• Healthcare Hero: Recognizes members of the medical, dental, pharmacy, social work, or nursing professions working in the rural health field.
• Healthcare Physician Hero: Specifically recognizes a physician (MD/DO) providing exemplary care in a rural setting.
• Healthcare Advanced Practitioner Hero: Recognizes advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), providing exemplary care in rural settings.
• Healthcare Administrator Hero: Recognizes individuals working in administrative or oversight roles in healthcare settings, often with training in business, marketing, or management.
• Behavioral Health Hero: Recognizes individuals working in mental health and/or behavioral health who serve rural communities. This award honors those providing critical support in therapy, counseling, substance use treatment, or crisis intervention.
• Community Health Hero: Recognizes a frontline public health worker who serves as a trusted community liaison, facilitating access to health and social services.
• Health IT & Informatics Hero: Recognizes professionals in IT, focusing on the design, development, and maintenance of healthcare information systems that enhance electronic health records and support information management.  
• EMS Hero: Recognizes emergency medical services professionals who provide critical pre-hospital care and emergency response in rural communities, ensuring timely access to lifesaving treatment and support.
• Health Policy & Advocacy Hero: Recognizes individuals who champion the health and well-being of rural communities through legislation, public policy, advocacy, funding, or other efforts that strengthen rural healthcare and improve health outcomes. This award may recognize elected officials, policymakers, community advocates, or other leaders who have made a meaningful impact on rural health.

2025 Rural Health Heroes

Community Health Hero - Ivona Coleman, Florida Department of Health in Monroe County

View Ivona Coleman's Video Statement

Healthcare Advanced Practitioner Hero - Ashley Abt, Doctors' Memorial Hospital

View Ashley Abt's Video Statement

Healthcare Administrator Hero - Bradley Herremans, Suncoast Community Health Centers, Inc.

View Bradley Herramans's Video Statement

Healthcare Physician Hero - Dr. Shaun Nazar, DO, Hendry Regional Medical Center

View Dr. Shaun Nazar's Video Statement

Healthcare Hero - Kaye Robinson, Jackson Hospital

View Kaye Robinson's Video Statement

EMS Hero - David Weeks, Bradford County Fire Rescue

"This year, I'm pleased to be awarded the 2025 Rural Health Hero Award for EMS Hero. I'm genuinely humbled, and proud to recognize the hard work that not only me, but the department, has put forth towards creating a better and healthier Bradford County. When we started out Community Paramedicine / Mobile Integrated Health program, the goal was simple: take care of the people who often slip through the cracks. Since then, I've had the privilege of walking into people's homes and getting to know the individuals and families who struggle the most. Those moments, the private conversations, the trust, and the small victories are what truly make this program special. Rural healthcare is personal for me because Bradford County is home. I grew up here, I’ve served my entire adult life here, and I know what it means when someone doesn’t have a ride to a doctor, when the nearest specialist is an hour away, or when someone feels like they’ve run out of options. Out here, healthcare isn’t just about medicine— it's about people care, not just patient care. 
Thank you for believing in the importance of rural EMS and community-based care. I’m honored to serve this county, and I’m excited for everything we've accomplished in these short two years."

 2024 Rural Health Heroes

Healthcare Hero - Dr. Michael Gervasi, DO from Dr. Michael Gervasi, DO Family Practice

"I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the 2024 Rural Healthcare Hero Award. Serving in rural medicine has been my passion for the past 25 years, and it continues to inspire and drive me every day. I encourage everyone to remain committed to advancing rural health initiatives and supporting the well-being of rural communities." -Dr. Michael Gervasi, DO

Community Health Hero - Jean Paul "JP" Roggiero from Healthcare Network

Jean "JP" Roggiero

Healthcare Advanced Practitioner Hero - Denise M. Schentrup, APRN, DNP from UF Health Archer Family Health Care.

Healthcare Administrator Hero - R. D. Williams from Hendry Regional Medical Center

R. D. Williams

Healthcare Physician Hero - Dr. Mark Whiteside from Florida Department of Health Monroe County

Dr. Mark Whiteside - Listen to an audio message

 2023 Rural Health Heroes

Healthcare Hero - Dakota Redd from Hendry Regional Medical Center

Dakota Redd

Community Health Hero - Robert Harris from Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast

Robert Harris

Mental Health Hero - James Poole from Archer Family Health Care UF College of Nursing

James Poole

Healthcare Administrator Hero - Paula Webb from Lake Butler Hospital

2022 Rural Health Heroes