Scotland Health Care System Named National Finalist for the American Hospital Association’s Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award

The Scotland Health team is awarded Excellence in Innovation by AHA Representative Susan Doherty and Microsoft sponsor Laura Kreofsky. (L to R) David Pope, Misty McMillan, Precious McArn, BJ Goodridge, and Christi Meggs.

SAN ANTONIO, TX —Scotland Health Care System has been recognized as one of only four finalists nationwide for the 2026 American Hospital Association (AHA) Rural Hospital Excellence in Innovation Award, honoring rural hospitals that demonstrate exceptional innovation and responsiveness in meeting community health needs. 

The AHA announced the finalists on February 9 at their conference in San Antonio, highlighting Scotland Health’s transformative Scotland Health at Home initiative. This program has effectively reduced avoidable emergency department visits among high-risk patients by connecting them with primary care providers and essential community resources. 

Recognition at Opening Ceremonies 

During the opening ceremonies of the AHA Rural Health Care Leadership Conference, David Pope, CEO and President of Scotland Health, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the innovative work that earned Scotland Health this national distinction.  

 

Keynote speaker Commander Nicole Malachowski, retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, delivered an inspiring message praising rural healthcare leaders. She reminded attendees that “nothing of significance is ever accomplished alone,” acknowledging the collective commitment and teamwork that drive meaningful progress in rural health.  

 

Innovation Rooted in Community Needs 

Launched in 2022, Scotland Health at Home was developed in direct response to rising healthcare needs across Scotland, Robeson, and Marlboro counties—regions disproportionately affected by chronic disease, socioeconomic barriers, and limited access to consistent medical care. 

Dr. Shelly Lowery, Sr. VP of Ambulatory Practices and CMO shared that, “Scotland Health at Home is now a vital part of our approach to taking care of patients. As a physician, making a diagnosis and prescribing medications are often the most straightforward part of the entire visit. The most challenging aspect of caring for the patient is having the resources to meet the patient where they are at that moment in time and assisting them in getting the right care at the right time in the right place. Since the development and continual expansion of services under Scotland Health at Home, physicians and advanced practitioners now have more resources than ever to assist their patients. For that, we are grateful.’’ 

The program began with the hiring of the system’s first Community Health Worker (CHW), Precious McArn, and has since grown to a team of five, including one focused specifically on maternal health. Through home visits, personalized care plans, and strong relationships with local service organizations, CHWs help patients access critical support such as transportation, food assistance, safe housing, and behavioral health resources. 

This work is made possible through funding provided by Scotland Health, the Scotland Memorial Foundation, the North Carolina Office of Rural Health, and The Duke Endowment, whose investments have ensured the program’s growth and long-term sustainability. 

A Culture That Sustains Innovation 

Scotland Health’s longstanding cultural foundation, known as “The Scotland Way,” supports collaboration and innovation. Departments across the health system—including Population Health, Emergency Care Management, Information Technology, Discharge Planning, Finance, and Operations—actively collaborate to ensure that innovative programs are built to last and designed around patient needs.  

These efforts continue to produce measurable results. In fiscal year 2025, Scotland Health met or exceeded major performance indicators, including strong CHW engagement, improved readmission trends, extensive social drivers of health screening, and high behavioral health productivity. 

The Community Health and Community Paramedic Teams

The organization has also expanded access to care through initiatives such as a mobile mammography bus, a Community Paramedic program, new imaging technologies, a renovated internal medicine practice, and the integration of Da Vinci 5 robotic surgical capabilities. 

A National Example of Rural Innovation Panel 

This year’s four recognized organizations—WVU Medicine Potomac Valley Hospital, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Reid Health, and Scotland Health—were honored by the AHA for demonstrating excellence, creativity, and resilience in rural healthcare delivery. Scotland Health’s achievements reflect a scalable, community driven model that other rural hospitals can adapt to improve access, reduce unnecessary hospital utilization, and address the underlying social factors that shape health outcomes. 

During the panel discussion with the winner and finalists, Pope emphasized that the real work happens through the people who show up for our patients every day. “They’re the ones meeting individuals where they are, building trust, and connecting them to the resources that truly make a difference. That’s how meaningful change happens—one patient at a time.” 

To learn more about all finalists visit the AHA website.