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Rita Osborn Recognized by National Rural Health Association

May 25, 2024

2 min

Rita Osborn

Rita Osborn, MBA, has been named this year's Outstanding Educator by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). This award is given to an individual who has dedicated their time and talents to improving the health and well-being of others. Osborn and other awardees will be honored during the NRHA’s 47th Annual Rural Health Conference on May 9, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana.


“We’re extremely proud of this year’s winners, particularly because of the additional challenges rural health professionals face as we navigate unique and ever-changing environments,” said NRHA CEO Alan Morgan. “They have each made tremendous strides to advance rural health care, and we’re confident they will continue to help improve the lives of rural Americans.”


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Osborn is the Utah Center for Rural Health Executive Director based at Southern Utah University (SUU). In addition, she leads the Rural Health Association of Utah and directs the Southwest Utah Area Health Education Program. In the quarter-century she has spent promoting health education, Osborn founded the Rural Utah Health Scholars Program that assists students pursuing health careers, and she continues to be instrumental in assisting medical professionals who wish to practice in rural areas.


"I am humbled by this award and appreciate colleagues who nominated me, along with supportive members of my team," Osborn said. "I have enjoyed helping students pursue careers in health care, and it brings me even greater satisfaction when they choose to practice in rural Utah."


The Utah Center for Rural Health works to promote and enhance the quality of rural health through leadership, advocacy, coalition building and education, and to affect policy and legislation.



Looking to know more about rural health?  Then let us help.


Ria Osborne is available to speak with media - simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.

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Rita Osborn

Rita Osborn

Executive Director of Utah Center for Rural Health

Specializing in rural Utah healthcare, community building, and project management.

Community Health ProgramsRural Health Care Access & DeliveryProperty ManagementHealthcareGrants

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