Southeast Colorado Hospital's Steve Sanchez Honored with Rural Health Excellence Award

Steve Sanchez, Community Relations Manager at Southeast Colorado Hospital, has been awarded the 2025 Rural Health Excellence Award by the Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) for his outstanding contributions to rural healthcare and community service.

Presented during the Colorado Rural Healthcare Conference, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their healthcare facilities, local communities, and the broader mission of delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare in rural Colorado.

Sanchez has been serving the Southeast Colorado Hospital District since 2017 and has held several significant leadership roles. He currently serves as the Board Chairman for the Southeast Regional Healthcare Coalition and is a State of Colorado Southeast Region Healthcare Coalition Board Chair. Additionally, he is a Commissioner on the State of Colorado Suicide Prevention Commission.

His involvement extends beyond regional efforts. Sanchez is an active member of the CRHC Policy and Legislative Committee and has been instrumental in supporting rural healthcare initiatives. In 2023, he facilitated the Marva Jean Jackson award, which funded the Ogallala Commons Internship program, designed to provide work experience for rural students in critical career fields within their home communities.

CRHC CEO Michelle Mills praised Sanchez's dedication, highlighting the complex nature of rural healthcare and the collaborative efforts required to serve patients and communities effectively. The award serves as a recognition of the vital work performed by healthcare professionals in rural settings.

Nominations for the 2026 Rural Health Excellence Award will open in January, continuing the organization's tradition of acknowledging exceptional contributions to rural healthcare.