The Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (PCRH) recognized Scott Langford with an Impact Award in honor of National Rural Health day. Langford, a son of the community, returned to Beaver after pursuing higher education in an effort to pay back the community that raised him. He has worked at Beaver Valley Hospital for the past 25 years and is currently the CEO.
“Everything I do at work is for my friends and neighbors,” said Langford. “The ups, like births and recoveries, are great. However, the downs are really hard when people are injured or are ill.”
Even in times of tragedy, Langford says that he is amazed to watch the community surround their patients with love and support. In a recent case, Langford remembers more than 40 friends and neighbors gathered in the ER to support a local family in a time of tragedy.
Langford grew up in the Beaver Valley. As the son of a single mom, he leaned on extended family and the community for support. “I’m still working to pay back everything my community gave me as I was growing up, “ said Langford. “After marriage and my first child was born, my Beaver homing-beacon was activated and I immediately returned home. I’m thankful I’m able to serve the community that raised me.”
Langford began his work at Beaver Valley Hospital as a social worker, and his clinical training provided a critical foundation that allowed him to forge deep connections with both staff and community. He was soon promoted to chief operating officer and later to chief executive officer.
“Scott’s deep roots in the Beaver Valley have led to a strong commitment to his community. He embodies excellence in healthcare by ensuring that rural Utah has access to quality and comprehensive care – both as an administrator and a direct provider of services. We are excited to honor Scott with an Impact Award.” – Marc Watterson
Beaver Valley Hospital is located in Beaver, Utah, and is an independent 25 bed Critical Access Hospital that provides a diverse range of medical services including emergency care, inpatient care, and an outpatient clinic. The facility also hosts a long term care facility and a home health and hospice agency.
Impact Awards are given to rural health workers who embody the “power of rural,” and go above and beyond to serve their hospitals, their patients, and their communities. Each year, PCRH celebrates National Rural Health Day to bring attention to the efforts of rural healthcare providers, communities, organizations and other stakeholders dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of rural Utah. 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 ruralhealth.utah.gov.