The team of Megan Meacham, Allison Hutchings and Sarah O’Donnell from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Federal Office of Rural Health Policy has been awarded the 2023 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals People's Choice Award for establishing the HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP).
The HRSA, an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has invested more than $500 million through RCORP, serving more than 4 million rural individuals in more than 1,800 rural counties across 47 states and two territories, according to a July 20 news release. It also supports training for approximately 634,000 service providers, paraprofessional staff and community members.
“I’m thrilled that the work of the HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program team resonated most with the American public,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in the release. “The work to reduce the dangers of substance use disorder in high-risk rural communities is critically important. Thank you to the Partnership for Public Service for recognizing this excellent, life-saving work.”
The Service to America Medals, or Sammies, are frequently referred to as the Oscars of public service and stand for the best of the federal government, the release said. The People's Choice Award gives particular attention to the team that garners the most public votes, demonstrating how the federal government's efforts is felt in local areas.
HHS' HRSA organization offers health care to the communities with the greatest need in the country and promotes the development of the medical workforce, according to the release. Rural populations, historically underserved communities, those with low incomes, those living with HIV, newborns, children and new parents are all supported by HRSA programs.
“Megan, Allison, Sarah, and the entire HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program Team represent the best of government service and, like all of our work at HRSA, they are driving change by helping communities get the health care services and supports they need,” Carole Johnson, HRSA administrator, said in the release. “Their work to prevent and respond to the opioid crisis is making a real difference on the ground as rural communities have expanded treatment sites, grown their prevention strategies and built and sustained pathways to recovery. Our People’s Choice Award winning team is an incredible example of the work being done every day at HRSA to make a difference in the lives of people across the country who need health care services. We are very proud of their leadership and their embodiment of the HRSA mission.”
