GRAND FORKS, N.D. (UND Center for Rural Health) – Katie Beyer, a prevention specialist with City County Health District (CCHD) in Valley City, received the Emerging Rural Leader award at the 2021 Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health.

The award recognizes a new professional who has demonstrated tremendous promise for and commitment to improving the health of rural North Dakota residents. The virtual awards presentation was held on June 3, and the program may be watched here, 2021 Awards Program.

Beyer joined CCHD in 2016 and has been committed to preventing underage drinking by educating her community on the effects of alcohol on children and teens. She also helped develop the “Not in My House” campaign, a community prevention effort with the primary goal of reducing youth social access to alcohol by raising awareness about social host liability surrounding underage drinking. The campaign has been adopted by several states.

“Going above and beyond her normal work requirements is commonplace for Katie,” Theresa Will, RN at CCHD. “She meets new projects and challenges with a smile.”

Beyer has continuously looked for ways to improve quality and increase efficiencies at CCHD, and has led or assisted with many projects not only for public health, but within the community.

The Dakota Conference allows healthcare professionals, educators, and students several days to share their strategies for sustaining healthy North Dakota communities, and offers workshops, keynote speakers, poster presentations, and an awards banquet, during which the awardees are celebrated. The annual event is a joint effort by the North Dakota Rural Health Association; the North Dakota Public Health Association; Altru Health System of Grand Forks; the UND College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines; and the Center for Rural Health.