Loretta Heuer selected for National Rural Health Fellows Program The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has selected Loretta Heuer, professor of nursing, for the 2009 Rural Health Fellows Program. After the completion of a competitive review process, 12 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. "We are very pleased to announce this new class of fellows as this program enters its third year. Once again, this class represents various levels of rural healthcare expertise. With the successes achieved by the 2007 and 2008 classes, we look forward to continuing the tradition of building rural healthcare leaders through this valuable program,” said Alan Morgan, NRHA CEO. “The Rural Health Fellows Program is a tremendous opportunity for health care professionals,” shares Dr. Heuer. “Participation in this program will enhance my leadership abilities in the areas of team and organizational leadership, strategic planning, advocacy, and health policy analysis at the national level. During the next year, I look forward to collaborating with my cohort on our group projects as we work to advocate for the health care needs of rural communities.” Participation in the NRHA Fellows Program will also have a positive impact on the newly formed Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program in North Dakota, of which Dr. Heuer is a co-director. The goal of the Dakota AHEC is to help clinics and hospitals recruit and retain health care workers in underserved areas, address workforce shortages, and educate students about career options in health care. Access to healthcare in the rural areas of North Dakota is largely due to a shortage of people working at rural facilities. NRHA Fellows will gain valuable insights and build critical skills in three primary domains: (1) personal, team, and organizational leadership; (2) health policy analysis and advocacy; (3) National Rural Health Association governance and structure. -- Becky Cournia, Alumni & Development Officer, College of Nursing, beckycournia@mail.und.edu, 777-4526