HRSA-supported organizations in Georgia and Montana were recently acknowledged for their efforts to improve rural health care in the United States. 

The Brooks County, Ga., Child Health Network received the Georgia Hospital Association’s 2001 Community Leadership Award, given to community-based collaborations that improve local health. 

The Network, led by the Quitman, Ga.-based Brooks County Hospital, increased access to health services for school-age children by placing nurses in four new school-based clinics.  Within seven months of opening, more than 12,000 students were treated.  Physical and occupational therapy services are also available.  

TENKIDS, based in Bozeman, Mont., earned the Drucker's Foundation Nonprofit “Innovation of the Week” honor for June 20-28. 

TENKIDS installed computers in 116 of 121 ambulance services to create a virtual emergency medical services community across Montana.  This computer network enables rural EMS volunteers to access training directly from their homes through two-way interactive video, CD-ROM interactive programs and the Web.  As a result, volunteer ambulance squads and EMS providers can communicate with each other and the state EMS office more efficiently.  EMS providers no longer feel isolated and can keep abreast of current medical issues, regulation changes and equipment recalls. 

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