At a glance
- The CDC Office of Rural Health amplifies the work of partners supporting health in rural communities.
- Building on previous CDC investments in rural public health, this series highlights best practices, success stories, and impactful initiatives that can inform efforts to improve health in rural communities.
- Stay tuned for upcoming events. Webinar recordings will be posted after each event.
Webinar Details
"Utah's Approach to Rural Hospital Financial Sustainability"
Webinar Date: September 15, 2026
This inaugural webinar featured Utah's approach to rural hospital sustainability with leaders from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Blue Mountain Hospital, and Uinta Basin Healthcare. Panelists shared how rural hospitals used data analytics and strengthened partnerships to address operational challenges and break down organizational silos. They highlighted practical strategies for improving patient safety and financial outcomes, building staff buy-in through hands-on learning, and sustaining these efforts over time.
Watch the webinar to learn more.
Moderated by:
- Diane M. Hall, PhD, MSEd
Dr. Diane Hall is the Director of CDC's Office of Rural Health, which leads CDC's rural public health strategy and coordinates with other agency programs and partners to improve the health and well-being of rural communities throughout the United States.
Featured Speakers:
- Liz Craker, MBA
Liz Craker serves as a Health Systems Support Coordinator for Utah's Office of Primary Care and Rural Health at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, using her experience in leadership, project management, non-profit management, grant writing, public relations, and patient advocacy.
- Jeremy Lyman, DSc, FACHE, MBA
Dr. Jeremy Lyman serves as the President of Blue Mountain Hospital, where he leads the strategic and operational efforts to provide high-quality, sustainable healthcare to Blanding, Utah and the surrounding community in San Juan County, Utah.
- Preston Marx, CPHIMS
Preston Marx is the Vice President of Strategy & Innovation at Uintah Basin Healthcare where he is spearheading value-based care transition for the organization and is actively involved in promoting Health IT on a state and national level.
Collective Lessons from the Webinar
- Liz Craker - Utah Department of Health and Human Services
- Jeremy Lyman - Blue Mountain Hospital
- Preston Marx - Uintah Basin Healthcare
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