Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, chancellor of UNMC, has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural “Heartland Hero Award” from Rural Media Group. This distinguished recognition honors Dr. Gold’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to serving rural communities.
“We are thrilled to present Dr. Jeffrey Gold with the inaugural Heartland Hero Award,” said Rural Media Group Founder Patrick Gottsch. “Dr. Gold is a steadfast advocate for our rural communities here in Nebraska and around the country, and I wish to publicly extend my sincere appreciation for his work in bridging the gap between urban and rural health care. His exceptional leadership has had a profound impact on health care access and outcomes for farmers, ranchers and rural Americans, and he deserves to be recognized and celebrated for these achievements.”
Over the past five years, Dr. Gold has hosted “Rural Health Matters,” a live weekly program on RFD-TV. This platform offers rural viewers a direct line to engage with leading medical experts through an interactive call-in format fostering meaningful conversations tailored to their unique health care needs. Everything from living with diabetes in rural areas, to farm safety, to rural allergy triggers, to improving cancer care in rural areas is discussed on the show, and the subject changes each week.
Past guests include National Institutes of Health Director Monica Bertagnolli, MD; former NIH Director Francis Collins, MD, PhD; former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci, MD; U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts; Sen. Roger Marshall; Sen. Bill Cassidy; former Sen. Bob Kerrey and Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Brendan Carr.
The Rural Health Matters initiative not only fosters direct connections between rural Americans and the nation’s leaders through live discussions, but it also raises awareness about the significant challenges in rural health care. The show has inspired informed decision-making at the highest governmental levels, ultimately leading to improved policies for rural health care and a better quality of life for rural Americans.
Rural Media Group founder Gottsch said: “Dr. Gold, thank you for your unwavering dedication and partnership with RFD-TV, shedding light on the unprecedented needs of rural Americans throughout the pandemic and still today. We look forward to more impactful shows advocating for rural communities, with the hope of driving meaningful change. You haven’t missed a single show in five years. Thank you for your remarkable commitment and the difference that you have made for rural Americans.”
Congratulation’s, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold!!!