NRHA welcomes 2012 fellows

Jarod Giger is already making the news as one of the National Rural Health Association’s newest Rural Health Fellows. “Issues that individuals in rural states and communities have are very unique, and I oftentimes don’t think those voices are heard, so I hope to give a voice … to make sure those needs are being met,” says Giger, a University of South Dakota assistant professor of social work and one of 13 new fellows, who will first meet at NRHA's 23rd annul Rural Health Policy Institute later this month in D.C. After the completion of a competitive review process, the 2012 fellows were selected to participate in this year-long, intensive program aimed at developing leaders who can articulate a clear and compelling vision for rural America. The new fellows are: Anne Braswell, North Carolina Office of Rural Health and Community Care research and development senior analyst, Raleigh, N.C. Mary DeVany, Great Plains Telehealth Resource and Assistance Center outreach director, Harrisburg, S.D. Jarod Giger, PhD, University of South Dakota social work assistant professor, Vermillion, S.D. Rebecca Hartman, Alvernia University PhD candidate, Wyomissing, Pa. Nalo Johnson, PhD, Avera Rural Health Institute grant writer, Sioux Falls, S.D. Lesley LaFile, Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation grants and special project manager, Kearney, Neb. Lori Larson, Central Minnesota Area Health Education Center regional specialist, Fergus Falls, Minn. Samantha Lippolis, Children’s Hospital Colorado  outreach coordinator, Aurora, Co. Jan Marson, OTD, Rural Children’s Mental Health Consortium occupational therapist, Carson City, Nev. Kendra Parry, Parry Associates consultant, Charleston, Ore. Richard Smestad, Minnesota Area Health Education Center deputy director, Fergus Falls, Minn. Tarik Walker, MD, University of Colorado family medicine instructor, Aurora, Co. Florence Weierbach, PhD, East Tennessee State University College of Nursing assistant professor, Johnson City, Tenn.