La Red CEO saluted for contributions to rural healthcare

The Delaware Rural Health Initiative recognized La Red Health Center CEO Brian Olson as a community star on National Rural Health Day. He was honored Nov. 21 during a ceremony held at Sun Behavioral Health in Georgetown. 

DRHI is a partnership of state- and community-based organizations that support rural Delaware residents’ access to primary care, behavioral healthcare and oral healthcare. Delaware, particularly Sussex County, is a medically underserved area, making it more difficult for rural residents to have their healthcare needs met.

Olson was recognized for the significant contributions he has made to rural healthcare in Sussex County over the last two decades as La Red Health Center’s CEO.

La Red began in 2001 as a telephone hotline program within the nonprofit La Esperanza. The program connected non-English-speaking residents to healthcare services in the community. La Red grew exponentially under Olson’s leadership.

Today, La Red Health Center is Sussex County’s only federally qualified healthcare center and provides healthcare services to just under 14,000 rural residents.

La Red now offers primary care, pediatrics, women’s healthcare, behavioral healthcare, women’s healthcare and substance use disorder treatment at three locations in Milford, Georgetown and Seaford. Dental care services are offered in Georgetown and Milford. La Red also recently added a mobile health unit that offers primary care to its countywide network.

Olson also was successful in having Delaware Women, Infants and Children set up program offices onsite at La Red’s Georgetown office, making it easier for its patients to access the nutrition program for their young children.

“I am humbled by this award,” said Olson. “I have been fortunate that during my career, I have worked with many talented individuals who saw the need for healthcare services for underserved populations in Sussex County and shared my vision for making healthcare accessible to everyone in our community. I am proud of all that we have been able to accomplish together.”

Rachel Hersh, La Red’s CEO-elect, said everyone at La Red appreciates Olson’s vision and leadership.

“We are all grateful to Brian for the vibrant healthcare system that he helped build at La Red Health Center,” Hersh said. “Many people I have met in the community have told me stories of how La Red has made a difference in their lives or the lives of a family member. This honor is well-deserved. We are all very proud of Brian and the legacy of care that he built in Sussex County.”

The National Organization of the State Offices of Rural Health established the annual Community Star Recognition Program in 2015 to highlight the people and organizations that make significant contributions to rural health. Each year, the more than 300 rural health stars across the country are recognized on National Rural Health Day.