The Texas Rural Health Association presents two (2) different awards each year. 

The annual Marion Zetzman Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant difference in improving the health of rural Texans.  It honors Marion Rice Zetzman, PhD for his services promoting health care for rural Texans. The award is co-sponsored by the Texas Rural Health Association and the University of Texas System. Dr. Zetzman served for 23 years on the faculty of UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, and was involved in rural health care services and workforce issues. He was the first Center for Rural Health Initiatives (now the Office of Rural Communities Affairs-ORCA) board president and served in this capacity until his death in 1996.

Nomination Form

The Communities That Care Awards recognize up to one rural community, in each of the 11 health regions of the Texas Department of State Health Services, that has gone the extra mile for its citizens by implementing a health care project that has made a significant difference both for the people and for the community it serves.  The nominees must have made a positive difference in their communities, relied very little on governmental support, and benefited an underserved population.

Nomination Form

Winners of both awards will be honored at the Rural Health Trifecta’s (annual TRHA conference) Awards Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Austin on Wednesday, August 6;   Submission deadline is Monday, June 16, 2008 at 5 p.m.