The Rural Health Network of South Central New York has named President and CEO Rolland “Boomer” Bojo as the 2025 Rural Health Leader and Dr. Michael Freeman, president of DVH medical staff, as the 2025 Rural Health Practitioner, according to a news release from United Health Services Delaware Valley Hospital.
The Rural Health Leader Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advance health and well-being in rural communities.
Bojo was selected “for his visionary leadership and commitment to improving access and quality of care in Walton and all of Delaware County,” the release stated. “Under his guidance, UHS-DVH has expanded services, fostered local partnerships, and is in the process of kicking off the DVH Medical Neighborhood Project, a four-story facility that brings essential services like primary care, specialty care, therapy, labs and other support services under one roof.”
“This recognition is truly an honor,” Bojo said in a statement. “It reflects the dedication of the entire team at UHS-DVH. I am proud to be part of a movement that ensures rural health needs remain a top priority.”
The Rural Health Practitioner of the Year Award highlights the essential role of rural health care providers in strengthening community well-being and addressing unique health disparities.
“Receiving this award is a great honor and culmination of almost three decades of service,” Freeman said in a statement. “It’s great to be on a team serving patients and populations that have historically been medically underserved. Our mission continues — to meet people where they are, treat each other the way we’d want to be treated and strive to help make a better and healthier future.”
The awards will be presented at the 2025 Rural Health Awards Ceremony, to be held on Oct. 20. The Rural Health Network is a non-profit organization that works to enhance the health and well-being of community members in rural areas around South Central New York.