Photo credit: Ryan Dennis

Rural Health Connect

Improving the health of rural communities

Photo: Dr. Casey McCullough

Homegrown family physician from southeastern Utah honored with Impact Award

The Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (PCRH) is pleased to present Dr. Casey McCullough of Blue Mountain Hospital with an Impact Award. Dr. McCullough is a perfect example of a versatile provider. He cares for maternity, emergency and primary care patients in Blanding, Utah. 

Utah Primary Care Grant Program (UPCGP)

Application cycle: March 9-31, 2026

Application orientation: March 17, 9:30-10:30 am

The FY 2027 UPCGP application cycle will open March 9 and close March 31, 2026. Orientation will be provided March 17, 9:30-10:30 am.

The application and guidance have been updated which will be discussed at the orientation.

The Utah Primary Care Grant Program (UPCGP), administered by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Primary Care and Rural Health (PCRH) office, awards grants to private entities—including for profit and not for profit entities—to fund primary healthcare to medically underserved populations in Utah.

Photo credit: RHAU

2026 Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) student scholarship application now open!

The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) is asking members and partners to help spread the word. Please share this opportunity with students living in rural Utah. This scholarship is for those who want to work in healthcare and help make our rural communities stronger and healthier.

New immunization coalition in Central Utah wants to partner with you

Next meeting: May 14, 2026

12:30-1:30 pm

The Central Utah Immunization Coalition (CUIC) is a new regional group that brings together doctors, hospital leaders, public health workers, and people in the community. They work together to make immunization efforts stronger across Central Utah.

Have you or someone you care for experienced cancer-related financial hardship?

Are you a cancer patient or caregiver living in a rural area? Researchers at the University of Utah want to hear from you.

Researchers are looking for volunteers to join an online group discussion to talk about the high costs of cancer treatment and how it affects your life. By sharing your story, you can help others understand the financial struggles that come with a cancer diagnosis.

Each person who takes part will be paid $150 for every session they attend.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Warmline (PEPline)

Do you have questions about what to do after being exposed to HIV or hepatitis? The PEPline offers free, fast advice to help healthcare workers across the country manage these situations!

The PEPline is a private and trusted service that helps doctors and nurses handle cases where someone has been exposed to germs in blood. Whether the exposure happened at work or somewhere else, healthcare workers can call this line for expert advice.

Reduce your nursing school debt!

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program

Applications accepted through March 12, 2026, 7:30 pm ET

If you’re a nurse working in a facility that really needs staff, or if you teach at a nursing school, this program can help you pay off your student loans.

Pay off your student debt with National Health Services Corps (NHSC) loan repayment programs

Application deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 7:30 pm ET

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) is currently looking for applicants for three different loan repayment programs. If you are a healthcare professional working in primary care, dental care, or mental health at an approved location, you might be eligible for help. You could receive as much as $100,000 to help pay off your student loans.

Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) rural resource speakers needed!

Do you have a resource or project in rural Utah that you want to share? RHAU is looking for speakers for its 2026 Rural Resource Series. We will feature two speakers each month, starting in March 2026!

Contact us

Photo credit: Ivette Lopez

Disclaimer: The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) may occasionally link to outside sources of information. Utah DHHS and state of Utah do not necessarily endorse the provider of the content and are not responsible for any content published on the external site.