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This week’s guest is Don Kelso, the Executive Director of the Indiana Rural Health Association (IRHA).  Don has been with IRHA since 2008.  Previously, he served as Vice President of Operations at Daviess Community Hospital in Washington, Indiana from 2008-1998, and from 1994-1998, he served as Vice President of Human Resources.  Don was also Director of Human Resources at Jasper Memorial Hospital in Jasper, IN, from 1991 to 1993.  

“If I could change one thing in rural health,
we would have many more psychiatrist and social workers.” 

With a staff of 18, Don leads the largest state rural health organization in the United States.  With over 3000 members, IRHA has demonstrated success and leadership in many rural health initiatives, such as: broadband connectivity through fiber construction, rural hospital networking, Telehealth adoption for mental health and stroke care services, Rural Health Clinic disaster preparedness/education and support, tobacco cessation education, E-Learning/education, and annually hosts one of the largest state rural association annual conference’s in the country.  Don is also responsible for the management of $1,500,000 in federal grants from HRSA and ORHP (Office of Rural Health Policy).