CSRHA's 2007 Rural Champions Award Luncheon Inspires Tears of Joy

One of the most memorable moments of CSRHA’s 7th Annual Conference was the Rural Champion Awards Luncheon, the final event of the three day program. In addition to honoring California State Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny for her leadership and commitment to California’s rural communities, six rural residents were presented with the CSRHA Rural Champion in Community Leadership Award in recognition of their demonstrated leadership characteristics, commitment, and distinguished service in rural communities.

For those committed attendees who stayed the entire duration of the conference, it was a warm and rewarding event. The stories told of and by the awardees were nothing short of inspiring, and even moved some attendees to shed a few tears, including the luncheon’s MC and CSRHA President-elect, Kiki Nocella.

CSRHA is pleased and honored to share the inspiring stories of the following 2007 Rural Champion in Community Leadership Award recipients:

Warren Daniels, Executive Director, Community Recovery Resource
Warren is committed to having an organization that serves with a holistic approach making certain to treat each client completely so that success is more achievable. Warren is also interested in taking this approach to the next level. He has a vision for a one stop place to treat people with chemical dependency and mental health issues. click for more

Judy Horn, Founder and Community Specialist, Kings Partnership for Children
Judy’s passion is her community, centered in Home Garden south of Hanford in Kings County. Her life’s work is helping the people living in this community obtain important resources. Some of King County’s most disadvantaged individuals and families live in Home Garden, with 42 percent of residents live at or below the federal poverty level. click for more

Dale Kirby, CEO, Colusa Regional Medical Center
Since coming to Colusa in 2003 as the Chief Executive Officer of Colusa Regional Medical Center (CRMC), Dale Kirby has provided the vision and leadership to help turn the community’s only hospital into a dynamic, growing medical center. In 2001, the hospital was slated to close until a group of private citizens created a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and raised the money to buy the hospital from the failing private hospital management corporation. The Board of Directors struggled with finding the appropriate leadership to help them fulfill their mission of providing access to quality medical care in our own local community until Dale arrived. Since 2003, Colusa Regional Medical Center has accomplished many things... click for more

Cindy Rice, Executive Director, Partners in Care
I first met Cindy Rice eight years ago when we both served on the bioethics committee of our local hospital. Her quiet, unassuming demeanor belied an indomitable spirit and strength of character, and I soon learned the meaning of the phrase still waters run deep. Over the years, I have witnessed the many facets of this remarkable woman. click for more

Linda Roberts, Administrator, Tipton/Pixley Medical Clinic
Linda Roberts, administrator and owner of the Tipton and Pixley medical clinics, was determined to keep her clinics open in spite of the [2007] budget stalemate. Ms. Roberts first attempted to obtain a loan from a local bank. The bank, however, was less than enthusiastic about the idea: “How can we be sure that the State owes you money?” they asked. With little collateral to offer, Ms. Roberts was left without a loan and without many options. Instead of shutting clinics’ doors, though, Ms. Roberts chose to cash out her retirement in order to pay her employees. click for more

Judith Shaplin, CEO, Mountain Health & Community Services
Beginning in 2003 after the Cedar Fire, Ms. Shaplin has worked tirelessly to develop a Disaster Preparedness program with Mountain Health & Community Services. She has worked with the Back Country Revitalization Committee, the Mountain Empire Collaborative, the Wellness Council and the Council of Community Clinics to prepare for San Diego's next disaster. When the October 2007 wildfires wreaked havoc in San Diego County, Ms. Shaplin was ready. Our families were happy that she was. click for more

Article posted on 1/17/08