20 Jun ITHS Collaborators Recognized for Addressing Health Priorities in Rural Regions
ITHS is thrilled to announce that Clearwater Valley/St. Mary’s Health System and Dr. Kelly McGrath, MD, MS, who is the Chief Medical Officer at Clearwater Valley/St. Mary’s Health System and co-Director of the ITHS’ Rural Health Initiative, have been selected as finalists for the NIH Build UP Trust Challenge competition. This honor highlights the outstanding efforts and dedication of the Rural Health Initiative partnership, focusing on community-driven solutions to address vital health priorities in our rural regions. Being named a finalist for the Build UP Trust Challenge is a testament to Clearwater Valley/St. Mary’s Health System’s commitment to innovation and improving healthcare outcomes through trust and collaboration with the community.
Ten finalists for the NIH Build UP Trust competition each received prizes of $45,000 and another ten solutions were recognized as honorable mentions. All 20 teams now have an opportunity to strengthen, implement, and test their innovative solutions, and compete for one of up to four prizes of up to $200,000 each. The team will use the prize money to address stigma and increase access for mental health services in their community. This Rural Health Initiative provides an exciting opportunity to expand ITHS’ impact and continue addressing critical health challenges in rural areas. For more detailed information about the NIH Build UP Trust Challenge and the impactful work being done, please visit the Build UP Trust Challenge page.
As we celebrate this achievement, we are reminded of the importance of trust and collaboration in advancing health equity. We are excited to share this news, as this award strengthens our commitment to our community partners and reaffirms our dedication to finding innovative solutions to improve health outcomes in rural communities.
