Oregon Office of Rural Health

Community Stars - ORH Hero of the Year

heroes of the year

Community Stars - Honoring People Making a Rural Difference

Community Stars

In conjunction with National Rural Health Day, the National Organization of the State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) established its annual Community Star Recognition Program in 2015 to tell the stories of people and organizations who make a difference in rural communities. 

Learn more here


2023 Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year Award

The Hero of the Year award honors a person, an organization or a community that has made a distinguished, unique or exceptional contribution to improving the quality of life for rural Oregonians. Past recipients have shown extraordinary leadership under trying circumstances, or have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to inspiring rural youth to take up careers in healthcare.

This year, it was unanimous that YOU, the people who are at the heart of health and health care in rural Oregon, are the 2023 Rural Health Hero of the Year. You are the backbone of our healthy communities, the champions of our wellbeing. This year we celebrate all of you whose unwavering dedication and care help the rural communities of Oregon to thrive.

Thank you to ALL of YOU who keep our rural communities strong, healthy, and resilient.


Previous Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year Bios and Videos

2022

The Oregon Office of Rural Health is proud to present the 2022 Rural Health Hero of the Year Award to Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer. 

2021

The Oregon Office of Rural Health is proud to present the 2021 Rural Health Hero of the Year Award to Dr. Erling Oksenholt. 

2020

Orion Falvey

The Oregon Office of Rural Health is proud to present the 2020 Rural Health Hero of the Year Award to Orion Falvey. Learn more about the 2020 Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year

2019

The Oregon Office of Rural Health is proud to present the 2019 Rural Health Hero of the Year Award to Kurt Davis. Learn more about the 2019 Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year

2018

The Oregon Office of Rural Health is proud to present the 2018 Rural Health Hero of the Year Award to Sharon D. DeHart, P.A-C. Learn more about the 2018 Hero of the Year.

2017

The Oregon Office of Rural Health is proud to present the 2017 Rural Health Hero of the Year Award to Lynne Frost. Learn more about the 2017 Hero of the Year.

2016

Learn more about Community Counseling Solutions, the 2016 Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year.

2015

Learn more about Bobbie Steninger, the 2015 Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year.

2014

Learn more about Sandra Dunbrasky, M.D., the 2014 Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year.

2013

Learn more about Verna Pettyjohn, the 2013 Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year.

2012

Learn more about Angel Flight West – Oregon Wing, the 2012 Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year.

2011

Learn more about Patricia Neal, the 2011 Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year.

2010

Learn more about Jane McLaughlin, the 2010 Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year.

2009

Learn more about Carolyn Bauer, the 2009 Oregon Rural Health Hero of the Year.