The Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (PCRH) recognized Farley Crofts with an Impact Award, intended to recognize employees from rural healthcare facilities who embody the “Power of Rural.” Crofts has worked as San Juan Health’s chief financial officer for nearly 8 years. He was selected for an Impact Award due to his leadership, devotion to community, and commitment to continuing education.
Crofts’ primary role is to serve as the chief financial officer and marketing director for San Juan Health’s critical access hospital. However, Crofts also spends 1 day each week in the Blanding Clinic, assisting with administrative duties. Crofts is also a Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional.
“It is tempting to focus all of our energy on the hospital,” said Crofts. “However, we choose to put a substantial emphasis on our clinics because they are the entry point for patients into the healthcare system.”
“Being part of Blanding Clinic has given me the opportunity to see rural folks get outstanding healthcare as well as specialty care such as cardiology and cancer treatment without leaving home,” said Crofts. “Every time I see a rural Utahn’s life extended by our telemedicine programs, my heart beats faster.”
“We are pleased to recognize Farley Crofts and San Juan Health with an Impact Award in honor of National Rural Health Week,” said Ashley Moretz, Health Access Division director and National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health Region E representative. “His commitment and hard work embodies the power of rural.”
Crofts was nominated by his colleague Sheila Cressler, manager at San Juan Blanding Clinic. Originally from Blanding, Crofts returned to rural Utah to raise his family after completing a bachelor’s of science degree in business management and marketing at Utah Valley University. Crofts lives in Blanding with his wife and 3 children, where the family is active in the community.
San Juan Health manages a hospital and 3 rural health clinics. San Juan Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital, located in Monticello, Utah. Clinics are located in Spanish Valley, Monticello, and Blanding. The clinics provide primary care, and use telemedicine to offer specialty services like oncology and cardiology to the community.
Each November, PCRH celebrates National Rural Health Week to bring attention to the incredible efforts of rural healthcare providers, communities, organizations, State Offices of Rural Health (SORH), 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/