Rural Health Awards
Starting in 2021, Grand Valley State University has celebrated rural health by acknowledging the accomplishments of outstanding organizations and practitioners serving northern Michigan communities. We strive to make efficient, effective, and lifelong partnerships and collaborations that work to close the gap in health disparities between urban and rural areas.
The awards are presented at the spring Health Forum of Northern Michigan event and are done so in partnership with the Grand Valley State University Traverse City Regional Center.
Note: To be eligible for the awards, the healthcare organization and/or practitioner must practice in northern lower Michigan or the upper peninsula of Michigan.
2023 Rural Health Awards Nomination will open in January 2023
Nominate a healthcare organization and/or practitioner who practices in:
- Northern lower Michigan
- The upper peninsula of Michigan
Nomination Deadline: March 1, 2023
Presentation of Awards: Rural Health awards will be presented April 12, 2023 at the spring Northern Michigan Health Forum
Nominate
2021 Rural Health Award Recipients
2022 Rural Health Care Organization Award: Crystal Lake Health Center
Michael Carroll, MD, accepted the 2022 Rural Health Organization Award on behalf of Crystal Lake Health Center. The accomplishments of the organization to serve northern Michigan and collaborate with GVSU to make effective and efficient lifelong partnerships were acknowledged.
2022 Rural Health Practitioner of the Year Award: Jeffrey Wirgau, PA-C
Jeffrey Wirgau, PA-C, is a psychiatry Physician Assistant in Alpena. He has been a preceptor for GVSU’s Physician Assistant program since 2018. He has a passion for helping patients and teaching. He allows students to engage with patients and sets aside time to answer students’ questions. He also includes students in educational opportunities outside the clinic.
2021 Rural Health Care Organization Award: War Memorial Hospital
David Jahn, president and CEO of War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, accepted the 2021 Rural Healthcare Organization Award. Jean Nagelkerk, GVSU vice provost for health, said the hospital is dedicated to serving northern Michigan by providing comprehensive, quality care to individuals, families, and communities.
2021 Rural Health Practitioner of the Year Award: Dr. Marlyn Conlon
Dr. Marilyn Conlon, from Wellspring Psychiatry in Traverse City, will receive the 2021 Rural Health Practitioner of the Year Award. Conlon is an expert in behavioral health, serving as a guide and resource for many individuals in northern Michigan.