The Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (PCRH) recognized Cecelia “Cece” Willoughby with an Impact Award, a tribute to rural healthcare professionals who embody the “power of rural.” Willoughby, who has served as Intermountain Delta Community Hospital’s case manager and outpatient infusion manager for more than 7 years, received this award for her compassion and efforts to enhance healthcare access in the Delta area.
Tina Anderson, support services manager at Delta Community Hospital and Willoughby’s colleague, nominated her for the award. Anderson shared that Willoughby played a pivotal role in broadening services to include support for oncology and wound care. While Willoughby’s primary responsibility involves providing infusion services and outpatient treatments, including wound care and chemotherapy, her impact extends across various hospital services, like obstetrics and trauma care.
Willoughby’s calling to be a nurse dates back to her youth. Reflecting on her childhood, Willoughby recounted a night when her nurse let her sit at the desk with her. “As I sat there, I said to her, ‘When I grow up, I’m going to be a nurse like you since I already know everything you do!’” Willoughby declared. Her empathy for patients finds its roots in personal experiences.
Honored to receive this award, Willoughby recognizes the significance of her work in offering patients more time with their families. “Time is precious,” she emphasized. Localized services mean patients can avoid lengthy drives for treatment, translating into valuable moments spent at home with loved ones.
“We are pleased to recognize Cece Willoughby and Delta Community Hospital with an Impact Award,” said Marc Watterson, PCRH office director. “Her commitment and hard work embody the power of rural.”
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Willoughby moved to rural Utah to be with her husband and savor the charms of country life. Her love for spring and fall is evident, especially when her home is surrounded by green fields and blooming sunflowers.
Delta Community Hospital, part of Intermountain’s network of 26 hospitals, stands as a not-for-profit 17-bed inpatient federally designated Critical Access Hospital in Delta, Utah. With a team of expert healthcare professionals, the hospital provides a diverse range of inpatient and outpatient medical services to residents and visitors in the region.
Each year, PCRH celebrates National Rural Health Day to bring attention to the incredible efforts of rural healthcare providers, communities, organizations, State Offices of Rural Health, and other stakeholders dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of rural America.
PCRH works to improve access to quality primary, behavioral, and oral healthcare in rural and underserved communities. PCRH is an office of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services and receives funding from federal grants and state appropriations. For more information, visit https://ruralhealth.utah.gov/.