The Oregon Office of Rural Health at Oregon Health & Science University is looking for a few outstanding people, programs or organizations that have improved the quality and availability of health care in their rural community. Those nominated will be considered for the Oregon Rural Health Conference Awards (ORHCAs).

"Think about nominating someone whose actions have had a notably positive impact on the health of the community or a successful program that has been implemented that other communities might want to replicate. We all know at least one person or group that has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to health care in our community. How about a teacher or coach with a unique approach to educating students on health care risk prevention, or a health care provider, clinic or health department that has demonstrated a unique devotion to the populations they serve? The ORHCAs were created to honor those efforts," said Linda Peppler, coordinator of the annual conference.

Nomination forms will be accepted through Thursday, Aug. 31, and are available on the Oregon Office of Rural Health Web site at: www.ohsu.edu/oregonruralhealth

For more information, please contact Linda Peppler, Oregon Office of Rural Health, 503 494-4450, pepplerl@ohsu.edu.