2024 Award Recipients
National Legislator of the Year: U.S. Representative Mike Ezell
U.S. Representative Mike Ezell received the MRHA’s National Legislator of the Year Award for his advocacy at the federal level in support of rural healthcare. Representative Ezell has worked diligently to understand the unique challenges facing rural health in Mississippi and has supported meaningful legislation on telehealth, rural hospitals, and rural health clinics. Kelly added, “Representative Ezell and his staff have been a pleasure to work with. Our frequent discussions on rural health issues have helped both his office and our Association identify potential legislative solutions to benefit rural healthcare.”
One Rural Award: Steve Marinelli
The One Rural Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to rural public health, was presented to Steve Marinelli, CEO of Choctaw Regional Medical Center. Steve, a long-time member of the Association, has been a tireless advocate for rural healthcare improvements. Kelly remarked, “Steve’s leadership at Choctaw Regional Medical Center has had a lasting impact on the state. We appreciate his hospital’s high-quality care and his ongoing support for policies that advance rural healthcare.”
Mary Ann Sones Distinguished Leadership Award: Sam Miller
Sam Miller, a long-time hospital administrator at North Sunflower Medical Center, was honored with the MRHA’s most prestigious leadership award in 2024. Sam has served on the MRHA board, legislative committee, and contributed to numerous projects and programs over the years. Kelly said, “When I think of someone who embodies dedication and leadership within our Association, Sam Miller is among the first that comes to mind. His extensive healthcare career and his willingness to invest in our organization and its members have made a significant impact on improving healthcare in Mississippi.”
Hospital Quality Awards
Each year, the Chartis Group recognizes the top quartile of hospitals in the nation based on quality outcomes from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The following hospitals were acknowledged for their exceptional quality of care and commitment to patient outcomes:
Baptist Memorial Hospital – Attala
Baptist Memorial Hospital – Calhoun
Baptist Memorial Hospital – Leake
Covington County Hospital
Ochsner Watkins Hospital
Ochsner Stennis Hospital
Ochsner Laird Hospital
North Mississippi Medical Center – Pontotoc
Tallahatchie General Hospital
Tippah County Hospital
North Mississippi Medical Center – Iuka
North Mississippi Medical Center – Eupora
2023 Award Recipients
State Legislator of the Year: Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann
Lt. Governor Hosemann has been tremendous supporter of rural healthcare over his term in the legislature. He has facilitated and supported efforts pertaining to multiple bills aimed at supporting hospital structure, improving reimbursement, providing funds to hospitals and clinics, and considering other strategic initiatives and programs for the advancement of rural healthcare.
National Legislator of the Year: US Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
Senator Hyde-Smith has once again received this award from the association due to her continued support of national legislation supporting rural health practice, including hospital funding, telehealth, reducing administrative burden, and more.
Mary Ann Sones Distinguished Leadership Award: Patty Harper, MRHF
The Association’s top leadership award was presented to Patty Harper. Patty has been a primary consultant with the Association, providing members with important information pertaining to rural health clinic operation and management. Patty has also taught many classes and workshops for the MRHA and its members.
One Rural Award: Michael Nester
The One Rural Award is presented to Dr. Dan Edney, State Health Officer in the Mississippi State Department of Health. Dr. Edney has worked hard to improve the public health outreach and engagement with rural healthcare and has personally visited with rural hospitals throughout the state to determine how MSDH can best support the facilities.
Hospital Quality Awards
Each year, the Chartis Group recognizes the top quartile of hospitals in the nation based on quality outcomes from CMS data. The following hospitals were recognized and awarded by the Association for this exceptional quality:
Baptist Memorial Hospital – Attala
Baptist Memorial Hospital – Calhoun
Baptist Memorial Hospital – Leake
Covington County Hospital
Field Health System
Ochsner Watkins Hospital
Ochsner Stennis Hospital
Ochsner Laird Hospital
North Mississippi Medical Center – Pontotoc
Tallahatchie General Hospital
North Mississippi Medical Center – Iuka
North Mississippi Medical Center – Eupora
2022 Award Recipients
We are pleased to present the 2022 Mississippi Rural Health Conference award recipients. Congratulations to this year’s winners!
Hospital Quality Awards
| Baptist Memorial Hospital – Booneville | Booneville | MS |
| Baptist Memorial Hospital – Calhoun | Calhoun City | MS |
| Baptist Memorial Hospital – Leake | Carthage | MS |
| North Mississippi Medical Center – Eupora | Eupora | MS |
| North Mississippi Medical Center – Iuka | Iuka | MS |
| Baptist Memorial Hospital – Attala | Kosciusko | MS |
| Scott Regional Hospital | Morton | MS |
| Neshoba County General Hospital | Philadelphia | MS |
| North Mississippi Medical Center – Pontotoc | Pontotoc | MS |
| H C Watkins Memorial Hospital | Quitman | MS |
| Laird Hospital | Union | MS |
| North Mississippi Medical Center – West Point | West Point | MS |
State Legislator of the Year
Sen. Ben Suber
National Legislator of the Year
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith
Mary Ann Sones Distinguished Leadership Award
Paula Turner, MRHF
One Rural Award
Michael Nester
Community Star Award
Kina L. White, DrPH, MHSA, FACHE
2021 Award Recipients
We are pleased to present the 2021 Mississippi Rural Health Conference award recipients. Congratulations to all of our award winners!
| Hospital Outcomes Awards |
| Baptist Memorial Hospital – Booneville |
| Baptist Memorial Hospital – Union County |
| Delta Health-Northwest Regional |
| North Mississippi Medical Center |
| North Sunflower Medical Center |
| South Sunflower County Hospital |
| Tippah County Hospital |
| Hospital Quality Awards |
| Baptist Memorial Hospital – Attala |
| Baptist Memorial Hospital – Booneville |
| Baptist Memorial Hospital – Calhoun |
| North Mississippi Medical Center – Eupora |
| Scott Regional Hospital |
| Simpson General Hospital |
| Tippah County Hospital |
State Legislator of the Year
Sen. Kevin Blackwell
National Legislator of the Year
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith
Mary Ann Sones Distinguished Leadership Award
Thomas Dobbs, MD, MPH
Community Star Award
Arletha Howard, DrPH, MSN, RN
2020 Awards
Hospital quality awards
- Baptist Memorial Hospital-Boonville
- North Mississippi Medical Center – Iuka
- North Mississippi Medical Center – Eupora
- Tallahatchie General Hospital
- North Mississippi Medical Center – Pontotoc
- Covington County Hospital
- H.C. Watkins Memorial Hospital Inc.
- Baptist Memorial Hospital – Calhoun
- John C. Stennis Memorial Hospital
State Legislator of the Year
Rep. Sam Mims
Mary Ann Sones Distinguished Leadership Award
Sharon Turcotte, MRHF
2019 Awards
National Legislator of the Year
Cindy Hyde-Smith
US Senate
State Legislator of the Year
Philip Gunn
Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives
Mary Ann Sones Distinguished Leadership Award
Tim Thomas, MRHF
One Rural Award
Toby Butler
CAH Patient Perspective Award
- Mississippi Baptist Hospital – Leake
- Calhoun Hospital
- Field Health System
- Greene County Hospital
- Scott Regional Hospital
- Tallahatchie General Hospital
CAH Strength Index Award
- Attala County Hospital
- Franklin County Hospital
- Pontotoc Health System
PPS Patient Perspective Award
- Mississippi Baptist Hospital – Booneville
- Tishomingo General Hospital
PPS Strength Index Quality Award
- Tishomingo General Hospital
- Webster General Hospital
2018 Awards
Mary Ann Sones Distinguished Leadership Award
Zach Allen, MRHF
National Legislator of the Year
US Representative Gregg Harper
State Legislator of the Year
Governor Phil Bryant
One Rural Award
Mississippi Division of Medicaid
PPS Hospital Strength Index Awards
Baptist Medical Center – Attala
Laird Hospital
North Mississippi Medical Center – Pontotoc
PPS Hospital Strength Index Awards
Beacham Memorial Hospital
George Regional Medical Center
Winston Medical Center
North Mississippi Medical Center – Eupora
North Mississippi Medical Center – Iuka
2017 Awards
Mary Ann Sones Distinguished Leadership Award
Susan Campbell, MRHF, Rush Health Systems
National Legislator of the Year
US Senator Roger Wicker
State Legislator of the Year
Rep. Sam Mims
One Rural Award
Rep. Stacey Wilkes
Hospital Quality Award: HCAPHS (CAH Division)
- Laird Hospital
- Lawrence County Hospital
- North Sunflower Medical Center
Hospital Quality Award: HCAPHS (PPS Division)
- Tishomingo Health Services
- Winston Medical Center
- Beacham Memorial Hospital
Hospital Quality Award: IMM2
- Calhoun Health Services
- Baptist Medical Center – Attala
Hospital Quality Award: OP-27
- Holmes County Hospitals and Clinics
- Field Memorial Hospital
MS Rural Physician Scholars Poster Contest Winners
- First Place: Hannah Laird, Starkville
- Second Place: Alex Fratesi, Leland
- Third Place: Emilee Ann Boldon, Greenwood
2016 Awards
Mary Ann Sones Distinguished Leadership Award
Dr. Bonnie Carew, Mississippi State University (retired)
State Legislator of the Year
Senator Angela Hill
Senator Terry Burton
National Legislator of the Year
Congressman Gregg Harper
Special Award to Governor Phil Bryant for his dedication to rural health
Overall Critical Access Hospital Strength Index Award
- Calhoun Health Services, Calhoun City
- Greene County Hospital, Leakesville
- Perry County General Hospital, Richton
Critical Access Hospital Strength Index Quality Award
- Perry County General Hospital, Richton
- Calhoun Health Services, Calhoun City
- Field Memorial Community Hospital, Centerville
Overall PPS Hospital Strength Index Award
- George Regional Health System, Lucedale
- Tishomingo Health Services, Iuka, MS
- Winston Medical Center, Louisville, MS
PPS Hospital Strength Index Quality Award
- Sharkey Issaquena Community Hospital, Rolling Fork
- Webster General Hospital, Eupora, MS
- Winston Medical Center, Louisville, MS
Rural Health Clinic Quality Award
- Pinnacle Medical Clinic, Summit
- Indianola Family Medical Group, Indianola
- Merit Health Pediatrics, Batesville
- Tri-Lakes Merit Health Women’s Clinic, Batesville
- KDMC Medical Clinic, Brookhaven
- KDMC Specialty Clinic, Brookhaven
- Greenwood Leflore After-Hours Clinic, Greenwood
- Women’s Pavilion of South Mississippi, Hattiesburg
- Lexington Primary Care Clinic, Lexington
- Macon Medical Clinic, Macon
- Macon Primary Care Clinic, Macon
- East Mississippi Medical Clinic, Meridian
- Fairchild-Clearman Medical Associates, Philadelphia
- Neshoba Internal Medicine Associates, Philadelphia
- Neshoba Medical Pavilion, Philadelphia
- Neshoba Urgent Care , Philadelphia
- Waynesboro Family Medicine and Obstetrics, Waynesboro
- Arthur E. Wood Medical Clinic, Waynesboro
- Primary Healthcare, Forest
- Clark Medical Clinic
- Rush Family Practice, Lake
- The Medical Group of Quitman
- Central Mississippi Family Healthcare
- North Hills Family Medical Clinic
- Rush Medical Clinic, Philadelphia
- Newton Family Medical Associates
- Family Medical Group of Union
- Decatur Family Medical Clinic
- Rush Medical Clinic Dekalb
- Marion Primary Care Center
- Primary Care Associates
- Immediate Care Family Clinic
- Rush Medical Clinic Preston
- Rush Medical Clinic Collinsville
- Family Medical Clinic
- Rush Medical Group Primary Care
- Children’s International Medical Group
2015 Awards
Mary Ann Sones Distinguished Leadership Award
Joanie Perkins
North Sunflower Medical Center
2014 Awards
Mary Ann Sones Distinguished Leadership Award
Dr. Mary Ann Sones
Hinds Community College
Mississippi Rural Health Association 