Enhancing Rural Healthcare: SUU Collaborates To Support Clinics In Utah

Southern Utah University (SUU) is proud to play a pivotal role in establishing the Utah Rural Health Clinics Network, a collaboration aimed at improving healthcare services across rural Utah. This network will offer essential support to Rural Health Clinic (RHC) teams statewide, helping them navigate the complex regulations and requirements specific to RHCs. Additionally, the network will assist clinics in assessing their performance relative to similar healthcare providers and optimizing their resources to better serve their communities.

The formation of this network is a collaborative effort between the Utah Center for Rural Health at SUU, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Office of Primary Care and Rural Health, the Rural 9 Network, and various clinics, including Kamas & Coalville Clinics, Uintah Basin Medical Center, Main Street Clinic, and Mountain Utah Family Medicine. A $100,000 grant will help build a sustainable network to support over 15 RHCs operating across Utah.

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Kasey Shakespear, the Assistant Director of the Utah Center for Rural Health at SUU, will serve as Project Director for this grant. With extensive experience in Healthcare Administration and Public Health, Shakespear is well-equipped to guide the network toward its goals. He emphasizes the importance of balancing the diverse needs of these clinics, which vary greatly in size and resources, with the long-term feasibility of the network.

The creation of this network is especially important for rural healthcare, where access to essential services can be limited due to geographic isolation. Rural communities often face unique challenges, including fewer healthcare providers and longer travel times to receive care. By strengthening RHCs, the Utah Rural Health Clinics Network aims to enhance access to high-quality healthcare, helping to bridge gaps in care and improve health outcomes for under served populations.

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SUU is among 30 recipients of this grant nationwide, the only one selected from Utah, underscoring the university’s commitment to rural healthcare. Through this initiative, SUU continues to connect people to purpose, fostering collaborations that benefit the wider community.