Kentucky Office of Rural Health’s Ernie Scott receives the 2020 Dan Martin Award for lifetime contributions for rural health

“It is an absolute honor to receive this year’s Dan Martin Award,” Scott said in a news release. “For decades, Dr. Martin played such a key role in the state — as a medical professional, as an educator, as a leader. In so many ways, we are all walking in his shadow, continuing to do the work that’s necessary to help the communities and people of rural Kentucky.”

Scott joined KORH in 2012 as a rural project manager and has served as its director since 2013. He has served as an ex-officio member on the rural health association’s board of directors and as the chair of the group’s education committee.

At the national level, Scott serves as a regional representative to the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and serves on the organization’s rural health clinic committee, national conference committee and on two workgroups.

“As a true Appalachian, I’m convinced Ernie has never met a stranger and this shows in the network of collaborators he has brought together to address various rural health issues,” said KRHA President Ashley Gibson. “He understands what’s at stake and is always willing to go the extra mile to meet the needs of our rural communities. Kentucky is lucky to have Ernie Scott.”

Started in 2003, the award is named after its inaugural honoree Dan Martin of the Trover Foundation in Madisonville. The award recognizes individuals who have played key roles in developing innovative solutions to rural health challenges in Kentucky — in the areas of patient care, health professions education, health administration, health promotion or public advocacy.