Improving the health of rural Kentuckians.Choose the Award That Best Reflects Their Contribution
Review the brief descriptions below, or continue to the full award information and qualifications.
Lifetime Service
Dan Martin Award
For Lifetime Contribution to Rural Health in Kentucky
This award recognizes an individual whose many years of service have made a lasting contribution to rural Kentuckians.
Contributions may include patient care, education, administration, health promotion, public advocacy, or other meaningful rural health service.
Leadership and Impact
Ernie Scott Leadership Award
Recognizing leaders who strengthen rural communities
This award recognizes an individual whose leadership, expertise, collaboration, and optimism have advanced rural healthcare.
Nominees should demonstrate meaningful impact, rural health knowledge, strong communication, collaboration, resilience, and service.
Award Information
Dan Martin Award
For Lifetime Contribution to Rural Health in Kentucky
The Dan Martin Award is presented annually to an individual who has provided many years of service to rural Kentuckians. Contributions may be in direct patient care, health professions education, health administration, health promotion, public advocacy, or other meaningful service to rural health.
About the Award
KRHA established the award in 2003 to recognize a lifetime contribution to rural health in Kentucky. The first recipient was Dr. Dan Martin of the Trover Foundation in Madisonville, and the annual award now bears his name.
Qualifying Contributions
Award Information
Ernie Scott Leadership Award
Recognizing leaders who inspire healthier and stronger rural communities
The Ernie Scott Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving rural healthcare and have made a lasting impact on rural residents. Through their commitment, expertise, leadership, and optimism, they continue Ernie Scott’s legacy and inspire others to build healthier and stronger rural communities.
Eligibility
Candidates should possess a deep understanding of the unique challenges and needs of rural healthcare and demonstrate a sustained commitment to addressing them. Nominees should have a proven record of serving rural communities with passion and dedication.
Qualifications
Impactful Contributions
Significant contributions that have improved access, quality, or health outcomes for rural residents and communities.
Expertise and Knowledge
Substantial knowledge of rural healthcare delivery and the ability to navigate its complexities while working with diverse stakeholders.
Leadership and Collaboration
A record of inspiring others and collaborating with organizations, individuals, and communities to achieve shared goals and positive change.
Communication and Dissemination
A commitment to sharing important information and resources clearly and effectively with rural communities and diverse audiences.
Optimism and Resilience
A positive and resilient approach to challenges that offers hope, encouragement, and inspiration to others.
Nominations Close August 28, 2026
Help KRHA Recognize a Deserving Rural Health Leader
Award recipients will be recognized during the 2026 KRHA Annual Conference, November 19–20, at the WKU Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green.
Submit a Dan Martin Award Nomination Submit an Ernie Scott Award Nomination
