DAYTON – Columbia County Health System CEO Shane McGuire was recognized as a 2017 Community Star for Rural Healthcare by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Healthcare (NOSORH). McGuire was nominated by Pat Justis from the Washington State Department of Public Health who said, "he brings a clear and cogent voice to the discussion with innovative ideas and a hopeful attitude."

A portion of McGuire's biography as listed in the NOSORH 2017 Community Stars publication reads:

"Shane takes his leadership role to heart and has a genuine and personal interest in improving the overall population health in his community. He is an active voice in support of protecting rural health and those in his community in need of compassionate, patient-focused, high-quality care. Shane does not sit on the sidelines when it comes to advocating for patient care. He is known for admitting patients with behavioral problems that others will not take, appreciated for building a system of care for aging members of the community, and recognized as an early adopter of palliate care . . ."

McGuire was the only representative from the Pacific Northwest Region to be honored on National Celebration of Rural Health Day, which is the third Thursday in November.