Feb. 21, 2018
David L. Alb
right, Hill Crest Foundation Endowed Chair in Mental Health and professor of social work, has been selected as a 2018 Rural Health Fellow by the National Rural Health Association. He is one of 17 fellows selected to participate in a yearlong, intensive program aimed at developing leaders who can articulate a clear and compelling vision for rural America.
Fellows are selected based on their dedication to improving the health of rural Americans through their educational or professional experience. During his fellowship, Dr. Albright will focus on rural veteran behavioral health.
The goal of the fellows program is to educate, develop and inspire a networked community of rural health leaders who will step forward to serve in key positions in the National Rural Health Association, affiliated rural health advocacy groups and local and state legislative bodies.
The fellows’ first meeting was held Feb. 5 during the association’s Rural Health Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. Dr. Albright was invited by Dr. Tom Klobucar, director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Rural Health, to serve on a panel at the institute. Dr. Albright highlighted how Alabama is serving rural vets, with a focus on behavioral health.
Fellows will meet in person three times throughout the year to undergo intensive leadership and advocacy training. In addition, fellows take part in monthly conference calls to supplement their training, receive updates on legislative and regulatory concerns that impact rural health, and participate in a mentorship program with current members of the association’s Board of Trustees.