Ernie Scott, Kentucky rural health leader, gets national award

Ernie Scott, director of the Kentucky Office of Rural Health, has received the 2014 Emerging Leader Award from the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health.

Scott received his award Oct. 28 during the organization’s annual conference in Omaha. It is given annually to a state staff member who has demonstrated new leadership, initiative, involvement and commitment to the rural-health mission, a University of Kentucky news release reports.

Scott has been director of the state office since 2013. He is editor of a statewide rural health magazine, slated to begin quarterly publication in January. He has held leadership roles in state and national organizations.

Fran Feltner, director of the UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health, said in the release.“We are honored to extend our sincere congratulations to Ernie for this well-deserved recognition. The emerging leaders award appropriately reflects his passion for rural health, as well as the depth of knowledge and commitment he has for important health care issues in rural communities.”