11/24/2025
Last week we had the privilege of attending the 14th Annual National Health Day Reception, hosted by the Delaware Rural Health Initiative—an inspiring gathering dedicated to celebrating leadership, collaboration, and commitment to rural health in our state.
The event brought together an incredible group of community leaders, including Terry Murphy, President & CEO of Bayhealth, and Mayor F Todd Culotta of the City of Milford. Their presence underscored the strong local partnerships working every day to improve health outcomes for Delawareans.
One of the most impactful moments of the day was the keynote address delivered by Christine Linke Young, Cabinet Secretary of Delaware Health and Social Services. Her passion, insight, and vision for the future of rural health in Delaware were evident in every word. She reminded us of the importance of equitable access to care and the collective responsibility we share in strengthening our communities.
Of course, the heart of the celebration was the presentation of the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) Community Star Award to Meir Gelley. His tireless commitment to expanding access to healthcare for residents in southern Delaware—especially in Milford—has made a profound impact. This recognition is truly well deserved.
We are so glad we were able to be present for such a meaningful event. Days like that remind us why community, leadership, and advocacy matter.