Wendy Brzezny Receives 2024 Mary Selecky Friend of Rural Health Award
When it comes to advancing health and wellbeing in rural areas where challenges like limited access to care, workforce shortages, and technological limitations persist, advocates like Wendy Brzezny stand out for their commitment to effecting positive change. Recently presented with the Mary Selecky Friend of Rural Health Award by the Washington Rural Health Association, Brzezny’s work as the Director of Clinical Integration at Thriving Together NCW has significantly impacted communities across North Central Washington and beyond.
This award is a tribute to individuals who go above and beyond to shape rural health policies, legislation, and their communities for the better. Being selected as this year’s recipient is a testament to Brzezny’s dedication and vision for a healthier, more equitable future for all North Central Washington residents.
Empowering Communities through Collaboration
During her time at Thriving Together NCW, Brzezny has consistently utilized collaboration as a vehicle for change. By convening partners across sectors under shared goals, her efforts have been a catalyst to innovative solutions that address the unique needs of our rural region.
Telehealth: During the last few years, Brzezny has partnered with Ingenium Digital Health Advisors to advance telehealth capabilities in North Central Washington. Through these efforts, clinical partners have worked to optimize their systems and new access points such as schools, libraries, and even fire stations have been established. In late 2023, Thriving Together NCW, under Brzezny's leadership, hosted a telehealth conference to highlight the work currently being done and to bring partners together to explore challenges, opportunities, and best practices in delivering virtual care to rural populations.
Digital Equity: Recognizing the significance of addressing digital equity for fair access to telehealth, Thriving Together NCW established a partnership with the NCW Tech Alliance to bring a variety of resources and training opportunities to the region to help bridge the digital divide.
Workforce Development: Recruiting and retaining qualified behavioral health professionals presents a unique combination of challenges in rural areas in addition to the nationwide workforce shortage. Brzezny’s role at Thriving Together NCW includes working on a number of projects designed to combat some of these challenges. A recent example being the collaboration between Thriving Together NCW, Big Bend Community College and Wenatchee Valley College to begin the process of establishing a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Behavioral Health. This initiative has the potential to increase the region’s behavioral health workforce while also providing a local, accessible education pathway.
Celebrating Our Network of Partners
As we celebrate Brzezny's achievements and her well-deserved recognition, we are reminded that this important work could not be done without the individuals and organizations across the region who share our vision of all people and places thriving – no exceptions.
“I am deeply honored to have received the Mary Selecky Friend of Rural Health award at the 2024 Northwest Rural Health Conference. While my name may be on the award, this recognition truly belongs to all our dedicated partners,” Brzezny said. “Together, we persevere through challenges, maintain resilience during slow periods, and remain steadfast in our mission to enhance health and wellbeing in North Central Washington. Thank you for your unwavering commitment.”