The People Behind the Purpose
Right now across our region, we are building a vibrant community where children grow up healthier, seniors stay active, and our neighbors easily find the care they need. Health happens where we live, work, and play. We are real people working right alongside you to tear down barriers to wellness and ensure every family has a fair chance to thrive.
Meet The RHP Staff
Kate Ladwig
Charlene LittleCook
Stephanie Pendergraft
Becky Zook
Sarah Pryor
Katie Crawford
Executive Director | Rural Health Projects, Inc
Managing Director | Oklahoma Rural Health Association
klladwig@nwosu.edu
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580-213-3166
History at RHP
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RHP Start: August 2022
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RHP Programs:Â
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TSET Healthy Living Program (22-25)​
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Certified Health Insurance Navigator (Present)
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Executive Director | Rural Health Projects (Present)
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Managing Director | Rural Health Association of Oklahoma (Present)
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My "Why" for RHP​
"Serviam", meaning to "Serve others" was a core value for my faith, my family and throughout my education growing up.Â
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Born and raised in Dallas, TX, some may wonder why rural has a place in my heart. In my past 20+ years as a proud Oklahoman, I have progressively moved to smaller and smaller towns beginning in Norman and eventually to Nash. Â
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I know personally what it is like to live with the convenience of medical care, healthy food options and quick solutions. I also know personally what it is like to live with a one-hour round-trip commute to a grocery story and facing the urgency for medical care without immediate care available near home.Â
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The work we do, the places we serve and the people we are committed to is personal. For myself, my family and for all rural Oklahomans. Â
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Dream big. Inspire change. Serve others.
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Office Manager | Billing, Invoicing
jclittlecook@nwosu.edu
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580-213-3169
History at RHP
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RHP Start: April 2008
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My "Why" for RHP​
Our grants are always changing. I enjoy learning about new things and supporting my coworkers while they provide for our community.
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Community Engagement Director
sapendergraft@nwosu.edu
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580-213-3172
History at RHP
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RHP Start: February 2015
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RHP Programs:Â
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CHIO Grant ​
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TSET Healthy Living Program
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My "Why" for RHP​
I believe everyone deserves access to the resources and support they need to live a healthier life, no matter where they live. Working at RHP allows me to be part of an organization that makes a real difference in the lives of people, families, and communities across rural Oklahoma. Knowing that the work we do helps improve access to healthcare, education, and wellness is what inspires me every day.
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Program Director | NwAHEC
bkzook@nwosu.edu
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580-213-3170
History at RHP
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RHP Start: July 2015
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RHP Programs:Â
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NwAHEC
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Community Diabetes Education Outreach Program
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My "Why" for RHP​
I am passionate about inspiring future generations to choose health care as a career, and working with students and encouraging them to remain in Oklahoma to provide care in rural and underserved communities after completing their medical training. I also enjoy highlighting and connecting our community to available resources.
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Program Director | Health Insurance Navigators
Program Coordinator | NwAHEC
smpryor@nwosu.edu
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580-213-3173
History at RHP
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RHP Start: September 2021
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RHP Programs:Â
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NwAHEC
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Marketplace Certified Navigator
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Vaccine Hesitancy Grant
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My "Why" for RHP​
To help retain healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, etc.) in the rural area hospitals & clinics. I am passionate about community and making sure that our community and the surrounding ones have all of the resources possible to be successful.
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Program Director | Tri-County Family Resource Center
kncrawford@nwosu.edu
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405-385-9710
History at RHP
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RHP Start: August 2024
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RHP Programs:Â
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Tri-Country Family Resource Center
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Our Board of Directors ensures diverse and regional representation across Northwest and Central Oklahoma. We structure our board to include a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 dedicated members. To maintain a balanced perspective, at least 40% of our board members must be professionals from outside the healthcare industry.