Nevada Rural Health Leader Presented with 2025 Calico Leadership Award

John Packham, the associate dean of the Office of Statewide Initiatives and associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2025 Calico Quality Leadership Award at the annual Flex Program Reverse Site Visit held in Washington, D.C. on July 15-17. 

Packham, who has spent much of his career collecting, analyzing and sharing health care workforce data that has guided legislation and public policy discussions, was recognized for his long-term commitment, deep expertise and advocacy for rural health. His work has helped to shape the foundation of the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Program, and his leadership continues to inspire those around him. 

The Calico award is presented annually to an outstanding rural health leader by the Technical Assistance and Services Center (TASC), a program of the National Rural Health Resource Center (The Center). 

For nearly three decades, Packham has been affiliated with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine: as the first program coordinator of the Nevada Rural Hospital Flexibility Program, the program coordinator of the Nevada Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program, the director of health policy research, and most recently as an associate professor and associate dean. Since 2018 he has overseen the Office of Statewide Initiatives, which houses the Nevada State Office of Rural Health, the Nevada Area Health Education Centers, the Nevada Health Workforce Research Center and other programs.

Terry Hill, The Center’s senior advisor for rural health leadership and policy, called Packham an exemplary rural health leader who has had an impact on not just Nevada, but the entire country. 

“John has been a tireless advocate for rural Nevadans, consistently ensuring that the unique needs of small towns and rural communities have not been overlooked in broader health policy discussions. He has brought rural voices to the table and made sure they were heard,” Hill said. “But his impact extends beyond Nevada’s state lines. John has helped to shape rural health strategy on a national level — sharing insights, mentoring peers and informing policy that benefits rural communities across the country.” 

The Calico Quality Leadership Award was created to honor the legacy of Dr. Forrest Calico, a former clinician and health care administrator. After graduating from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Calico served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force. He was later a family physician and the residency program director at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgewood, Kentucky, before being named president and CEO of Lexington, Kentucky-based Appalachian Regional Healthcare. Calico also served in administrative roles at the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy and the National Rural Health Association.