Island Health proudly announces that CEO Elise Cutter has been named Washington State’s 2025 “Community Star.” This honor is awarded by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) to recognize outstanding contributions to rural health care.

Cutter—a visionary leader who has strengthened Island Health through innovation, workforce development and community engagement—will be featured prominently on the official National Rural Health Day (NRHD) website, PowerOfRural.org. This online platform will highlight her remarkable dedication to rural health alongside other Community Stars from across the nation.

On the third Thursday of November each year, NOSORH leads NRHD, an annual celebration honoring the selfless, community-minded, and determined individuals and organizations that serve the health needs of the nearly 61 million people living in rural America.

Island Health is proud to join NOSORH in honoring Cutter as Washington’s Community Star, along with the healthcare professionals across the organization who help provide access to care for our community.

Established in 2015 in conjunction with NRHD, the Community Star Recognition Program tells the stories of those making a difference in rural communities. Since then, more than 400 inspiring rural Stars have been honored nationwide.

To learn more about National Rural Health Day and to read the stories of this year’s Community Stars, visit PowerOfRural.org. For more about Island Health, visit www.islandhealth.org.