job shadowing and networking opportunities for current students with alumni of the Utah Health Scholars program. Over the past year, our Pathway Programs have also offered enriching cultural immersion trips. We completed three trips to the Dominican Republic, where students immersed themselves in the local culture and engaged in community development initiatives. We also organized a trip to the Four Corners area, allowing students to learn about Native American heritage and healthcare needs. None of our accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support of our staff and valued partners. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your dedication to the success of our programs. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of aspiring healthcare professionals and the communities they will serve.

10. 17 UHS PROGRAM STATISTICS

11. 18 This year, UHS organized two successful medical trips to the Dominican Republic in May and December. These trips provided our students with invaluable hands-on experience in global health, offering them the opportunity to work directly with local communities and healthcare providers. Additionally, we organized a trip to the Four Corners region to experience the culture of the Navajo and Hopi tribes. This cultural immersion trip helped our students understand the unique healthcare challenges faced by indigenous populations. UHS CULTURAL IMMERSION TRIPS

12. UHS ALUMNI HIGHLIGHT How the Utah Health Scholars program helped Dr. Hanks start his own practice and progress to where he is today. “The Utah Health Scholars program is the reason I chose to attend SUU and the primary reason I was able to get into dental school on my first try. The program helped me create the vision to become a competitive pre-health candidate and the support necessary to accomplish the task. I also got my first job as a dental assistant thanks to that program, which is where I fell in love with pediatric dentistry. I have an enormous amount of gratitude towards Rita, SUU and Utah Health Scholars. I believe a kids first experience at the dentist can change their life. I spent over ten years observing pediatric practices and learned that a child’s first experience at the dentist has a lasting influence on the way they view dental health for the rest of their lives. After completing dental school and residency, I came back home to start the practice I wished existed for my own kids - down to every tiny but mighty detail. I designed Happy Tooth to specifically not feel, look, or smell like a typical dental or medical experience. Every detail is intentional and inspired by my own kids. I currently serve over 600 kids monthly throughout the Salt Lake City area. I recently launched the Happy Tooth Foundation to help underserved kiddos, and Happy Tooth Products to help change the perception of dentistry and expand the Happy Tooth experience worldwide.”

13. 22 The Utah Health Scholars Program (UHS) at Utah Tech University has achieved significant progress and growth this past fiscal year. With over 300 students registered in our seminars each semester; UHS has empowered many on their paths to successful healthcare careers. These students are preparing for admission to a variety of allied health and graduate programs. Building Partnerships and Expanding Outreach: Showcasing Diverse Healthcare Careers: UHS hosted multiple graduate schools, including Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Utah Pharmacy, University of Utah Physical Therapy, Southern College of Optometry, University of St. Augustine, Barry School of Podiatric Medicine, and College of Optometry at Rocky Mountain University. Representatives from these institutions presented their programs and opportunities to our students. Through high school outreach initiatives, UHS reached over 400 students in the Four Corners area and connected with Delta High School’s CE Chemistry class. We actively participated in campus events such as Trailblazer Connection, Club Rush, tabling events during registration and hosted a successful Opening Social. Collaborated with Utah Tech’s academic advising team, by being listed as Pre-Professional advisors on their webpage. UHS prioritized building relationships with over 20 campus advisors each semester through regular meetings and information sharing sessions. UHS offered approximately 32 in-person and online courses. Our dedicated program coordinators and student leaders conducted over 700 pre-health advising appointments supporting the University’s request to develop a pre health advising option. Five student leaders provided vital tutoring support for challenging upper-division courses. Expanding Course Offerings and Individualized Support: UHS offered approximately 32 in-person and online courses. Our dedicated program coordinators and student leaders conducted over 700 pre-health advising appointments supporting the University’s request to develop a pre health advising option. Five student leaders provided vital tutoring support for challenging upper-division courses. UHS AT UTAH TECH UNIVERSITY

14. PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENTS AND EVENTS ALUMNI AND PROFESSIONAL EVENTS Throughout the year, we hosted several events featuring UHS alumni and other medical professionals. These events provided our students with networking opportunities, insights into various healthcare careers, and advice from those who have successfully navigated the path to becoming healthcare professionals. The achievements of our students and the success of our events in 2023 highlight the dedication and effectiveness of the Utah Health Scholars program. We look forward to continuing our mission of supporting pre-health students and helping them achieve their dreams of entering the healthcare field. The Utah Health Scholars (UHS) program continues to excel in guiding students toward successful careers in healthcare. Our mission to support and mentor pre-health students has once again resulted in impressive achievements throughout the year. In 2023, the UHS program achieved a remarkable overall acceptance rate of 96.1%. Our students have gained admission to some of the most prestigious institutions in the country. Notable acceptances include: University of Michigan Dental School (#1 Dental School in the Nation) Harvard University Dental School Duke University Physical Therapy School Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine Acceptances into over 30 medical schools UHS AT SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY Reed Newey, accepted into Duke University Physical Therapy School

15. UHS HIGHLIGHT: GINNY SMITH Ginny Smith serves as an academic advisor and program coordinator for the Utah Health Scholars Program at Snow College in rural Utah. This year Ginny was awarded with a Certificate of Merit - Excellence in Advising. Utilizing her background in Health Administration and Health Professions Recruiting, Ginny shares her passion for education with students pursuing various healthcare pathways. She challenges herself with equal dedication as her ambitious students through continuous national trainings, statewide networking, and continuing her education in a Masters of Public Administration program. She thrives off of leadership, not to give purpose to her achievements, but to allow others a platform to achieve. Through seeking out campus-wide strategies and programs, Ginny allows students varying platforms to make an impact and recognize their potential. In doing so, she proudly supports the efficacy of the future healthcare system in her rural communities. For Ginny, the true reward lies in coaching a student, recognizing their growth, and celebrating with them while they share an acceptance letter to their dream program.

16. UHS AT SNOW COLLEGE Utah Health Scholars fosters a culture of diligent self-application. Our students navigate varying pressures by balancing rigorous courses, actively improving soft skills, and participating in extracurricular experiences. They learn this to become competitive candidates for prospective healthcare programs but, more importantly, to make a profound impact and better themselves. Utah Health Scholars provides students with such a platform, and their great achievements emphasize its efficacy. UHS students graduated from Snow College. 36 UHS Snow College Students at Pre-Med/Pre-PA Conference at the University of Utah. Utah Health Scholars continues to push the limits and seek out opportunity for growth. The leadership team this academic year has organized five large community service activities and ten small service activities. They also built events to support our pre-healthcare students in academic and professional development including educational dissections and attending state-wide conferences. Our program itself consisted of 143 students fall semester and 120 students spring semester. By the end of the academic year, these students will have collectively completed at least 3,500 hours of verifiable service to their community and 3,075 hours of job shadowing, patient exposure, leadership, or academic research during the 2023-2024 academic year.

17. AHEC UPDATE: SCHOLARS BOOK CLUB EACH SEMESTER, AHEC SCHOLARS READ A BOOK ENCOMPASSING HEALTHCARE THEMES TO BE DISCUSSED IN A SEMESTERLY BOOK GROUP. In our recent semester meeting, the AHEC Scholars engaged in a profound discussion of Barbara Kingsolver’s “Demon Copperhead.” This novel, selected for its rich exploration of socio- economic challenges and healthcare themes, provided an excellent foundation for our discourse. We delved into the significance of nicknames, the complexities of addiction and mental health, and the impact of trauma on individuals’ lives. The book’s portrayal of the patient-provider relationship, the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals, and the importance of empathy and compassion in patient care were thoroughly examined. The discussions highlighted the critical role of multidisciplinary collaboration and the influence of societal stigma on mental health and addiction, offering valuable insights for our scholars. Our conversations also underscored the broader societal and systemic factors contributing to health disparities, as portrayed in the novel. By examining the negative media representations and cultural isolation experienced by certain communities, the scholars gained a deeper understanding of the real-world implications of these issues. The importance of positive role models and education in shaping individuals’ lives and worldviews was also a focal point. This book group session not only enhanced our comprehension of these complex topics but also reinforced the need for healthcare professionals to advocate for policy changes and community interventions to promote health equity. The rich dialogue fostered by “Demon Copperhead” exemplifies the AHEC Scholars’ commitment to understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges within our healthcare system.

18. HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE PROGRAMS Message From Carrie Torgersen, Assistant Director of Healthcare Workforce Development The past year has been extremely successful for our programs, and I am proud to share the success of our projects. Through hard work, ingenuity, and creative thinking, we are helping rural Utah fill the pipeline of health profession students and professionals within those communities. Health profession students who complete rural rotations often vow to return to work in rural areas after such positive experiences. Additionally, 3RNET provides a pathway for healthcare professionals to find their ideal jobs in rural and underserved areas. If you are a healthcare student or professional, please consider registering for free on 3RNET. If you are a facility in rural Utah or serving underserved areas, please post your free opportunities on 3RNET. You can access this website at www.3rnet.org. Our efforts are also contributing to healthier and more sustainable individuals and communities. Our Community Health Workers are making significant impacts on individuals' lives, which in turn benefits entire communities. The UT-PIC program brings highly qualified mental health professionals directly to be trained in rural Utah, with many choosing to stay and practice in these communities. Our office has also partnered with other departments at SUU to provide an opportunity for those not directly in Cedar City to explore and gain credentials in behavioral health. Individuals can start exploring what a career in behavioral health might look like by taking three online short courses that make up the Behavioral Health Foundations Certificate. This in turn sets up students to start the coursework for a Behavioral Health Technician certificate, a one-year program available online. Our center is enthusiastic about the continued growth of these programs and looks forward to the progress and success the coming year will bring.

19. Pharmacy 4 Medical Residents 12 Nurse Practitioner 3 Physician Assistant 49 Medical Students 125 2023 - 2024 STUDENT ROTATIONS I come from a rural part of a large farming town and it reminded me a lot of home. In addition, the chance for a wider breadth of experience given the lack of advanced specialty resources cannot be ignored. Harold Borchardt, Utah Valley University Physician Assistant Student I previously heard great things about Richfield, and so I searched for an opportunity to experience working as a local physician for a short time. It was great! The people are kind with many medical needs. It is a small town feel with some great resources available. Working in the ED with Dr. Curtis we saw many patients with a variety of complaints. I look back on this day in particular as a great taste of what it could be like working in a rural ED on my own. Dr. Bo Cates, Family Medicine Resident, McKay Dee Family Medicine Residency This was hands down the best experience I’ve had during clinical rotations! My preceptor Kent Chapman and this clinical experience truly changed my life! Thank you so much! Brittany Hawkes, Rocky Mountain University Physician Assistant Student I loved this rotation. I loved the patients and the people I got to work with and learn from. I have an increased appreciation for the broad scope of practice required in the rural settings. We saw some very interesting things, but I think the people and relationships are the most memorable thing from this rotation. Katie Rawlings, Rocky Mountain University Physician Assistant Student Discipline Total 193 Students

20. RURAL ROTATION SPOTLIGHT SARAH KILLPACK, ROTATION IN GUNNISON, UTAH RURAL ROTATION: GUNNISON, UT I spent the last 5 weeks in a family medicine rotation in Gunnison, UT. I did not expect to love it as much as I did. It was a privilege to get to know the patients and their families. Even in the short 5 weeks, I felt like I made close connections with many individuals. The community of that small town was close-knit and they seemed to really look out for each other. I learned about the importance of taking time to listen and get to know each person. The people living in Gunnison tended to have a very different lifestyle than I did, but I quickly realized that we all are similar when it comes to medicine. I loved that I got to take care of people of every age and that I got to think about how to help them long-term. My preceptor, Amy Vanderherp PA-C was incredible. She is what made the experience so phenomenal. I was able to learn many important lessons from her. She was kind to every single patient and knew details about all of their lives. It was clear that she truly cares about her patients and I think that’s why so many people love her. It inspired me to take more time to get to know my patients in the future instead of just seeing them as a problem to be solved. I can’t say enough good things about the clinic, my rotation, my preceptor, and the town of Gunnison. It was an incredible experience.

21. COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS IN SEVIER COUNTY Stories of success in Rural Health LA is a 74 year old female who was facing housing instability and transportation barriers, making accessing healthcare and financial stability a challenge. She was living in her truck but her truck was not operable. She was missing critical doctor appointments due to the transportation barriers she was facing. We were able to help her secure safe housing accommodations. We connected her with a local resource to repair her vehicle, enabling access to vital doctor appointments. We found that she was eligible for a rental refund using the TC-90 form, we helped her through that process and she was able to receive her refund. We also connected her with SSI and she has started receiving her monthly SSI benefits. July 2022 August 2022 September 2022 October 2022 November 2022 December 2022 January 2023 February 2023 March 2023 April 2023 May 2023 June 2023 TOTA 9 16 26 26 17 17 27 24 23 21 21 29 NE 1 10 13 6 5 1 13 8 4 4 4 10 HB was referred to us for assistance with insurance benefits, particularly applying for Medicaid. She was in a very fragile emotional and mental state when we first met, admitting that she had suicidal ideation in the recent past. She was seeing a counselor regularly and we had her increase her visits with the counselor. She had been suffering from severe depression and anxiety following a separation and divorce. However, her biggest issues with depression and anxiety were related to the bills she had incurred while hospitalized for depression. We did apply for Medicaid, however, she was denied due to her income level. This meant she would have no retroactive payments available for the prior months as well. We were able to call and write letters to each facility to which she owed money to and set up income-appropriate payment arrangements. When I followed up with her this week, she said that even though she had a car accident, she was doing better than she had in the last 2.5 years. She stated that having the payment arrangements made and the first payments paid was the best feeling. She is very grateful to us for helping her sort through all the providers, make a budget, and help her make the contact. She felt like her depression was causing her to just freeze and feel too overwhelmed to make any progress. She stated she had even decided to start exercising and making a plan to lose some weight. Total of 79 new referrals from July 2022-June 2023.

22. UT-PIC: THE UTAH PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP CONSORTIUM 34 The Utah Psychology Internship Consortium (UT-PIC) represents the collaborative effort of Utah agencies to share resources and faculty for the purpose of providing a diversified educational program for psychology doctoral interns. This internship year marks another successful round of training and development for doctoral psychology students. This year, UT-PIC celebrates the imminent graduation of seven interns, each equipped with a wealth of knowledge and practical skills acquired during their time in the program. It’s a testament to the efficacy of UT-PIC’s training approach and the dedication of its faculty and staff in nurturing the next generation of psychologists. Notably, many of these interns have expressed a newfound desire to return to Utah post-graduation. This shift in perspective is significant, considering that at the program’s outset, most interns had adamantly declared no intention of pursuing careers in the state. This transformation underscores the program’s ability to foster professional growth and instill a deeper appreciation for the opportunities available within Utah’s psychology landscape, and close the gap in providing mental health resources to Utahns across the state. Throughout the program, interns were provided with a unique opportunity to engage in mini- rotations across Salt Lake City and St. George, enabling them to gain invaluable training and hands-on experience in their respective fields. These rotations offered interns exposure to diverse clinical settings and populations, enriching their understanding of psychology. The success of UT-PIC lies not only in its ability to cultivate competent and skilled psychologists but also in its role as a catalyst for personal and professional development. By focusing on profession-wide competencies and learning elements, the consortium provides a comprehensive and rigorous internship experience that prepares students for the complexities of modern psychological practice. UT-PIC’s commitment to excellence ensures that graduates emerge well-prepared to navigate the challenges of the field, equipped with the necessary tools and insights to make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve. As such, UT-PIC continues to stand as a beacon of excellence in psychology education and training, setting the standard for other internship programs nationwide.

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25. COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Message From Kasey Shakespeare, MHA, MPA, MA, Assistant Director 38 It’s remarkable to reflect on how swiftly another year has passed. Our Community Relations Team has experienced significant growth, and our grant portfolio remains robust. This year, we have made continued progress under various RCORP grants. Our prevention coalitions at Southern Utah University, Utah Tech University, and Snow College have also flourished, thanks to the exceptional leadership of our dedicated student teams. We are excited to announce a new partnership with the Cambia Health Foundation, which has greatly enhanced our support for the behavioral health workforce. This new collaboration complements the ongoing efforts at SUU and across the state to bolster our behavioral health practitioners. Additionally, we have successfully secured a new grant that enables us to support the development of a network for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) throughout Utah. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our team for their unwavering commitment and hard work in supporting rural Utah. I also wish to express our sincere appreciation to all of our community partners— your support is instrumental to our success. Thank you!

26. HIGHER EDUCATION PREVENTION COALITIONS Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention-Clinical Faculty and Preceptor Academies STUDENT TESTIMONIALS “Working in the Healthy Badgers Coalition has allowed me to have a meaningful impact in other student’s lives as Snow College. I have been able to connect with others through activities, recruiting, and the trainings and education I have received. I have learned to work as a team while still growing as an individual leader, and I have learned skills that will help me in my future career in healthcare. I feel that I have truly been able to make a difference on my campus through this organization, and I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to do so.” Shay Noblett, Health Badgers Coalition Student Prevention Leader. “I’m so thankful that I joined the Healthy Trailblazers Coalition right when I came to Utah Tech. They instantly connected me with resources that boosted and supported my physical and mental health. I have also made valuable friendships through my participation in the coalition and was able to become more connected to our beautiful community. Not only has the Healthy Trailblazers Coalition been an amazing place to make connections, but the information and education that I have gained throughout my participation regarding health and wellness is invaluable. Healthy Trailblazers is truly such an amazing resource and opportunity for everyone, and I could not recommend it enough!” - Current Utah Tech Student. Our student-led, faculty and staff supported prevention coalitions at Snow College, Southern Utah University, and Utah Tech University continue to provide education related to data-supported substance use and mental health issues relevant to their respective campuses, while providing activities focused on positive social engagement and wellbeing. This year, a theme of inviting students to ponder what wellness means to them has guided programming in an effort to help them make wellness a lifelong pursuit. An upcoming campaign will help inform students on making responsible decisions related to marijuana use. All the while, we will continue to build bridges with our campus partners and ensure that those partnerships are fruitful for both parties and lead to the betterment of our campus communities in rural Utah. Artwork: Winning Submission for What Does Wellness Mean to Me by Braylei Schroeder from Utah Tech University SUU UTAH TECH SNOW COLLEGE

27. NEPQR Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention-Clinical Faculty and Preceptor Academies Our involvement in the regional Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention-Clinical Faculty and Preceptor Academies (NEPQR-CFPA) program has provided significant opportunities for professional development and leadership training for nurses who are either already precepting new nurses or are looking to do so. These valuable resources have opened doors for our local nurses and for the agencies that employ them in ushering in the next generation of nurses in rural Utah.

28. PROJECT ECHO How Project ECHO’s telementoring model of education and training are making a meaningful impact Project ECHO’s model of connecting specialists with communities and healthcare providers in rural or underserved areas through virtual sessions is incredibly valuable. By offering sessions via Zoom, we are breaking down geographical barriers and ensuring that healthcare workers in rural communities have access to the support and resources they need to provide quality care. This past year, we presented two series, six sessions each, and collaborated on another six-session series to help create an environment where rural communities and healthcare workers feel supported, equipped, and valued. The convenience of Zoom enabled widespread participation, allowing many community workers and mental health and healthcare providers from every rural county in Utah to attend these crucial sessions. With research showing that 75% of all workplace assaults in the United States occur in healthcare settings, that 47% of physicians have said they were physically assaulted at work, and a recent study showing that 2 nurses are assaulted per hour, education and support to help combat these statistics are needed. The two main series focused on De-escalation with SUD, and Stigma Reduction with SUD. The ECHO series we collaborated on addressed issues such as suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, and substance use disorder (SUD) in rural communities. Education to support providers was also presented on EMDR, self-care strategies, cultural competencies, and internalized racism. All of these subjects are especially vital given the unique challenges these areas face. By providing education and resources on these topics, we not only equip healthcare professionals with essential skills but also foster a more supportive and inclusive healthcare environment. Our efforts through Project ECHO’s telementoring model of education and training are making a meaningful impact in addressing these critical issues and improving healthcare outcomes in rural Utah. *Source: American Journal of Managed Care, 2019.

29. GRANT PROJECTS RCORP Psychostimulant II As we enter the final year of our three-year award under the RCORP Psychostimulant Program, we are excited to reflect on the progress we’ve made. This award shifts our focus from prescription opioids, the focus of previous RCORP awards, to other substances. Working across Carbon, Emery, and Grand counties, this funding has enabled the ongoing efforts of the Utah Rural Opioid Healthcare Consortium (UROHC) and the UtahOpioids . com platform. UROHC is now entering its seventh year of partnership and remains one of the longest-standing consortiums in the RCORP program nationally. In the past year, we have hosted two Project ECHO series: one on Stigma Reduction and the other on De-Escalation Techniques. These sessions were distinguished by their openness to all participants, setting them apart from other ECHO sessions previously organized by our team. Additionally, we have been actively working to raise awareness about substance use resources throughout the county and to equip our members with tools to address the rising concerns related to fentanyl and xylazine on a national scale. RCORP Behavioral Health Support As we conclude the second year of our four-year subaward with the University of Utah Nursing School under the RCORP Behavioral Health Support Grant, we are pleased to highlight the progress we’ve made. This grant focuses on enhancing behavioral health resources in Carbon, Emery, and Wayne Counties. Throughout this period, our team has been dedicated to expanding access to critical health resources in these rural communities. Notable achievements include the implementation of comprehensive suicide prevention training programs, the introduction of the Strengthening Families program, and the establishment of Peer Support Coaching initiatives. These efforts have been instrumental in addressing behavioral health challenges and fostering stronger, more resilient communities in the region. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and building on these successes as we advance through the remaining years of the grant.

30. Cambia Health Foundation Last summer, our team received a grant from the Cambia Health Foundation’s Health Care Workforce Program, which has enabled us to develop educational content for students pursuing careers in behavioral health. This grant also highlights Southern Utah University’s initiative to create a Behavioral Health Technician program in partnership with the Talent Ready Utah program. In addition, we have been able to offer support to address burnout among students entering the health care field. Furthermore, we collaborated with Moab Free Clinic on a Project ECHO series that provides ongoing education to health care professionals throughout rural Utah. Reshaping Diabetes Care ECHO Project Our team, in collaboration with North Eastern Montana AHEC, successfully applied for and was selected as the sole recipient of a prestigious opportunity to work with the National AHEC Organization and Clinical Care Options (CCO). This partnership enabled us to develop a cutting-edge ECHO series focused on diabetes and obesity management. As the series nears completion, participating rural clinics in Utah are now embarking on quality improvement projects with support from our team. Our efforts are not only enhancing the current implementation but also setting the stage for scaling the project to a broader audience in the future. Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant We are thrilled to announce that our team has been awarded a Rural Health Network Development Planning grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for fiscal year 2025. This grant will enable the Utah Center for Rural Health to collaborate with the Utah Office of Primary Care and Rural Health and the Utah Hospital Association to conduct a comprehensive Needs Assessment and develop a Strategic Plan for a proposed network aimed at supporting Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) across Utah. The envisioned Utah Rural Health Clinic Network will focus on enhancing connectivity among RHCs, which often struggle with complex federal requirements and lack the same quality reporting standards to CMS as other healthcare settings. By addressing these challenges, the network aims to improve feedback on performance data and foster a more supportive environment for RHCs. The insights gained from this grant will empower clinics to actively contribute to the network’s development, ensuring a strong and effective partnership that will benefit rural healthcare for years to come. GRANT PROJECTS

31. CONTACT US SUU 351 University Blvd. Cedar City, UT, 84720 SC 304 [phone] Utah Tech 225 S. 700 E. St. George, UT, 84770 Hazy 321 [phone] Snow College 150 College Ave Ephriam, UT, 84627 [phone] utahhealthscholars.org utahopioids.org 3rnet.org http://suu.edu/ ruralhealth

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