Kris Sparks Announces Bid for NRHA Presidency

October 28, 2009 -- Sterling Heights, Michigan

Kris Sparks, director of the Washington Statewide Office of Rural Health and NOSORH’s State Rural Health Association liaison, has announced her candidacy to become the next president-elect of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).

Kris has been working in the rural health arena since 1990 when she joined Rural Health Programs in the Washington Office of Rural Health. She is a past president of NOSORH and of the Washington Rural Health Association and has served as a health panel advisor to the Rural Policy Institute. Within NRHA, Kris currently represents the Statewide Health Resources Constituency Group on NRHA’s Health Policy Congress and serves as the Washington rural health representative on NRHA’s State Association Council.

Kris outlined her platform in an open letter to NOSORH members on October 26:

These are tough times for rural America. Communities are losing businesses. People are losing their jobs, and rural health care facilities are struggling with the impact of more people without healthcare coverage, resulting in more bad debt and charity care. This is compounded by shortages of healthcare providers in these rural communities. NRHA’s leadership is critical to assuring that these issues are understood and addressed. I will do all that I can to foster this understanding to assure this needed awareness.

As President of NRHA, I will continue the extraordinary grass roots approach NRHA employs now in keeping the rural health focus in front of Congress on National Health Reform. I have spent nearly 20 years working with state and community organizations. I believe the best assets of the Association are its members. The members, coupled with skilled staff, have created NRHA’s effective grass roots successes. NRHA strategically positions its members to share rural perspectives with Members of Congress. I will continue this very successful advocacy as NRHA president.

I have interest and skills in policy development. I have a collaborative leadership style – willing to work with others to get the job done. I will continue to partner with state rural health associations, Offices of Rural Health, hospitals, community health centers, rural health clinics, and provider organizations as well as other organizations and partners across the country for effective advocacy. I want to expand the recognition of rural health issues and strengthen NRHA’s grassroots voice.

Involving the membership is critical as NRHA tackles challenges in the future. I look forward to serving as your NRHA President – working with you to resolve the rural health issues we face.

I welcome your input and comments concerning my candidacy and my platform. Please feel free to call or e-mail me at: (360) 236-2805 or kris.sparks@doh.wa.gov

Several NOSORH members currently serve on the NRHA Board of Trustees. Denny Berens (Nebraska) is the current president-elect of the organization and Sandra Durick (South Dakota) is its treasurer; Kristin Juliar (Montana) and Graham Adams (South Carolina) serve as chairs of the Frontier Constituency Group and State Office Council, respectively. NOSORH members are encouraged to support Kris’ upcoming bid to ensure this outstanding representation continues!

For additional information, please contact NOSORH Executive Director Teryl Eisinger at teryle@nosorh.org or (586) 739-9940 or NOSORH Communications Coordinator Bill Hessert at billh@nosorh.org or (814) 308-8697.