Oklahoma House of Representatives
Media Division
September 14, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Democratic Leader Scott M. Inman
Contact: Valorie Owens
Capitol: (405) 962-7604

Rousselot to be Honored with Rural Legislative Excellence Award

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Rural Health Association of Oklahoma will honor state Rep. Wade Rousselot at a Sept. 21 conference for his dedication, leadership and service in rural health.

Each year, the Rural Health Association of Oklahoma (RHAO) presents a Rural Legislative Excellence Award to one state senator and one state representative for their contributions and advocacy for rural health.

“It is a special honor to be recognized by an organization that I truly respect for their great work on rural health issues,” said Rousselot (D-Oklay).

The mission of RHAO is “Serving as a united voice for Oklahomans in the promotion of rural health issues, through advocacy, education, and leadership.”

Rousselot has a strong record of advocacy on rural health care issues.

“Where you live should not determine how healthy you are,” said Rep. Rousselot. “Right now the need for better health access and services is critical in rural Oklahoma. We need to work together to do all we can to ensure our communities have the best resources on hand to combat illnesses and accidents.”

The United Health Foundation America’s Health Rankings Report rated Oklahoma as 49th worst in the nation in the number of doctors per 100,000 people. Earlier data showed that there were only 2.4 physicians per 1000 population, and that almost a third of Oklahomans live more than an hour away from a major hospital trauma center with high level care.

“Representative Wade Rousselot is a tireless champion of residents in rural areas, and he has true insight and vision into the various struggles and challenges they face,” said House Democratic Leader Scott Inman, D-Del City. “His views on rural issues are respected by all members, and I am incredibly proud of him and pleased he is being recognized for his work on health care access and equity.”
Rousselot serves on the Human Services Committee, House Ethics Committee, Energy & Utility Regulation Committee, General Government Committee, the Special Committee on Soldier Relief, and the Joint Legislative Task Force on the Grand River Dam Authority.

Rousselot also serves as an Assistant Minority Floor Leader within the Democratic Caucus.

The 2012 Rural Legislative Excellence Award will be presented during the joint conference of the Rural Health Association of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Primary Care Association Sept. 19-21, 2012. The conference, “Getting Better Together: Strengthening the Healthcare Safety Net for Rural and Underserved Oklahomans,” will address improving healthcare delivery, access, and outcomes for underserved and rural communities.

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