Community Stars - ORH Hero of the Year
Community Stars - Honoring People Making a Rural Difference
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.
2024 Oregon Community Star
ORH is pleased to announce that Michael Baker, PhD, Health Services Director at Jefferson County Public Health, has been chosen as the 2024 Oregon “Community Star” by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH).
Dr. Baker was nominated by ORH as the 2024 Oregon Community Star because of his unwavering dedication to rural health and the positive impact he has had on the state. “We feel Dr. Baker embodies the true nature of a Community Star as he tirelessly advocates for equality for Oregon’s rural local public health and health care organizations, an effort that goes a long way toward positively impacting health outcomes in our rural communities,” says ORH Director Robert Duehmig, “We are inspired by the positive partnerships he has built and continues to build both statewide and in his county to improve the health of those who are the most underserved in our state. We are in awe of his leadership and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in our state.”
On the third Thursday of November, NOSORH leads National Rural Health Day (NRHD), an annual celebration that shines a light on those who serve the vital health needs of the nearly 61 million people living in rural America. Dr. Baker will be featured prominently on the official NRHD website, PowerOfRural.org, on Nov. 21, 2024, alongside other Community Stars from across the nation.
In 2015, the Community Star Recognition Program was established in conjunction with NRHD to tell the stories of the people and organizations who make a difference in rural communities. Since then, over 350 inspiring rural stars have been honored nationwide on NRHD.
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.
Contact: Laura Potter | 503-494-5244
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
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.