HHS Names New Members to Rural Health Advisory Committee

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced the appointment of five rural health experts to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health.

“The five new members of the committee are national leaders in rural health,” Thompson said. “Their input will ensure that HHS and its many programs serve and support rural communities as strongly as possible.”

The selections are:

• Evan Dillard, administrator of the Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, Ala.,

• Joellen Edwards, a nurse practitioner and educator from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn.,

• Michael Enright, a psychologist and nurse practitioner from Jackson, Wyo.,

• Raymond D. Rawson, a dentist and state legislator from Carson City, Nev.,

• Glenn D. Steele, administrator of the Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pa.

The 16-member committee, chaired by former South Carolina Governor David Beasley, meets three times a year and prepares annual reports for the Secretary on key health issues that affect rural communities. This year the committee will focus on two issues – rural health quality and workforce.

The committee will also play a key role in a new Department-wide initiative designed to strengthen rural health care.  Initiative staff received more than 450 comments from members of the public on rural health issues; among the most critical issues identified were access to mental health and oral health services.  The committee’s new members, who will serve four-year terms, include rural experts in both these fields.

For more information on the committee, contact the Office of Rural Health Policy (http://ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/) in HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration, which provides staff support to its efforts, at (301) 443-0835.

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