Barbara West, diabetes and nursing educator at West River Health Services (WRHS) in Hettinger, received the Outstanding Rural Health Educator/Mentor award at the 2019 Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health June 12 in Minot. The award recognizes a professional who has made outstanding contributions to the education, development, and placement of new healthcare professionals in rural North Dakota communities.

West started her nursing career at WRHS in 1978 and has been the staff and nursing educator for more than three decades. In addition, she has been the patient diabetes educator with the WRHS Diabetes Management Program for more than 20 years.

“West has spent years building up the education and training services offered at West River Health Services,” said Barb Stadheim, WRHS RN. “She has spent years developing the diabetes education program and has positively influenced many people’s lives.”

West’s colleagues say she has a love for nursing and a passion for teaching. They say she is compassionate, kind, and caring.

The Dakota Conference is a joint effort by the North Dakota Rural Health Association; the North Dakota Public Health Association; Altru Health System of Grand Forks; the UND College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines; and the Center for Rural Health.

To seevideosof all this year’s awardees, visit ruralhealth.und.edu/dakota-conference/awards/archive.

 

Pictured below: Pete Antonson from the North Dakota Rural Health Association presents Barbara West with the Outstanding Rural Health Educator/Mentor award.