In this episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, we are happy to welcome Norberto Orellana, the Public Relations Lead at Campbell County Health in Gillette, Wyoming. Norberto shares his inspiring journey from overcoming personal challenges, including cerebral palsy and homelessness, to influencing rural healthcare through public relations. The episode highlights Norberto’s approach to leadership, which focuses on empowerment and utilizing personal narratives to inspire change and build trust within the community.
“A large part of public relations is getting that message out there. Sharing and cheering what we’re doing, where we hope to be, where we’re going”
– Norberto Orellana
Norberto Orellana defies the odds with a life marked by resilience. Born with cerebral palsy, he rose above chronic homelessness and is on a meteoric rise. His journey, characterized by unwavering belief in individual potential, has inspired countless others at TEDx events and speaking engagements across the country. Devoted to community and civic engagement, Norberto is an advocate for rural healthcare. An aspiring critical access hospital CEO, Norberto hopes to contribute to sustainability and innovation in rural healthcare by serving and inspiring others. To Norberto, success is a duty, obligation, and responsibility – and though Norberto has already come far, he is only just getting started.
One Comment on “405: A Conversation with Norberto Orellana”
Norberto is an incredible young man. I have had the opportunity to meet him here in Gillette and share his vision for change in rural healthcare and not settle on what feels like defeat at times. Challenges of navigating low patient volume (we are a volume based business), healthcare being exported out of the state, Medicaid and workers comp devaluation, insurance challenges with denials and reimbursement issues, and growing number of Medicare recipients changing our payer case mix for sustainability. We have to look forwad and address big challenges from our local, state and natioal government support, that I have been told “will never change”, but, if we don’t ask, raise awareness and communicate these challenges we will absolutely continue with a grim future and that does not set well for me or Norberto. Thank you for letting him tell his amazing story.
Linda Bedwell, Director of Powder River Surgery Center, Gillette, Wyoming