Dwayne Odle Honored with Outstanding Rural Health Provider Award

Dwayne Odle Honored with Outstanding Rural Provider Award

RUSHVILLE, IND. – Rush Memorial Hospital proudly announces that Dwayne Odle, RN, BSN, WCC, CDCES, Patient Health Navigator, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Rural Health Provider Award by the Indiana State Office of Rural Health.

This prestigious recognition is part of the Critical Access Hospital Awards, an annual initiative launched in 2019 to spotlight the exceptional contributions of rural healthcare professionals across Indiana. The awards were established by the State Office of Rural Health Director, whose enduring commitment to rural health continues to inspire this celebration of service.

Dwayne Odle exemplifies the heart of rural healthcare. At Rush Memorial Hospital, he leads wellness classes, supports patients in managing chronic conditions, and offers compassionate guidance through every step of their health journey.

“Wow. Honestly, I’m just so honored and incredibly grateful to receive the Outstanding Rural Health Provider Award,” Odle shared. “Providing healthcare in our rural areas is a unique kind of challenge. But, man, is it a privilege!”

He continued, “This isn’t just about me. This award is a testament to the amazing team around me—my colleagues, my mentors, and the incredible people in our community who inspire me daily. A huge thank you has to go to Rush Memorial. Their support is the backbone of everything we do.”

Brad Smith, CEO and President at Rush Memorial Hospital, reflected on Dwayne’s impact stating: “Dwayne’s dedication to rural healthcare is both inspiring and impactful. His ability to connect with patients and lead with compassion truly sets him apart. At Rush Memorial Hospital, we are proud to support and work alongside someone so deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of our rural community. This award is a well-earned recognition of that commitment.”

Joyce Geis, FNP-BC, MHA, FACHE, VP Provider Practices/Family Nurse Practitioner, “Dwayne teaches each patient to care for themselves and we can see that by multiplying a single visit into lasting health. Dwayne is designing workflows with the clinician at the center and listening to the patient so you design care that patients can trust.”

Odle also highlighted the broader challenges facing rural healthcare—including transportation, staffing, and funding—and emphasized how these obstacles create opportunities for deeper community connection.

“We are all partners in this mission, and I am so proud to stand with you. Thank you again for this extraordinary honor. It truly lights a fire under us to work even harder in the year to come.”

Dwayne’s recognition reflects not only his personal dedication, but also the values and mission of Rush Memorial Hospital in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to the communities we serve.