National Rural Health Day was celebrated by McKenzie Health System and other organizations around the country on November 21 this year. Each year on the third Thursday of November, the National Organization of States Offices of Rural Health focuses on honoring the “can-do” spirit that prevails in rural America while bringing to light the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face – and showcase the efforts of rural healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health and other rural stakeholders to address those challenges.
Alley Patterson and Larissa Anton, both students at Sandusky Schools.
Dylan Watson and Adriana Stull, both students at Peck Community Schools.
As part of our local celebration, schools were invited to have their art students create a piece they felt represented what rural means to them. Entries were photographed and posted to the McKenzie Health System Facebook page as well as being displayed throughout the hospital.
The winners this year in the traditional art category are 1st place – Alley Patterson with 121 votes; 2nd place – Larissa Anton with 103 votes. In the category of photography, the winners are 1st place – Dylan Watson with 41 votes; 2nd place – Adriana Stull with 12 votes.
“We were so pleased with each of the 58 entries from 3 different schools that were submitted,” shared Billi Jo Hennika, Chief Operating Officer at McKenzie Health System. “This is almost triple the entries we had last year and it is clear we have many talented young people here in our community!”
In addition to the art contest, local businesses were asked to share a photo on social media showing their partnership or support of rural healthcare.
All of the art entries are available in an album on the McKenzie Health System Facebook page. Additional information about National Rural Health Day can be found at https://nosorh.org/about-national-rural-health-day/.
