UTA’s Rural Health Liaison Team: Empowering Communities and Transforming Rural Health Care

Tuesday, Sep 17, 2024 • Midori Hrinda : Conhi Connect

The College of Nursing and Health Innovation’s (CONHI) Center for Rural Health and Nursing (CRHN) is positioned to lead the way in supporting one of University of Texas at Arlington’s key strategic initiatives. Unveiled earlier this year, one of the primary goals of UTA 2030 is focused on community engagement efforts through partnerships across Texas. This is also the primary goal of the CRHN liaison team. By building lasting relationships with rural communities, the Center helps create a brighter future of quality health care for all.

“The liaison team is imperative for bridging the gap between UTA’s CONHI and rural communities,” said Aspen Drude, manager for the Center for Rural Health and Nursing. “Such a team ensures that the specific needs and challenges of rural healthcare providers are understood better and addressed with unique solutions this team may provide.” 

The CRHN’s liaison team comprises four members, each serving a different region of Texas. To date, of the 186 rural counties in Texas, the liaison team has served 130 counties. The liaison team includes:

• Dr. SuLynn Mester, DNP, RHCNOC, RN, clinical assistant professor 

• Joann Grimes, MSN-ED, RN, CMSRN, clinical assistant professor 

• Marianne Doan, MSN, RN, CNE, clinical assistant professor 

• Monica Kidd, MSN, BSN, RN, clinical assistant professor 

Joining the CRHN liaison team in 2022, Mester serves the West and Southwest regions of Texas. Her region includes 56 counties with 26 critical access hospitals and nine rural sole community hospitals. In addition to visiting the facilities in her area, Mester also interacts with rural hospital leaders at conferences and rural organization meetings such as The Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals (TORCH) and The South Plains Organization for Nursing Leadership (SPONL).

“The liaison team is building trusted relationships that make a difference,” said Mester. “It takes time to build trust, but we are a trusted collaborative partner that the rural communities know they can count on. We work hard to bring equality to the disadvantaged rural communities.” 

Grimes joined the liaison team in 2022 and oversees the Southeast region. She can typically be found at the rural facilities in her region about five times a month, dropping off materials, visiting new nursing students and faculty, speaking at events, or attending seminars and educational offerings. 

“The facilities that I have visited are each unique in their size, services provided, and their community needs,” said Grimes. “I feel a deep personal connection to the communities I visit. One of the things I admire most about this position is the relationships I develop and the partnerships we establish with the facilities, their staff, and their community partners.”

Kidd covers the North and Northeast regions of Texas. She joined the liaison team in 2023 and currently serves 59 counties between the two regions. She is grateful to the liaison team as it has opened doors for continuing her education and expanded her abilities to improve access to quality health care in her regions.

“Our liaison team ensures that small rural hospitals have access to crucial support and resources,” said Kidd. “This aids in providing quality health care to underserved communities. Our presence in rural communities provides a link between UTA and rural hospitals, leading to more participation in the nursing programs.” 

Doan joined the liaison team in 2022 and works with the Houston metro area. She manages relationships for the Houston healthcare facilities, which serve as a central hub for surrounding rural communities. The Accelerated Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (AOBSN) students in rural areas can complete their specialty clinicals at a Houston hospital if not offered in their hometowns or more direct surrounding areas. Doan facilitates new and existing rural site BSN contract procurement and follow ups of contract status. She also secures rural placements for capstone students wanting to complete their clinical experience in a rural setting.

“We are doing vital work to bring nursing education to rural communities,” said Doan. “I have seen the positive impact the rural site visits have on the leadership in these facilities. Rural sites are thrilled to learn of our programs, see the possibility of having students, and gain the support offered.” 

The liaison team is continuing to make significant impacts on rural healthcare in Texas. Fueled by passion, each member goes above and beyond to serve the individuals in these regions. 

"Our rural liaison team plays a crucial role in forging partnerships that open doors for our faculty and community partners affiliated with the Center for Rural Health and Nursing, enabling us to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve,” said Elizabeth Merwin, dean of CONHI and executive director for the Center for Rural Health and Nursing. “Together, we can build strong connections that enhance our mission and extend our reach." 

To learn more about the CRHN and other initiatives, visit ruralhealthcenter.uta.edu.