Rural Health Today

May 11, 2026: Farm & Food Act, Uninsured Volumes Rise, & Creative Care Models in Rural Hospitals

Mon, 11 May 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

National Rural Health Association, “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,” February 17, 2026, https://nrha-prod-eastus-be.azure.silvertech.net/NationalRuralHealth/media/Documents/Advocacy/2026/Farm,-Food,-and-Natl-Sec-Act-summary-2-17-26_1.pdf.

Congress.gov, “H.R.7567 - Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,” https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7567/text.

Alan Condon, “‘Dynamics we haven’t experienced before’: Hospitals absorb costs as patients lose coverage, skip Medicaid,” May 5, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/we-are-dealing-with-dynamics-we-havent-experienced-before-hospitals-absorbing-costs-as-patients-lose-coverage-skip-medicaid/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Steven Martin, “Facing Financial Pressure, Rural Hospitals Adapt to Survive,” May 4, 2026, https://oklahomawatch.org/2026/05/04/facing-financial-pressure-rural-hospitals-adapt-to-survive/, Oklahoma Watch.

Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

Confronting the State of Healthcare Legislation & 340B Misinformation, Part 2 with Elizabeth Kutter

Thu, 07 May 2026 07:00:00 -0000

We're back for part two with Elizabeth Kutter, vice president and deputy chief counsel at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, joins us on today’s episode of Rural Health Today. Healthcare expenses continue to outpace the cost of living, creating more financial strain for hardworking families across the US. Elizabeth is here to provide her insight as an advocate for healthcare funding in Michigan’s state government. We’ll talk about Medicaid cuts, state budget priorities, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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May 4, 2026: Opposition to 340-B Cuts, Reduced Reimbursements & Funding for Workforce Training

Mon, 04 May 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Gary L. Roth, DO, “Fact Check: Drug Pricing Savings Are the Lifeline to Community Healthcare Services,” April 30, 2026, https://www.mha.org/newsroom/fact-check-drug-pricing-savings-are-the-lifeline-to-community-healthcare-services/, Michigan Health and Hospital Association.

American Hospital Association, “AHA urges HRSA to act as Eli Lilly threatens 340B discounts over claims data submission policy,” April 27, 2026, https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2026-04-27-aha-urges-hrsa-act-eli-lilly-threatens-340b-discounts-over-claims-data-submission-policy.

American Hospital Association, “Washington Post publishes AHA letter in response to anti-340B editorial,” April 22, 2025, https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2026-04-22-washington-post-publishes-aha-letter-response-anti-340b-editorial.

Jennifer Wessel, JD, MPH, “Commercial Insurers’ Payments to Hospitals Closer to Medicare Rates in Arkansas Than in Any Other State,” May 15, 2024, https://achi.net/newsroom/commercial-insurers-payments-to-hospitals-closer-to-medicare-rates-in-arkansas-than-in-any-other-state/, Arkansas Center for Health Improvement.

Tess Vrbin, “Low reimbursement rates force Arkansas hospitals to scale back services,” April 21, 2026, https://arkansasadvocate.com/2026/04/21/low-reimbursement-rates-force-arkansas-hospitals-to-scale-back-services/, Arkansas Advocate.

Confronting the State of Healthcare Legislation & 340B Misinformation, Part 1 with Elizabeth Kutter

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Elizabeth Kutter, vice president and deputy chief counsel at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, joins us on today’s episode of Rural Health Today. Healthcare expenses continue to outpace the cost of living, creating more financial strain for hardworking families across the US. Elizabeth is here to provide her insight as an advocate for healthcare funding in Michigan’s state government. We’ll talk about Medicaid cuts, state budget priorities, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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April 27, 2026: SNAP Cuts, Scientific Misinformation & Maternal Mental Healthcare in Michigan

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Marcia Brown, “The future of WIC’s fruit and veggie benefit,” April 20, 2026, https://www.politico.com/newsletters/weekly-agriculture/2026/04/20/the-future-of-wics-fruit-and-veggie-benefit-00880249, Politico.

Kelly Gooch and Kristin Kuchno, “The hospitals, health systems cutting jobs in 2026,” April 24, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/the-hospitals-health-systems-cutting-jobs-in-2026/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Science Delivers, “The State of Science in America: What the Data Reveal,” February 4, 2026, https://sciencedelivers.com/get-the-data?utm_source=pol&utm_medium=dig_news&utm_campaign=bayer26_dc&utm_content=txt1c&dclid=CMT-0rDUhJQDFZggjgUd3yIk6w&gad_source=7.

The Harris Poll, “Science Under Siege: The Battle Between Viral Misinformation and Shared Belief in the Value of Science,” https://theharrispoll.com/articles/misinformation-and-the-value-of-science/.

The Harris Poll, “Science Under Siege: The Battle Between Viral Misinformation and Shared Belief in the Value of Science,” February 4, 2026, https://theharrispoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Harris-Poll-Misinformation-and-Science-Report_march-2026.pdf.

Lee Van Roth, “Statewide effort tackles postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders,” April 9, 2027, https://modeldmedia.com/statewide-effort-tackles-rising-rates-of-postpartum-depression-and-perinatal-mood-disorders/, Model D.

Rural Health Fractured: Understanding & Expanding MS Care in Rural Healthcare Deserts

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health Today is thrilled to welcome to the show Alana Skye Campbell, senior director of healthcare access at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Today we’re talking about healthcare deserts in rural America and how access to local care impacts the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Alana is here to share her perspective and insight on healthcare access for multiple sclerosis care and treatment. We’ll talk about barriers to receiving care and treatment in a healthcare desert, the impact of limited access on the wellbeing of a community, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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April 20, 2026: H-1B Visa Exemptions, Rural Health Shortages & a Mobile Clinic for Unhoused Youth

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

National Association of Rural Health Clinics, “Congress Takes Steps to Exempt Health Care Workers from New H-1B Fee,” April 16, 2026, https://www.narhc.org/News/33042/Congress-Takes-Steps-to-Exempt-Health-Care-Workers-from-New-H-1B-Fee.

Congress.gov, “Text - H.R.7691 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act of 2026,” https://lawler.house.gov/uploadedfiles/lawler_169_xml.pdf.

Rural Health Research Gateway, “Identification and Characteristics of Under-Resourced and High-Need Rural Counties,” April 13, 2026, https://www.ruralhealthresearch.org/alerts/708.

Rural Health Research Gateway, “County-Level Differences in Health Professional Shortage Areas by Rurality, Age, and Disability Status,” April 9, 2026, https://www.ruralhealthresearch.org/alerts/693.

Kayla Robbins, “A Therapy Office on Wheels Is Reaching Homeless Youth Left Behind,” April 9, 2026, https://invisiblepeople.tv/a-therapy-office-on-wheels-is-reaching-homeless-youth-left-behind/.

Rural Health Fractured: Emerging Disease & the Crisis of Misinformation

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

I am thrilled to be in the studio with today’s special guest, Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, founding director at Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Today we’re talking about infectious disease management in rural healthcare settings. Dr. Bhadelia is here to share her perspective and insight as an infectious disease physician. We’ll talk about the role hospitals play in infectious disease prevention, public trust in healthcare authorities, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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April 13, 2026: FY27 Proposed Rural Health Cuts, ER Closures & Teaching Kids to Love Health

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Sabrina Ho, “NRHA Statement on the President’s FY 2027 Budget Request,” April 3, 2026, https://www.ruralhealth.us/blogs/2026/04-april/nrha-statement-on-the-president%E2%80%99s-fy-2027-budget-request, National Rural Health Association.

Molly Gamble, “756 hospitals at risk of closure, state by state,” December 26, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/756-hospitals-at-risk-of-closure-state-by-state/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, “Rural Hospitals at Risk of Closing,” January 2026, https://chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf.

Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga, “These Kansas elementary students dissect frogs — and it could help fight a doctor shortage,” April 7, 2026, https://www.kcur.org/health/2026-04-07/these-kansas-elementary-students-dissect-frogs-and-it-could-help-fight-a-doctor-shortage, Kansas City Public Radio.

How a Rural Hospital CFO is Leading Advocacy for Financial Sustainability with Julie Soekoro

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Today’s guest on Rural Health Today is Julie Soekoro, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Hamilton Health Care System in Dalton, Georgia. Rural hospitals face unique challenges in financial sustainability, but serve an irreplaceable role in our communities. Telling that story effectively will be key to closing the gap between the reality of rural health and how legislators understand the impact of policy. We’ll talk about nonprofit healthcare, the challenges of rural health income statements and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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April 6, 2026: A New Healthcare Advisory Committee, Continued Workforce Shortages & Reopening a Rural Birthing Center

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Madeline Scheetz, “HHS, CMS form healthcare advisory committee,” March 26, 2026, https://www.beckerspayer.com/leadership/hhs-cms-form-healthcare-advisory-committee/, Becker’s Payer Issues.

Paul Keckley, “Reality Check: the New Healthcare Advisory Committee,” March 29, 2026, https://paulkeckley.com/the-keckley-report/2026/3/29/reality-check-the-new-healthcare-advisory-committee/.

Sophie Brams, “Kennedy, Oz announce new health care advisory committee,” March 26, 2026, https://thehill.com/homenews/5803303-kennedy-oz-healthcare-reform/, The Hill.

Westat, “Workforce Development Drives Solutions to Rural Healthcare Shortages,” December 17, 2025, https://www.westat.com/insights/workforce-solutions-rural-healthcare-shortages/.

Rural Health Information Hub, “Rural Healthcare Workforce,” https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/health-care-workforce.

Jade Tate, “OPINION: Patient care will suffer if we don’t attract more young people to healthcare fields,” May 7, 2024, https://hechingerreport.org/opinion-patient-care-will-suffer-if-we-dont-attract-more-young-people-to-healthcare-fields/, The Hechinger Report.

Kelly Gooch, “As maternity units close, AdventHealth restores OB care in rural Kansas,” March 27, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/care-coordination/as-maternity-units-close-adventhealth-restores-ob-care-in-rural-kansas/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Rural Health Fractured: Rebuilding Trust Between Rural Hospitals and Communities

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health Today welcomes Dr. Ross Ramsey, president and chief executive officer at Scheurer Health, as this week’s guest.

In this episode we’ll talk about how the trust between physicians, patients and health organizations has been fractured in rural health, and what it will take to repair that trust. Dr. Ramsey will share his perspective on how rural hospitals can build relationships with their communities and how it benefits patients to do so. We’ll talk about health literacy, social determinants of health and what it all has to do with rural health.

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March 30, 2026: AI Robots, CMS Proposes a Dangerous Rule, and Virtual Crisis Care

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Lauren Weber, “RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz have a plan to save rural health care. Here’s the catch.,” March 24, 2026, https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/nation/2026/03/24/rfk-jr-dr-oz-plan-save-rural-health-care-heres-catch/89297731007/, The Detroit News.

The Washington Post, “RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz have a plan to save rural health care. Here’s the catch.,” March 24, 2026, https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/03/23/rural-health-ai-medical-tech/.

Bridget Early, “Providers urge CMS to scrap ACA exchanges overhaul,” March 25, 2026, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-cms-aca-exchanges-rule-providers/, Modern Healthcare.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, “CMS Proposes Regulations to Lower Health Care Costs, Expand Consumer Choice, and Protect Taxpayers,” https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-proposes-regulations-lower-health-care-costs-expand-consumer-choice-protect-taxpayers.

Madeline de Figueirdo, “Virtual Crisis Care Helps Rural Communities Access Mental Health Resources in Emergencies,” March 2, 2026, https://dailyyonder.com/virtual-crisis-care-helps-rural-communities-access-mental-health-resources-in-emergencies/2026/03/02/, Daily Yonder.

How a Mindset Change can Impact Healthcare Finances with Alicia Faust

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Alicia Faust, principal at Forivs Mazars US, joins us on today’s episode of Rural Health Today. Many hospitals and healthcare providers struggle to make financial and operational processes work in a way that supports the best interests of the organization and the patients they serve while remaining compliant. In this episode, Alicia will guide us through her recommendations for rural hospitals navigating these challenges. We’ll price transparency, clinical documentation, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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March 23, 2026: 2026 Projections for Rural Hospitals, Damage Report Updates & a Rural Retail Pharmacy

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Lunna Lopes Et al., “Cost Concerns and Coverage Changes: A Follow-Up Survey of ACA Marketplace Enrollees,” March 19, 2026, https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/a-follow-up-survey-of-aca-marketplace-enrollees/, KFF Health News.

Julie Appleby, “Many ACA Customers Are Paying Higher Premiums. Most Blame Trump and Republicans, Poll Finds.,” March 19, 2026, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/kff-poll-aca-obamacare-higher-premiums-blame-trump-gop/, KFF Health News.

Chartis, “2026 rural health state of the state,” February 10, 2026, https://www.chartis.com/insights/2026-rural-health-state-state.

Reuters, “Stryker says cyberattack on its network contained,” March 17, 2026, https://www.reuters.com/technology/stryker-says-cyberattack-its-network-contained-2026-03-17/.

Ron Southwick, “The Stryker cyberattack and what hospitals should be doing,” March 13, 2026, https://www.chiefhealthcareexecutive.com/view/the-stryker-cyberattack-and-what-hospitals-should-be-doing, Chief Healthcare Executive.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Measles Cases and Outbreaks,” March 13, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html.

Michigan Health & Hospital Association, “Hospitals Help: Mackinac Straits Retail Pharmacy Serves as a Lifeline in Northern Michigan,” March 6, 2026, https://www.mha.org/newsroom/hospitals-help-mackinac-straits-retail-pharmacy-serves-as-a-lifeline-in-northern-michigan/.

Rural Health Fractured: Addressing the Rise of Violence Against Healthcare Workers

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health Today is excited to welcome to the show Amy Brown, chief nursing officer at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

In this episode we’ll cover workplace violence in healthcare settings and the impact it has on care teams. Amy will share her perspective on how rural health has been fractured by violent actions against the healthcare staff who are the heart of our hospitals. We’ll talk about burnout as a result of workplace violence, resources hospitals can employ, and what it all has to do with rural health.

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March 16, 2026: Cyber Attacks on a Medical Device Company, Former NIH Workers Speak Out & a Medicaid Funded Pilot Program

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Naomi Diaz, “Stryker hit by cyberattack reportedly tied to Iran-linked hackers,” March 12, 2026 https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/cybersecurity/medical-device-maker-stryker-hit-with-cyberattack/, Becker’s Healthcare.

Ross Law, “Stryker still recovering from Iran-linked cyberattack,” March 13, 2026, https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/news/stryker-still-recovering-from-iran-linked-cyberattack/, Medical Device Network.

Rachana Pradhan and Katheryn Houghton, “The People — And Research — Lost in the NIH Exodus,” March 6, 2026, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/nih-national-institutes-of-health-resignation-scientist-profiles-brain-drain/, KFF Health News.

Meg Cunningham, “A Missouri pilot program reimagines rural hospitals as the central hub for more than health care,” March 10, 2026, https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2026/03/10/missouri-hospital-medicaid-pilot-torch-program/, The Beacon News.

Considering the Future of Rural Health Funding and Policy with Dr. Mark Holmes

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Today’s guest on Rural Health Today is Dr. Mark Holmes, academic leader and health policy researcher at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.

To advocate for rural health, leaders in healthcare need to understand the ins and outs of how our field is influenced by changes to policy and payment models. We’ll talk about Medicaid changes, health access, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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March 9, 2026: A Bill to Reverse Medicaid Cuts, What Hospitals Think of State RHTP Applications & Rural Health Collaboratives

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Jakob Emerson, “Lawmakers introduce bill to reverse Medicaid cuts, expand Medicare benefits,” March 2, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/lawmakers-introduce-bill-to-reverse-medicaid-cuts-expand-medicare-benefits/, Becker’s Healthcare.

Arielle Zionts and Sarah Jane Tribble, “States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans,” March 3, 2026, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/states-rural-health-transformation-plans/, CBS News.

Caroline Hudson, “Hospitals do the math on upcoming ACA coverage losses,” March 3, 2026, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/mh-uhs-hca-tenet-aca-exchange-enrollment/, Modern Healthcare.

Sydney Roach, “Juniata College is planning a rural health collaborative in Huntingdon County with federal funding,” March 3, 2026, https://radio.wpsu.org/2026-03-03/juniata-college-rural-health-collaborative-huntingdon-county-federal-funding, WPSU.

Rural Health Fractured: How Rural Hospitals Serve as Safety Nets for Underserved Communities

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health Today is excited to welcome to the show Ewa Panetta, director of community health impact and engagement at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

Today we’re talking about rural health safety nets and what it takes to provide access to healthcare in underserved communities. Ewa will share here perspective of how rural health has been fractured by a lack of resources and adequate reimbursement to hospitals. We’ll talk about what’s happening to our rural populations, the role hospitals have in their communities, and what it all has to do with rural health

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewa-k-panetta-cpps-a637322b/

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March 2, 2026: Hospitals Fighting Measles, Mental Health Care Gaps & New Simulation Devices

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Ella Ruder, “Magellan of Idaho to cut peer support, mobile mental health services,” November 21, 2025, https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-news/magellan-of-idaho-to-cut-peer-support-mobile-mental-health-services/, Becker’s Healthcare.

Ella Ruder, “Idaho providers link patient deaths to behavioral health program cuts,” February 20, 2026, https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-news/idaho-providers-link-patient-deaths-to-behavioral-health-program-cuts/, Becker’s Healthcare.

The Center for Disease Control, “Measles Cases and Outbreaks,” February 20, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html.

Andrew Jones, “Hospitals Fighting Measles Confront a Challenge: Few Doctors Have Seen It Before,” February 24, 2026, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/measles-outbreak-cdc-carolina-sc-nc-vaccines/, KFF Health News.

Andrea Honaker, “Mercer simulation devices aim to fill need in rural medical training,” February 24, 2026, https://den.mercer.edu/mercer-simulation-devices-aim-to-fill-need-in-rural-medical-training/, The Den.

Rural Health Answers: "What can we do to maintain telehealth capabilities in rural communities?" Featuring John Barnas

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re back talking with John Barnas, who answers your questions on how to maintain teleheath capabilities in rural settings.

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February 24, 2026: Site Neutrality Legislation, Prenatal Care Gaps & Rural ER Obstetric Training

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:14:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Marc Schollett, “Michigan lawmakers challenge rural healthcare funding criteria,” February 9, 2026, https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/michigan-lawmakers-challenge-rural-healthcare-funding-criteria, Up North Live.

Covista, “Covista Care Capacity Monitor,” https://www.covista.com/research

Mariah Taylor, “The current state of staff shortages, per executives,” February 10, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/workforce/the-current-state-of-staff-shortages-per-executives/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Emily Schabacker, “New mental health program meets kids where they are: at school,” January 12, 2026, https://cardinalnews.org/2026/01/12/new-school-based-program-shows-promise-for-youth-mental-health/, Cardinal News.

How to Make Community Impact that Lasts in Rural Health with John Barnas, Part 2

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Part two of our conversation with John Barnas, Executive Director at the Michigan Center for Rural Health. We continue our discussion on how rural healthcare professionals and organizations can prepare their states for the impact of funding cuts at the federal level. We’ll talk about the Rural Health Transformation Fund, how to navigate HHS and CMS guidelines and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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February 16, 2026: Rural Areas Classification, Damage from Staffing Shortages, & Expanding Youth Mental Health Services in Virginia

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Covista, “Covista Care Capacity Monitor,” https://www.covista.com/research

How to Make Community Impact that Lasts in Rural Health with John Barnas, Part 1

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode, John Barnas, executive director at the Michigan Center for Rural Health, discusses how rural healthcare professionals and organizations can prepare their states for the impact of funding cuts at the federal level. We’ll talk about the Rural Health Transformation Fund, how to navigate HHS and CMS guidelines and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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February 9, 2026: Federal Healthcare Funding Package, the Rise of Healthcare Costs, & a Honoring a Hillsdale Hospital Nurse

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Kevin B. O’Reilly, “8 wins for doctors, patients in latest federal budget deal,” February 3, 2026, https://www.ama-assn.org/health-care-advocacy/federal-advocacy/8-wins-doctors-patients-latest-federal-budget-deal, American Medical Association.

Selena Simmons-Duffin, “With an ACA fix uncertain in the Senate, Republicans replay old health care fights,” February 2, 2026, https://www.npr.org/2026/02/02/nx-s1-5695766/aca-enhanced-premium-subsidies-republicans-democrats, NPR.

Shannon Schumaker, et al. “KFF Health Tracking Poll: Health Care Costs, Expiring ACA Tax Credits, and the 2026 Midterms,” January 29, 2026, https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/kff-health-tracking-poll-health-care-costs-expiring-aca-tax-credits-and-the-2026-midterms/, KFF Health News.

Ashley Kirsinger, et al. “KFF Health Tracking Poll: Prior Authorizations Rank as Public’s Biggest Burden When Getting Health Care,” February 2, 2026, https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/kff-health-tracking-poll-prior-authorizations-rank-as-publics-biggest-burden-when-getting-health-care/, KFF Health News.

Paige Twenter, “A $20,500 cap on federal student loans will strain PA workforce: Survey,” February 4, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/hospital-physician-relationships/a-20500-cap-on-federal-student-loans-will-strain-pa-workforce-survey/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

How Idealizing Dangerous Reforms will Cripple Rural Health Access with Dr. Shepard, Part 2

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

In part two of our episode with Dr. Shepard, we’ll talk about the current outlook of healthcare in Michigan and beyond. With funding cuts and policy changes, hospitals are bracing for severe challenges ahead, but how can we address our concerns with our public and our state? We’ll talk about social health equity, the Rural Health Transformation Fund and of course, what it all has to do with rural health

Follow Rural Health Today on social media!

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https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/

Follow Dr. Michael Shepherd on social media!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-shepherd-phd/

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February 2, 2026: National Blood Shortage, 2026 Health Policy Changes & Medicare-Funded Residencies

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Mackenzie Bean, “Hospitals awarded new Medicare-funded residency slots: A breakdown,” January 28, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/hospital-physician-relationships/hospitals-awarded-new-medicare-funded-residency-slots-a-breakdown/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Robin Rudowitz et al., “Medicaid: What to Watch in 2026,” January 23, 2026, https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-what-to-watch-in-2026/, KFF Health News.

American Red Cross, “Red Cross Declares Severe Shortage after Blood Supply Falls 35% in Past Month,” January 20, 2026, https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2026/red-cross-declares-shortage-after-blood-supply-falls-35-.html.

How Idealizing Dangerous Reforms will Cripple Rural Health Access with Dr. Shepard, Part 1

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we’ll talk about the current outlook of healthcare in Michigan and beyond. With funding cuts and policy changes, hospitals are bracing for severe challenges ahead, but how can we address our concerns with our public and our state? We’ll talk about social health equity, the Rural Health Transformation Fund and of course, what it all has to do with rural health

Follow Rural Health Today on social media!

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https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/

Follow Dr. Michael Shepherd on social media!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-shepherd-phd/

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https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/health-management-and-policy/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-michigan-school-of-public-health/

https://www.facebook.com/umichsph

January 26, 2026: What does the Great Healthcare Plan Mean for Rural Hospitals?

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

The White House, “The Great Healthcare Plan,” January 16, 2026, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUzNupJidq4.

The White House, “The Great Healthcare Plan,” January 2026, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Great-Healthcare-Plan.pdf.

Cynthia Cox, “The ‘Great Healthcare Plan’ Leaves Open Questions for People with Pre-existing Conditions,” January 16, 2026, https://www.kff.org/quick-take/the-great-healthcare-plan-leaves-open-questions-for-people-with-pre-existing-conditions/, KFF Health News.

Meredith Lee Hill et al., “Republicans will be hard-pressed to pass Trump’s ‘Great Healthcare Plan’,” January 20, 2026, https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/20/trump-health-plan-congress-00734445, Politico.

Andrea Fox, “President Trump, Dr. Oz tout rural health IT investments,” January 20, 2026, https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/president-trump-dr-oz-tout-rural-health-it-investments, Healthcare IT News.

The White House, “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Celebrates the Great, Historic Investment in Rural Health,” January 16, 2026, https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-celebrates-the-great-historic-investment-in-rural-health/.

Alan Condon, “Congress pitches bipartisan health package: 8 things to know,” January 20, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/congress-pitches-bipartisan-health-package-8-things-to-know/?origin=BHRE&utm_source=BHRE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Telling the Healthcare Story to Affect Policy Change with Chad Mulvany

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Health policy is instrumental to how hospitals are equipped to serve their patients. In this episode, Chad Mulvany, healthcare consulting director at Forvis Mazars, will share his perspective on what’s going on in health policy and what to expect in the coming year. We’ll talk about federal finances, the future of insurance, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

Hear the rest of JJ’s conversation with Chad on Achieving Health, a podcast from Forvis Mazars that helps healthcare professionals, executives and leaders drive better outcomes for their organizations and the communities they serve.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-mulvany-23b9724/

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forvismazars.us/AchievingHealthPodcast https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/forvismazars-healthcare/

January 19, 2026: ACA Subsidies Update, 2025 National Health Rankings and the Future of Lung Transplantation

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Jared Ortaliza, “ACA Signups are Down, But Still an Incomplete Picture,” January 12, 2026, https://www.kff.org/quick-take/aca-signups-are-down-but-still-an-incomplete-picture/, KFF.

Sam Gringlas, “House votes to renew ACA subsidies, as Senate Republicans rebuke Trump on Venezuela,” January 8, 2026, https://www.npr.org/2026/01/08/nx-s1-5662625/house-vote-affordable-care-act-subsidies, National Public Radio.

America’s Health Rankings, “2025 Annual Report,” 2025, https://assets.americashealthrankings.org/ahr_2025annual_comprehensivereport_final-web.pdf.

Elizabeth Gregerson, “Northwestern takes on its biggest rival in transplants: Time,” January 9, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/patient-safety-outcomes/northwestern-takes-on-its-biggest-rival-in-transplants-time/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Mackenzie Bean, “Nation’s 1st double lung-liver transplant performed at Northwestern,” March 28, 2024, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/patient-safety-outcomes/nations-1st-double-lung-liver-transplant-performed-at-northwestern/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

American Lunch Association, “Lung Transplant,” December 10, 2025, https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/lung-transplant.

Tanmay S. Panchabhai et al., “Historical perspectives of lung transplantation: connecting the dots,” July 31, 2018, https://jtd.amegroups.org/article/view/22674/html, Journal of Thoracic Disease.

Latest in Legislation & the Future of Sustainable Healthcare with Travis Robey

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Every day, there’s a new alarming headline for healthcare. In this episode, we’ll explore the most pressing and lasting issues in governmental affairs for healthcare. Travis Robey, vice president of political affairs at the American Hospital Association, will share how the failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits is impacting reimbursement, what to expect to see in rural health legislation in 2026, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health

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A Response to the Designation of Rural Health Transformation Program Funding

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

Data & Healthcare: Using the Right Information to Solve Repeat Problems for Rural Hospitals with Jim Lee

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

From emergency rooms to board rooms, systems of healthcare rely on credible and continuous data. In this episode, Jim Lee, Senior Vice President of Data Policy and Analytics at the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, will provide valuable insight into how data is linked to patient care and policy. We’ll talk about AI, advocacy, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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Follow Jim Lee on social media!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-lee-9a9ba62

Follow MHA on social media!

https://www.linkedin.com/company/michiganhospitals/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHospitals

January 5, 2026: Rural Health Funds Designation, Worsening ED Boarding Times and the 340B Rebate Model Blocked

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Ella Jeffries, “CMS approves rural health awards for all 50 states,” December 29, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/financial/cms-awards-50b-to-states-for-rural-health-transformation/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

CMS.gov, “CMS Announces Establishment of the Office of Rural Health Transformation,” December 29, 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-announces-establishment-office-rural-health-transformation/

Erica Cerutti, “ED boarding in 2025: 4 notes,” December 29, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/care-coordination/ed-boarding-in-2025-4-notes/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Kara Gavin, “Wait times for emergency hospitalization keep getting higher,” August 4, 2025, https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/wait-times-emergency-hospitalization-keep-getting-higher, Michigan Medicine.

Ella Jeffries, “Judge blocks 340B rebate pilot program,” December 29, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/judge-blocks-340b-rebate-pilot-program/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Elizabeth S. Eaton, “’Threadbare administrative record’: Federal judge stops 340B rebate pilot,” December 30, 2025, https://firstwordpharma.com/story/7022857, FirstWord Pharma.

New Year's Special Episode: 2025 in Review & What's Next

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Happy 2026, Rural Health Today listeners! In this holiday episode, Producer Kyrsten Newlon will recap the past year of podcasting, offer a few hints at what’s to come in 2026, and recognize the individuals who have contributed to the show this year.

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'Twas the Night Before Christmas: Healthcare Style (a Rural Health Today Christmas Special)

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Today, we are in the studio with hosts JJ and Kyrsten, who present a special reading of a Christmas classic with a little twist.

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December 22, 2025: Medetomidine Withdrawals in ICUs, 2025 Closures and the Future of Tailored Breast Cancer Screening

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Paige Twenter, “‘Withdrawal crisis’ strains hospitals in several states: 5 notes,” December 16, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/patient-safety-outcomes/withdrawal-crisis-strains-hospitals-in-several-states-5-notes/, Becker’s Clinical Leadership.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Notes from the Field: Suspected Medetomidine Withdrawal Syndrome Among Fentanyl-Exposed Patients — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 2024–January 2025,” May 1, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7415a2.htm.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Drug Overdose in Rural America as a Public Health Issue,” May 16, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/rural-health/php/public-health-strategy/public-health-considerations-for-drug-overdose-in-rural-america.html.

Madeline Ashley, “23 hospital closures in 2025,” November 17, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/2-hospital-closures-in-2025/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Kell West Regional Hospital, https://www.kellwest.com/.

Alyssa Lundy, “Landmark Hospital of Cape Girardeau Announces Closure Due to Unsustainable Healthcare Market Conditions,” September 10, 2025, https://www.landmarkhospitals.com/press, Landmark Hospitals.

Dani Anguiano, “Rural US town outraged as only hospital forced to shut: ‘I would have died without it’,” October 7, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/07/rural-us-town-outraged-as-only-hospital-forced-to-shut-i-would-have-died-without-it, The Guardian.

Dennis Thompson, “Experts: Risk-based breast cancer screenings beat annual mammograms,” December 16, 2025, https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2025/12/16/breast-cancer-screenings-risk-based-annual-clinical-trial/5191765896690/, United Press International.

Rural Health Answers: "How do you build a successful relationship between clinicians and administrators?" Featuring Jeremy Cannon

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re back talking with Jeremy Cannon, who answers your questions on how to build successful relationships between clinicians and administrators.

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Follow our guest!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-cannon-5b4447103/https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/kalkaska-memorial-health-center/about-us/leadership/kalkaska-memorial-hospital-leadership https://www.facebook.com/KMHCKalkaska

December 15, 2025: Expiring Marketplace Subsidies, H-1B Visa Fees & a Rural Childcare Success Story

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:04:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

American Hospital Association, “Dueling Senate bills to address health care affordability fail to pass,” December 11, 2025, https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2025-12-11-dueling-senate-bills-address-health-care-affordability-fail-pass.

Chris Stein, “Senate rejects dual healthcare bills as Obamacare tax credits expiration nears,” December 11, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/11/senate-vote-obamacare-tax-credit-bills, The Guardian.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “HHS’ Cleanup of Federal Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Standards Rule Expands Access to Rural and Tribal Health Care,” December 2, 2025, https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-cleanup-federal-nursing-home-minimum-staffing-standards-rule-expands-access-rural-tribal-health-care.html.

Arielle Zionts and Phillip Reese, “Rural Health Providers Could be Collateral Damage from $100k Trump Visa Fee,” December 9, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/h1b-visa-fee-rural-hospitals-foreign-worker-shortages-north-dakota/, KFF Health News.

Rick Pollack, “Exempting Health Care Personnel from H-1B Visa Fees Is Good for Patients and Providers,” October 17, 2025, https://www.aha.org/news/perspective/2025-10-17-exempting-health-care-personnel-h-1b-visa-fees-good-patients-and-providers, American Hospital Association.

Federation of State Medical Boards, “Physician Licensure in 2024,” 2025, https://www.fsmb.org/u.s.-medical-regulatory-trends-and-actions/u.s.-medical-licensing-and-disciplinary-data/physician-licensure/.

Scott Hulver et al., “What Role Do Immigrants Play in the Hospital Workforce?,” June 17, 2025, https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/what-role-do-immigrants-play-in-the-hospital-workforce/, KFF Health News.

Visas & Immigration Team, ”$100,000 H-1B Sponsorship Fee Hits Rural U.S. Hospitals Hard,” December 9, 2025, https://www.visahq.com/news/2025-12-08/us/100000-h-1b-sponsorship-fee-hits-rural-us-hospitals-hard/, Visa HQ.

Rural Health Information Hub, “In Rural Communities, Where Child Care Is Often Scarce, Healthcare Organizations Are Finding Creative Ways to Help,” December 10, 2025, https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/rural-monitor/child-care?utm_source=racupdate&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=update121025.

Rasheed Malik et al., “America’s Child Care Deserts in 2018,” December 6, 2018, https://www.americanprogress.org/article/americas-child-care-deserts-2018/, The Center for American Progress.

Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez and KFF Health News, “Child Care Gaps in Rural America Threaten to Undercut Small Communities,” December 27, 2023, https://dailyyonder.com/child-care-gaps-in-rural-america-threaten-to-undercut-small-communities/2023/12/27/, The Daily Yonder.

How a Rural Critical Access Hospital is Solving Community Health Access with Jeremy Cannon

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

To sustain high-quality services in our rural communities, hospitals and health centers have to think outside the box for creative community-based solutions. Jeremy is here to share his experience bringing health services to a rural community in northern Michigan. We’ll talk about community partnerships, building a talent pipeline for our healthcare workforce, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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Follow our guest!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-cannon-5b4447103/

https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/kalkaska-memorial-health-center/about-us/leadership/kalkaska-memorial-hospital-leadership

https://www.facebook.com/KMHCKalkaska

December 8, 2025: 340B Lawsuit, Home Care Reimbursement Reductions & New Education Initiatives in Kentucky and Pennsylvania

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

American Hospital Association, “AHA, other file suit to block unlawful 340B changes threatening patient care,” December 1, 2025, https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2025-12-01-aha-others-file-suit-block-unlawful-340b-changes-threatening-patient-care.

Bridget Early, “Home health providers hit with Medicare pay cut,” December 1, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-medicare-home-health-pay-2026-cms/#, Modern Healthcare.

Celli Horstman, Arnav Shah, “The State of Rural Primary Care in the United States,” November 17, 2025, https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/nov/state-rural-primary-care-united-states?mkt_tok=NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGeOB9y6SbuBxye3wQ7igjy1BVe5GMJxaV9fCloFJmQfS-T6mbVfjH7QWw88rhSoHiy3G1b3YS0OFamdkSiphiBb7XyLWJP3BOoGozzQcWDe1J4qOk, The Commonwealth Fund.

Erica Cerutti, “The state of rural primary care: 4 notes,” November 19, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/hospital-physician-relationships/the-state-of-rural-primary-care-4-notes/, Becker’s Clinical Leadership.

Reimagining Michigan's Future with Senator Aric Nesbitt

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Healthcare is impacted by the way we structure our local and state governments. In this episode, Senator Aric Nesbitt will give us a glimpse into his perspective of those structures and how healthcare fits into the bigger picture. We’ll talk about the importance of education, preparing the next generation for economic stability, and what it all has to do with rural health.

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December 1, 2025: Food Insecurity in Our Communities

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

Happy Thanksgiving from Rural Health Today!

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Happy Thanksgiving from Rural Health Today! In this episode, JJ takes a moment to give thanks to those who give so much to make rural hospitals and communities possible.

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November 24, 2025: New Rules on Provider Tax, a Recent Cyber Attack and an Overnight Mental Health Urgent Care in Vermont

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Alan Condon, “CMS issues guidance on new tax limits to close Medicaid ‘loophole’: 10 things to know,” November 18, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cms-issues-guidance-on-new-tax-limits-to-close-medicaid-loophole-10-things-to-know/?origin=RCME&utm_source=RCME&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=3025D7635490G0H, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Paige Twenter, “3 trends complicating flu season for hospitals this year,” November 19, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/public-health/3-trends-complicating-the-2025-flu-season-for-hospitals-this-year/, Becker’s Clinical Leadership.

Giles Bruce, “Hacker accesses employee emails at Chicago safety-net hospital,” November 18, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/ehrs/hacker-accesses-employee-emails-at-chicago-safety-net-hospital/, Becker’s Health IT.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Civil Rights, “Cases Currently Under Investigation,” https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report.jsf.

Olivia Gieger, “New mental health urgent care center expands its services to offer overnight stays,” November 18, 2025, https://vtdigger.org/2025/11/18/newport-mental-health-urgent-care-center-to-expands-its-services-to-offer-overnight-stays/, VTDigger.

Rural Health Answers: "How can hospitals make their voices heard?" Featuring Scott Becker

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Today we're back with Scott Becker discussing how to navigate the noisy world of healthcare news.

Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ⁠⁠⁠ruralhealthtoday.com⁠⁠⁠.

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November 17, 2025: EPTC Update, Irreversible Damage & How Regenerative Farming is Keeping Kansas Healthy

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Katherine Tully-McManus Et. Al, “House votes to reopen government after 43-day shutdown,” November 12, 2025, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/12/house-votes-to-reopen-government-after-43-day-shutdown-00649927, Politico.

Lauren Gibbons and Eli Newmon, “What shutdown deal means for Michigan food stamps, flight delays, more,” November 10, 2025, https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/what-shutdown-deal-means-for-michigan-food-stamps-flight-delays-more/, Bridge Michigan.

National Conference of State Legislatures, “Federal Government Shutdown: What It Means for States and Programs,” November 13, 2025, https://www.ncsl.org/in-dc/federal-government-shutdown-what-it-means-for-states-and-programs.

Jordan W. Jones, “Percent of population receiving SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2024,” July 24, 2025, https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/chart-detail?chartId=55416, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

American Heart Association, Kansas: Addressing Food Insecurity Through Regenerative Agriculture,” 2025, https://www.heart.org/en/-/media/Files/About-Us/Rural-Health/WF_962571_OHE_DiscussionGuide_Kansas.pdf?sc_lang=en.

Kansas Farm Food Connection, “What is regenerative agriculture?,” https://kansasfarmfoodconnection.org/spotlights/what-is-regenerative-agriculture.

Claire Decatur, “Fifth-Gen Kansas farmer navigates Government shutdown,” October 22, 2025, https://www.wibw.com/2025/10/22/fifth-gen-kansas-farmer-navigates-government-shutdown/, 13 WIBW.

JuYeon Kim, “People helping people: Nonprofits support one another during federal funding freezes, government shutdown,” October 21, 2025, https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/people-helping-people-nonprofits-support-one-another-during-federal-funding-freezes-government-shutdown, 41 KSHB.

Navigating the Politicization of Healthcare as Hospital Leaders with Scott Becker

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we’re talking about how to navigate the current state of healthcare news with insight and understanding. Healthcare has been a top contender for breaking news headlines all year, and many conversations that once belonged exclusively in health and science are now common political debates. Scott is here to share his perspective and insight as one of the most trusted sources for healthcare news. We’ll talk about understanding data, asking the right questions and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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November 10, 2025: Open Enrollment, Reviewing 2025 Closures and Rural Suicide Prevention

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

MedHOK, “How the Government Shutdown Impacts Open Enrollment: What Health Plans and PBMs Need to Know,” October 29, 2025, https://mhk.com/resource/blog/government-shutdown-healthcare-impact-on-open-enrollment-what-health-plans-and-pbms-need-to-know/.

Medicare, “Open Enrollment,” https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/open-enrollment.

Madeline Ashley, “22 hospital closures in 2025,” October 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/2-hospital-closures-in-2025/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Madeline Ashley, “26 maternity service closures in 2025,” October 21, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/7-maternity-service-closures-in-2025/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Rylee Wilson, “18 behavioral health closures in 2025,” June 25, 2025, https://www.beckersbehavioralhealth.com/behavioral-health-news/5-behavioral-health-closures-in-2025/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Soumya Shashikumar, MBiotech, “Health Layoffs 2025: A Roundup,” October 2, 2025, https://xtalks.com/healthcare-layoffs-2025-a-roundup-4102/, Xtalks.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “VA to reduce staff by nearly 30k by end of FY2025,” July 7, 2025, https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-to-reduce-staff-by-nearly-30k-by-end-of-fy2025/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Department%20of%20Veterans,scale%20reduction%2Din%2Dforce

Jennifer Brown, “Suicides devastated and galvanized Routt County, which now has a mental health response team,” October 30, 2025, https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/30/suicides-routt-county-mental-health-response-team/, The Colorado Sun.

Public Health, “Suicide in Rural America,” May 16, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/rural-health/php/public-health-strategy/suicide-in-rural-america-prevention-strategies.html, CDC Rural Health.

What's in Store for Rural Health? A Conversation on Legislation, Funding and Advocacy with Laura Appel

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

The state of national healthcare has never been quite this tumultuous. As funding hits the chopping block and rural hospitals scramble to prop their doors open, we look to organizations like the MHA to provide much-needed guidance. We’ll talk about advocacy leadership, the ripple effect of funding cuts, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-appel-1b8684b/

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November 3, 2025: ACA Marketplace Premiums, and How Some Rural Hospitals are Keeping their Birthing Centers Open

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Rayna Wallace et al., “8 Things to Watch for the 2026 ACA Open Enrollment Period,” October 28, 2025, https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/8-things-to-watch-for-the-2026-aca-open-enrollment-period/, KFF Health News.

Sudiksha Kochi, “Here are 6 ways the government shutdowns could get worse for Americans,” October 29, 2025, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5579889-government-shutdown-americans-pain/, The Hill.

Forvis Mazars, “Federal Government Shutdown: Impact on Healthcare Organizations,” October 1, 2025, https://www.forvismazars.us/forsights/2025/10/federal-government-shutdown-impact-on-healthcare-organizations.

Sarah Klein, Molly Castle Work, “Positive Outliers: How Some Rural Communities Maintain Access to Labor and Delivery Services,” October 24, 2025, https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/2025/oct/positive-outliers-how-rural-communities-maintain-access-labor-delivery, The Commonwealth Fund.

Grace Sparks et al., “KFF Health Tracking Poll: Public Weighs Political Consequences of Health Policy Legislation,” October 3, 2025, https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/kff-health-tracking-poll-public-weighs-political-consequences-of-health-policy-legislation/, KFF Health News.

Overcoming Challenges as a Critical Access Hospital in Rural Michigan with Tim Johnson

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Leading rural hospitals has become a challenging pursuit for this generation of CEOs. We’re facing drastic funding cuts, policies that threaten healthcare sustainability, and a country that has been gradually losing its trust in the field of health and science. Tim is here to share the lessons he’s learned as the CEO of Eaton Rapids Medical Center. We’ll talk about how we support our communities, navigating increasingly political landscapes, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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Follow our guest!

https://www.eatonrapidsmedicalcenter.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/eaton-rapids-medical-center/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-johnson-b98290100/https://www.mha.org/newsroom/tag/tim-johnson/

October 27, 2025: The Truth Behind the 340B Drug Discount Program

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:36:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

National Rural Health Association, “340B Drug Pricing Program & Pharmacy,” https://www.ruralhealth.us/advocacy/advocacy-priority-areas/340b-drug-pricing-program

National Rural Health Association, “Rural 340B: NRHA Factsheet and Talking Points,” https://www.ruralhealth.us/nationalruralhealth/media/documents/advocacy/2025/rural-340b.pdf

Michigan Health & Hospital Association, “340B Drug Discount Program.” https://www.mha.org/issues-advocacy/federal-issues/340b/

American Hospital Association, “Fact Sheet: The 340B Drug Pricing Program,” October 2025, https://www.aha.org/fact-sheets/fact-sheet-340b-drug-pricing-program

An Examination of the Rural Health Transformation Fund with Lauren LaPine

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural health faces a dangerous future with cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and other vital funding sources right around the corner. There’s been a lot of talk about the Rural Health Transformation Fund, but will it really benefit the hospitals that need it the most? Lauren LaPine is here to share her perspective and insight as a state expert in healthcare legislation and policy. We’ll talk about the application process, how the funds will be implemented, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-lapine-mph-2b07b797

Driving Patient-Centered Performance in Rural Hospitals with Lee Ann Odom

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Healthcare strategy has a far-reaching impact on patients, systems and communities. Lee Ann Odom is here to share her perspective and insight as a principal at PYA. We’ll talk about patient care, healthcare legislation, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeann-odom-557180126/

October 13, 2025 News Update: An update on Michigan's Healthcare Budget & How to Access Available Federal Funds

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

Rural Health & Maternity Care: How Communities Play a Vital Role in Perinatal Psychiatric Wellness

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Dr. Maria Muzik is a professor of psychiatry and OB-GYN at the University of Michigan, co-director of Zero to Thrive & Strong Roots Programs, medical director of Perinatal & Reproductive Psychiatry, medical director of MC3 Perinatal, co-director of Partnering for the Future Clinic, and more. In this episode of Rural Health Today, Dr. Muzik shares how perinatal psychiatry plays a vital role in maternal and infant health.

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Follow our guest!

https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/maria-muzik-md-msc https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-muzik-zero-2-thrive/

Resources

https://zerotothrive.org/ https://zerotothrive.org/strong-roots/perinatal-dbt/ https://mc3michigan.org/

October 6, 2025: Federal Government Shutdown, Hospital Flood Risks & the Hillsdale Mobile Health Unit

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Stephanie Armour et al., “Shutdown Halts Some Health Services as Political Risks Test Parties’ Resolve,” October 1, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/federal-government-shutdown-health-services-congress-negotiations-impasse/, KFF Health News.

Bridget Early, “Major health programs would continue during shutdown, feds say,” September 29, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-government-shutdown-cms-hhs-contingency-plans/, Modern Healthcare.

Kff, “How Much More Would People Pay in Premiums if the ACA’s Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire?,” https://www.kff.org/interactive/how-much-more-would-people-pay-in-premiums-if-the-acas-enhanced-subsidies-expired/.

Holly K. Hacker et al., “At Least 170 US Hospitals Face Major Flood Risk. Experts Say Trump Is Making It Worse.,” October 1, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/hospital-flooding-risk-investigation-trump-policies-fema/, KFF Health News.

Andrew Cass, “Government shutdown begins: What healthcare leaders should know,” October 1, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/government-shutdown-begins-what-healthcare-leaders-should-know/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Rachana Pradhan, “Patient Numbers at NIH Hospital Have Plummeted Under Trump, Jeopardizing Care,” August 7, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/nih-clinical-center-patient-numbers-drop-under-trump-jeopardizing-care/, KFF Health News.

Breaking Down Barriers for Rural Healthcare Providers with Dr. John Crongeyer

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Today we’re talking about strategies for thriving as a rural hospital. It’s not easy to navigate rural health in its current state, but the purpose of this podcast is to address both the challenges rural hospitals are facing today and the new solutions and pathways healthcare innovators are finding across the country. Dr. Crongeyer is here to share his perspective and insight as a physician, attorney and entrepreneur. We’ll talk about the legal risks of healthcare, strategic growth, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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www.ModusOneHealth.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/modusone-health/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-crongeyer-42b2672b/ https://www.mha.org/newsroom/tag/dr-john-crongeyer/

September 29, 2025: Limiting H-1B Visas, Hospital Readmission Penalites & a Breakthrough for Alzheimer's

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

View H-1B visa map: https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-health-care-h-1b-visas-state-trump-floats-fee-exemption-2133913

Andrew Stanton, “Map Shows Health Care H-1B Visas by State as Trump Floats Fee Exemption,” September 22, 2025, https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-health-care-h-1b-visas-state-trump-floats-fee-exemption-2133913, Newsweek.

Mariah Taylor, “Trump’s new H-1B visa fee could strain hospitals, workforces: 8 notes,” September 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/workforce/trumps-new-h-1b-visa-fee-could-strain-hospitals-workforces-8-notes/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Diane Eastabrook, “More hospitals to face high readmission penalties in fiscal 2026,” September 22, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/mh-cms-hospital-readmission-penalties-2026/, Modern Healthcare.

Jordan Rau, “10 Years of Hospital Readmissions Penalties,” November 4, 2021, https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/10-years-of-hospital-readmissions-penalties/, KFF.

American Hospital Association, “Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program,” 2016, https://www.aonl.org/system/files/2018-01/fs-readmissions.pdf.

Jessica Mouzo, “The great revolution against Alzheimer’s: ‘It’s the first time in human history that we’ve managed to slow the disease’,” September 23, 2025, https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-09-23/the-great-revolution-against-alzheimers-its-the-first-time-in-human-history-that-weve-managed-to-slow-the-disease.html, El País.

Alzheimer’s Association, “2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures,” 2025, https://www.alz.org/getmedia/ef8f48f9-ad36-48ea-87f9-b74034635c1e/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf.

Rural Health & Maternity Care: Bridging the Care Gap on Maternal Sepsis

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Today we’re talking about maternal health sepsis and barriers to sepsis care. Dr. Melissa Bauer is here to share her perspective and insight as a birthing center anesthesiologist and leader in maternal health sepsis prevention. We’ll talk about diagnosing sepsis and serious maternal health conditions, equipping patients with the education they need, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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https://www.facebook.com/dukehealth https://x.com/DukeHealth https://www.instagram.com/dukehealth/#

https://www.linkedin.com/company/duke-university-health-system/

September 22, 2025 News Update: JJ's Op Ed from the Detroit News

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

Read JJ’s op ed as published by the Detroit News: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/2025/09/15/hodshire-michigan-house-budget-puts-hospitals-and-lives-at-risk-lansing/86113788007/

Rural Health & Maternity Care: "How Can a Hospital be Birthing-Friendly?" Featuring Karla Weng

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Rural Health Today, we’re revisiting our season on maternity care for a Rural Health Answers episode, where we ask our guest a question or two about something our listeners want to know. JJ is asking Karla Weng, Director of Program Management at Stratis Health, “What is the CMS Maternal Morbidity Structural Measure and how can critical access hospitals attain the birthing-friendly hospital ranking?”

Resources

The National Network of Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (NNPQC)

AIM | Alliance For Innovation On Maternal Health

Birthing-Friendly Hospitals and Health Systems | Provider Data Catalog

Maternal Morbidity Measure reporting information and attestation guide: Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting (IQR) Program Measures

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September 15, 2025 News Update: Rural Health Appropriations, a Rise in Service Closures & Reopening an ER after Oklahoma Tornados

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

KFF, “House Committee on Appropriations Approves FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor HHS) Appropriations Bill & Accompanying Report,” September 11, 2025, https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/house-committee-on-appropriations-approves-fy-2026-labor-health-and-human-services-education-and-related-agencies-labor-hhs-appropriations-bill-accompanying-report/.

Saving Rural Hospitals, “Stopping the Loss of Rural Maternity Care,” 2025, https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Maternity_Care.html.

Kristen Jordan Shamus, Beki San Martin, “Hospital in Michigan's U.P. to close birthing unit, widening gaps in access to care,” September 9, 2025, https://www.freep.com/story/news/health/2025/09/08/aspirus-ironwood-hospital-closes-birthing-unit-shortage-cuts-michigan/85997851007/, Detroit Free Press.

Madeline Ashley, “US maternity care cuts continue to deepen,” September 5, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/us-maternity-care-cuts-continue-to-deepen/?origin=BHRE&utm_source=BHRE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Jakob Emerson, “CMS issues guidance on Medicaid state-directed payment limits,” September 11, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cms-issues-guidance-on-medicaid-state-directed-payment-limits/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Andrew Cass, “15 hospitals closing departments or ending services,” September 10, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/10-hospitals-closing-departments-or-ending-services-8/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Mariah Taylor, “Oklahoma hospital reopens ED 1 year after tornado,” September 3, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/uncategorized/oklahoma-hospital-reopens-ed-1-year-after-tornado/?origin=BHRE&utm_source=BHRE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Mercy Health/Love County Hospital and Clinic, “New Emergency Room Is Open 24 Hours a Day,” September 2, 2025, https://www.mercyhealthlovecounty.com/news/view/731.

Rural Health Summit: Dr. Ross Ramsey, Scheurer Health

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Welcome back to Rural Health Summit! In this season, we’re sitting down with a series of guests at a statewide annual summit meeting, where many healthcare executives and leaders across the state meet to review the last year and collaborate for the next. In each episode, JJ will ask the guest to give us an update on their hospital or healthcare organization and touch base, so to speak, on the healthcare issues they see as most pressing in their corner of rural health.

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September 8, 2025 News Update: What to Know about the Rural Health Transformation Fund, Reclassified Urban Hospitals & Organ Transplant Accountability

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

Check out the Organ Transplant Surveillance Dashboard: https://tableau.hdw.hrsa.gov/t/HDW/views/AOOS-NonUseDashboard/AOOS-NonUseDashboard?%3Aembed=y

Read the study on urban hospitals reclassifying as rural: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/urban-hospitals-increasingly-reclassified-as-rural

News sources for this episode:

Diane Eastabrook, “Home health groups press for a piece of rural health funding,” September 2, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/post-acute-care/mh-rural-health-transformation-fund-home-health/, Modern Healthcare.

National Rural Health Association, “Rural Health Transformation Program Summary,” https://www.ruralhealth.us/nationalruralhealth/media/documents/advocacy/2025/rural-health-transformation-program-summary.pdf

Lindsey Culli, “Urban Hospitals Increasingly Reclassified as Rural, Drawing Medicare Benefits Meant for Rural Communities,” August 1, 2025, https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/urban-hospitals-increasingly-reclassified-as-rural, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Yang Wang et. al, “Sharp Rise In Urban Hospitals With Rural Status In Medicare, 2017-23,” August 4, 2025, https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.00019?journalCode=hlthaff, Health Affairs.

Jamie Godwin et, al, “Medicare Advantage Enrollees Account for 25% of all Inpatient Hospital Days,” August 26, 2025, https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-enrollees-account-for-a-rising-share-of-inpatient-hospital-days/, Kaiser Family Foundation.

Arielle Zionts, “Rural Hospitals Questions Whether They Can Afford Medicare Advantage Contracts,” April 8, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/rural-hospitals-private-medicare-advantage-contracts-reimbursements/, KFF Health News.

Madeline Ashley, “20 hospital closures in 2025,” August 25, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/2-hospital-closures-in-2025/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Paige Twenter, “HHS expands oversight into organ transplant network,” August 29, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/patient-safety-outcomes/hhs-expands-oversight-into-organ-transplant-network/, Becker’s Clinical Leadership.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “HHS Expands Oversight of Organ Transplant System with New Surveillance Tool,” August 27, 2025, https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hrsa-organ-allocation-dashboard.html.

Rural Health Summit: Kent Riddle, Mary Free Bed

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

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September 1, 2025 News Update: New Projections on Upcoming Uninsured Rates, Lack of Leadership at the CDC & a New Breakthrough in Prosthetics

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

Watch the prosthetic knee in action here: https://youtu.be/ZQCVmuirYSI?si=kFp0VCUwyVvEt1jq

News sources for this episode:

Madeline Ashley, Erica Cerutti, “CDC names acting director: 7 notes,” August 28, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/cdc-names-acting-director-7-notes/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Lauren Dubinsky, “Alphabet’s Verily shuts down medical devices program, cuts staff,” August 28, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/medical-devices/mh-alphabet-verily-layoffs-medical-devices-ai/, Modern Healthcare.

Kirsti Marohn, “Health care provider CentraCare to lay off 535 employees,” August 12, 2025, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/08/12/health-care-provider-centracare-to-lay-off-535-employees, MPR News.

Jakob Emerson, “27 payers cutting jobs | 2025,” August 20, 2025, https://www.beckerspayer.com/workforce/5-payers-cutting-jobs-2025/, Becker’s Payer Issues.

Tom Murphy, “Expect health insurance prices to rise next year, brokers and experts say,” https://apnews.com/article/health-insurance-drug-costs-2026-rates-c4d865ec09c7088ecc6b55dc520f3566, Associated Press.

Becker’s Hospital Review, Commerce Bank, “Progress amid uncertainty: A mid-year update on 2025 healthcare finance trends.,” August 18, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/progress-amid-uncertainty-a-mid-year-update-on-2025-healthcare-finance-trends/?origin=CFOE&utm_source=CFOE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C.

Alice Burns et. al, “How Will the 2025 Reconciliation Law Affect the Uninsured Rate in Each State?,” August 20, 2025, https://www.kff.org/uninsured/how-will-the-2025-reconciliation-law-affect-the-uninsured-rate-in-each-state/, Kaiser Family Foundation.

NIH Medline Plus Magazine, “Prosthetics through the ages,” May 11, 2023, https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/prosthetics-through-the-ages.

Andy Corbley, “This New Bionic Knee Is Changing the Game for Lower Leg Amputees,” August 21, 2025, https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/this-new-bionic-knee-is-changing-the-game-for-lower-leg-amputees/, Good News Network.

Rural Health Summit: Benjamin Frederick, Memorial Healthcare

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

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August 25, 2025 News Update: $491 Billion Cut to Medicare, Overwhelmed ERs & the MCRH's Rural Health Equity Plan

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Phillip L. Swagel, Director, “CBO’s Estimate of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Effects of Public Law 119-21,” August 15, 2025, https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2025-08/61659-SPAYGO.pdf, Congressional Budget Office.

Bill Heniff Jr., “Budget Enforcement Procedures: The Senate Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Rule,” January 9, 2023, https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL31943, Congress.gov.

Madeline Ashley, “CBO report warns of nearly $500B in potential Medicare cuts,” August 18, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cbo-report-warns-of-nearly-500b-in-potential-medicare-cuts/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Alex Kacik, “Looming uninsured surge may overwhelm ERs. Here’s who can help.” August 18, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/mh-medicaid-cuts-er-overcrowdfng-kaiser-permanente/, Modern Healthcare.

Michigan Center for Rural Health, “Michigan Center for Rural Health Releases Rural Health Equity Plan Focused on Advancing Equity in Rural Michigan,” August 18, 2025, https://mcrh.msu.edu/News-and-Events/News/2025/08/RHEP-2025.

Rural Health Summit: Tom Kurtz, Memorial Healthcare

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

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August 18, 2025 News Update: CMS Final Rules, the 12-Year BCBS Lawsuit & our Rural Health Strong Campaign

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Tonya Garcia, Bloomberg, “Cardinal Health to acquire Solaris Health in $1.9B deal,” August 12, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/mergers-acquisitions/mh-cardinal-health-solaris-health-deal/, Modern Healthcare.

Erich Timmerman, “Cardinal Health announces two strategic additions to its portfolio,” November 11, 2024, https://newsroom.cardinalhealth.com/2024-11-11-Cardinal-Health-announces-two-strategic-additions-to-its-portfolio, CardinalHealth.

National Rural Health Association, “Fiscal Year 2026 Inpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule,” April 14, 2025, https://www.ruralhealth.us/getmedia/cca11c3e-49da-4cf8-8a63-ec270bc96fb0/FY-2026-IPPS-proposed-rule-summary-4-14-2025.pdf.

CMS.gov, “FY 2026 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS) Final Rule — CMS-1833-F,” July 31, 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/fy-2026-hospital-inpatient-prospective-payment-system-ipps-and-long-term-care-hospital-prospective-0.

CMS.gov, “Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) and IRF-PAI Manual,” August 4, 2025, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/inpatient-rehabilitation-facility/irf-pai-and-irf-qrp-manual.

Alan Condon, “CMS drops 3 final payment rules for 2026: 15 things to know,” August 4, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cms-drops-3-final-payment-rules-for-2026-15-things-to-know/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

CMS.gov, “Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM),” https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/team-model.

Emmarie Huetteman et. al, “Kennedy Cancels Vaccine Funding,” August 7, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/podcast/what-the-health-409-rfk-jr-mrna-vaccine-funding-august-7-2025, KFF Health News.

Nona Tepper, “BCBSA antitrust lawsuit reaches $2.8B tentative settlement,” October 14, 2024, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/insurance/bcbsa-antitrust-lawsuit-settlement-alabama/, Modern Healthcare.

Nona Tepper, “Nearly 6,500 providers reject Blue Cross antitrust deal,” August 11, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/insurance/mh-bcbs-settlement-lawsuit-mayo-clinic-henry-ford/, Modern Healthcare.

Andrew Cass, “Nearly 6,500 providers opt out of $2.8B BCBS settlement,” August 11, 2025, https://www.beckerspayer.com/payer/nearly-6500-providers-opt-out-of-2-8b-bcbs-settlement/, Becker’s Payer Issues.

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Rural Health Summit: Karen Cheeseman, Mackinac Straights

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

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August 11, 2025 News Update: A Special Campaign Announcement from Hillsdale Hospital

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

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Rural Health Summit: Helen Johnson, Helen Newberry Joy Hospital & Healthcare Center

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

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August 4, 2025 News Update: A Lawsuit over SNAP, Disadvantaging ERs & an Advocacy Award

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Nick Rommel, “Wisconsin joins lawsuit over USDA demand for state SNAP data,” July 29, 2025, https://www.wpr.org/news/wisconsin-joins-lawsuit-over-usda-demand-for-state-snap-data, Wisconsin Public Radio.

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, “A Quick Guide to SNAP Eligibility and Benefits,” Updated September 30, 2024, https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/a-quick-guide-to-snap-eligibility-and-benefits.

Mariah Taylor, “Hospitals grapple with social admissions, trespassing patients: 4 notes,” November 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/legal-regulatory-issues/hospitals-grapple-with-social-admissions-trespassing-patients-4-notes/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Paige Twenter, “Executive order on homelessness could increase hospitalizations,” July 25, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/care-coordination/executive-order-on-homelessness-could-increase-hospitalizations/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

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Rural Health Summit: Brian Peters, Michigan Health & Hospital Association

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:14:00 -0000

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July 28, 2025 News Update: Healthcare Cybersecurity Risks, National Job Cuts and an Act to Support Rural Health

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:41:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Naomi Diaz, “Senators warn Medicaid cuts could worsen cyber risks at rural hospitals,” July 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/cybersecurity/senators-warn-medicaid-cuts-could-worsen-cyber-risks-at-rural-hospitals/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Allen R. Killworth, “HISAA: New Legislation Would Bring Cybersecurity Requirements for HIPAA Covered Entities and Business Associates,” November 11, 2024, https://www.healthlawadvisor.com/hisaa-new-federal-legislation-introduced-that-would-create-significant-new-cybersecurity-requirements-for-hipaa-covered-entities-and-business-associates, Epstein Becker Green’s Health Law Advisor.

United States Senate Committee on Finance, “Wyden and Warner Introduce Bill to Set Strong Cybersecurity Standards for American Health Care System,” September 26, 2024, https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/wyden-and-warner-introduce-bill-to-set-strong-cybersecurity-standards-for-american-health-care-system.

Congressional Budget Office, “Estimated Budgetary Effects of Public Law 119-21, to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Title II of H. Con. Res. 14, Relative to CBO’s January 2025 Baseline,” https://www.cbo.gov/publication/61570.

Madeline Ashley, “’One Big Beautiful Bill’ to add $3.4 trillion in dept: CBO,” July 21, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/one-big-beautiful-bill-to-add-3-4t-in-debt-cbo/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Alan Condon, “CMS plans hiring spree ahead of new payment models,” July 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cms-plans-hiring-spree-after-mass-layoffs/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Hayley DeSilva, “Layoffs, closures tracker: Children’s National cuts 70 employees,” July 22, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/staffing/mh-layoffs-closures-healthcare-live-updates/, Modern Healthcare.

Leighton Ku et. al, “How Medicaid and SNAP Cutbacks in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Would Trigger Big and Bigger Job Losses Across States,” June 23, 2025, https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/jun/how-medicaid-snap-cutbacks-one-big-beautiful-bill-trigger-job-losses-states, The Commonwealth Fund.

Jocelyn Routt, “Kaine introduces Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act,” July 22, 2024, https://rocktownnow.com/news/218812-kaine-introduces-improving-care-in-rural-america-reauthorization-act/, Rocktown Now.

Congress.gov “Text - H.R.2493 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025,” https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2493/text.

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Rural Health Summit: Angie McConnachie, Aspire Health

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

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July 21, 2025 News Update: The Impact of Federal Funding Cuts, Confusing New Policies and a Critical Designation Helping Rural Hospitals Stay Open

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

National Rural Health Association, “Site Neutral Policies and Rural Hospitals,” https://www.ruralhealth.us/nationalruralhealth/media/documents/site-neutral-one-pager.pdf.

Stephen T. Parente, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, “Parente ST. Impact of Site-Neutral Payments for Commercial and Employer-Sponsored Plans,” Jan-Dec, 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11348360/, PubMed Central.

Michael McAuliff, “Site-neutral Medicare pay eyed to fund Trump tax cuts,” March 18, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-policy/site-neutral-legislation-policies-tax-cuts/, Modern Healthcare.

Andrew Cass, “House GOP eyes deeper Medicaid, Medicare cuts in next budget bill: Bloomberg,” July 14, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/house-gop-eyes-deeper-medicaid-medicare-cuts-in-next-budget-bill-bloomberg/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Erik Wasson & David Gura, “Next Trump Budget Bill Begins Taking Shape in US House, July 14, 2025, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-14/next-trump-budget-bill-begins-taking-shape-in-us-house?embedded-checkout=true, Bloomberg.

Vanessa G. Sanchez, “Lost in Translation: Interpreter Cutbacks Could Put Patient Lives on the Line,” July 16, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/medical-interpreter-funding-staff-cuts-patient-lives-english-language-services/, KFF Health News.

Mariah Taylor, “Medical interpreter services in limbo amid federal pressures,” July 16, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/care-coordination/medical-interpreter-services-in-limbo-amid-federal-pressures/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Rachana Pradhan & Arthur Allen, “World’s Premier Cancer Institute Faces Crippling Cuts and Chaos,” Updated July 14, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/national-cancer-institute-nih-cuts-chaos-scientific-biomedical-research/, KFF Health News.

Andrew Cass, “Rural emergency model emerging as lifeline for shuttered hospitals,” July 11, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/rural-emergency-model-emerging-as-lifeline-for-shuttered-hospitals/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

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Rural Health Summit: Bill Manns, Bronson Health

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Welcome to our new season, Rural Health Summit! In this season, we’re sitting down with a series of guests at a statewide annual summit meeting, where many healthcare executives and leaders across the state meet to review the last year and collaborate for the next. In each episode, JJ will ask the guest to give us an update on their hospital or healthcare organization and touch base, so to speak, on the healthcare issues they see as most pressing in their corner of rural health.

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July 14, 2025 News Update: What the One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Rural Health

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Nancy Anderson, et. al, “The One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Comprehensive Holland & Knight Analysis,” 2025, www.hklaw.com/-/media/files/insights/publications/2025/07/onebigbeautifulbillcomprehensiveanalysis.pdf?rev=c91b592727d94e2481e288ebe1572a11&hash=3377E3203E08BD624CC392646F0792E1, Holland & Knight.

Congress.gov. "Text - H.R.1 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): One Big Beautiful Bill Act." July 4, 2025. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text.

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The Future of Medicaid and What it Means for Rural Hospitals, with Rick Pollack

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, host JJ Hodshire is discussing the impact recently passed legislation has on rural health. Special guest Rick Pollack, President and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA) outlines what's at stake, who's at risk, and the opportunities for rural communities like Hillsdale.

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July 7, 2025 News Update: Healthcare Leaders Voice Their Most Urgent Concerns Part 2

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ⁠⁠ruralhealthtoday.com⁠⁠.

Featured Guests:

Angie McConnachie, Co-CEO Aspire Rural Health System

Bill Manns, President and CEO Bronson Healthcare

Brian Peters, CEO Michigan Health & Hospital Association

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Rural Health Answers: "How should hospitals participate in advocacy?" Featuring Brian Peters

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re back with Brian Peters on how hospitals should participate in advocacy.

Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ⁠⁠ruralhealthtoday.com⁠⁠.

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June 30, 2025 News Update: Healthcare Leaders Voice Their Most Urgent Concerns Part 1

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 14:08:00 -0000

Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ⁠ruralhealthtoday.com⁠.

Featured Guests:

Karen Cheeseman, CEO of Mackinac Straits Health System

Tom Kurtz, President & CEO, of Memorial Healthcare

Ross Ramsey, President & CEO at Scheurer Health

Kent Riddle, CEO at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

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The Power of Collaborative Leadership among Rural Hospitals, Part 2 with Brian Peters

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

This is part two of our conversation with Brian Peters! In this episode, host JJ Hodshire is discussing rural health with Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. They talk about what it means to lead an association in equipping hospitals and healthcare organizations to serve their communities. Topics include current healthcare challenges, overcoming obstacles and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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June 23, 2025 News Update: The Senate Finance Committee's Dangerous Reconciliation Proposal

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

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The Power of Collaborative Leadership among Rural Hospitals, Part 1 with Brian Peters

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

This episode has two parts! In part one, host JJ Hodshire is discussing rural health with Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. They talk about what it means to lead an association in equipping hospitals and healthcare organizations to serve their communities. Topics include current healthcare challenges, overcoming obstacles and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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June 16, 2025 News Update: Public Opinion on Hospitals, Medicaid Rollbacks & a New Bill in Support of Hospital Employees

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ⁠⁠ruralhealthtoday.com⁠⁠.

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Rural Health & Maternity Care: Amplifying Marginalized Voices for Maternal Health & Wellness

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Families in rural America often have access to much less resources and help when they’re growing their families. In this episode, Dr. Williams shares her perspective and insight as an obstetrician, gynecologist, former interim chief medical officer and mom. We’ll talk about barriers to care, the impact of Medicaid cuts, postpartum health, medical technology, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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June 9, 2025 News Update: JJ Testifies Before the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ⁠ruralhealthtoday.com⁠.

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Rural Health & Maternity Care: Fighting the Tide of OB-GYN Closures Across Rural America

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Welcome back to Rural Health Today! In this episode of our Rural Health & Maternity Care series, we’re talking to Harold Miller, the President and CEO of the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. High-quality maternal and infant healthcare is vital for rural communities, but according to a recent report from CHQPR, 100 rural hospitals have stopped delivering babies in the past 5 years. Harold is here to share more about this report and his perspective and insight as a thought leader of rural maternity care. We’ll talk about why obstetric units are closings, the risks communities encounter when they do, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

Learn more about our show at ruralhealthtoday.com.

Maternity Care Report: https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Maternity_Care_Crisis.pdf

CHQPR on Rural Hospitals:

The Crisis in Rural Health Care – Saving Rural Hospitals

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June 2, 2025 News Update: New CMS Guidelines, Additional Healthcare Cuts & the Voices Opposing Medicaid Cuts

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Alan Condon, “CMS cracks down on states using Medicaid to treat undocumented immigrants,” May 27, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cms-cracks-down-on-states-using-medicaid-to-treat-undocumented-immigrants/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

KFF Health News, “Health Provisions in the 2025 Federal Budget Reconciliation Bill,” Updated May 22, 2025, https://www.kff.org/tracking-the-medicare-provisions-in-the-2025-budget-bill/.

Donna Levally, “Four Changes to Medicare in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” Updated May 27, 2025, https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/medicare/changes-to-medicare-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act, Kiplinger.

Chartis, “New Chartis Study Explores Rural Hospital Instability and Models Potential Impact of Rural Emergency Hospital Designation,” February 7, 2023, https://www.chartis.com/about/news/new-chartis-study-explores-rural-hospital-instability-and-models-potential-impact-rural.

Madeline Ashely, et. al, “House GOP’s 1,112-page budget: 23 notes for hospital leaders,” May 27, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/uncategorized/house-gops-1112-page-budget-23-notes-for-hospital-leaders/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Noam N. Levey, “In Arizona County That Backed Trump, Conflicted Feelings About Cutting Medicaid,” May 28, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/medicaid-cuts-arizona-county-trump-voters-conflicted/, KFF Health News.

Modern Medicaid Alliance, “Opposition Continues to Grow As Proposed Medicaid Cuts Move Forward Through Reconciliation Process,” May 20, 2025, https://modernmedicaid.org/opposition-continues-to-grow-as-proposed-medicaid-cuts-move-forward-through-reconciliation-process/.

Rural Health Answers: "Where should I get my healthcare news?" Featuring Scott Becker

Thu, 29 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re back talking with Scott Becker, who answers your questions on where to get your healthcare news.

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May 26, 2025 News Update: The 340B Program, Health Funding Cuts & a Groundbreaking Surgery

Mon, 26 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

KFF Health News, “Health Provisions in the 2025 Federal Budget Reconciliation Bill,” Updated May 22, 2025, https://www.kff.org/tracking-the-medicare-provisions-in-the-2025-budget-bill/.

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Leading Conversations around Healthcare Headlines with Scott Becker

Thu, 22 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Today we’re talking about how healthcare organizations can navigate news headlines and educate their communities. Scott is here to share his perspective and insight as a prominent healthcare news source. We’ll talk about objectivity, sensationalism, healthcare education, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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May 19, 2025 News Update: New Medicaid Requirements & a Patient Story

Mon, 19 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

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Rural Health & Maternity Care: Maternal Care Deserts & the Impact of Policy

Thu, 15 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Welcome back to Rural Health Today! This episode is the third installment of our series, Rural Health & Maternity Care, and we’re talking with Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer at the National Rural Health Association. Between birthing center closures and harmful legislation, maternal healthcare seems to be deteriorating in rural America. Carrie is here to share her perspective and insight as an expert in the impact of policy on rural health. We’ll talk about maternal healthcare deserts, rural vulnerabilities, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

Learn more about our show at ruralhealthtoday.com.

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Access resources from NRHA!

NRHA Advocacy Resources: https://www.ruralhealth.us/advocacy

Use Rural Health Advocacy campaigns: https://www.ruralhealth.us/advocacy/campaigns

Join next NRHA Grassroots Advocacy call on Wednesday, April 30th 2-3 pm EThttps://ruralhealth-us.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Yc6gCq-IRlOF_JTZxc5aMg

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May 12, 2025 News Update: New Data on Medicaid Cuts, Infection Prevention Committee Shutdown & the MI Healthcare Workforce Plan

Mon, 12 May 2025 13:34:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Executive Office of the Governor, “Gov. Whitmer Releases Top Lines of Alarming Report on Federal Medicaid Cuts, Finding Cuts Would Terminate Health Care for 700,000 Michiganders,” May 7, 2025, https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2025/04/16/whitmer-signs-executive-directive-to-identify-impact-of-federal-medicaid-cuts.

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, “Executive Directive 2025-3,” https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Inside-MDHHS/Newsroom/ED-2025-3-FINAL.pdf

Lisa Dubay, et. al, “The Impact of Lowering Federal Matching Commitments to Medicaid in 10 States and the District of Columbia,” May, 2025, https://www.rwjf.org/content/dam/farm/reports/issue_briefs/2025/rwjf482585, Urban Institute.

Andrew Cass, “Medicaid cuts could cost 10 states, DC nearly $500B: Report,” May 6, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/medicaid-cuts-could-cost-10-states-dc-nearly-500b-report/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Alan Condon, “GOP drops some Medicaid cuts from budget plan: 5 things to know,” May 7, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/gop-drops-some-medicaid-cuts-from-budget-plan-6-things-to-know/?origin=CFOE&utm_source=CFOE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=3025D7635490G0H, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Ashleigh Fields, “Trump nixes CDC infectious disease advisory committee: Report,” May 6, 2025, https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5286736-trump-nixes-cdc-infectious-disease-advisory-committee-report/, The Hill.

Michigan Health Council, “2025 Michigan Healthcare Workforce Plan,” https://www.mhc.org/workforceplan.

Rural Health & Maternity Care: Challenging the Mental Health System for Better Maternal Care

Thu, 08 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Welcome back to Rural Health Today! This episode is the second installment of our series, Rural Health & Maternity Care, and we’re talking with Adrienne Griffen, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, about maternal mental health. Although this topic has been gaining attention in the past few years, many moms in America do not receive any help for their mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Adrienne is here to share her perspective and insight as a leader in this field of healthcare.

Learn more about our show at ruralhealthtoday.com.

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May 5, 2025 News Update: Medicaid Update, Bed Shortages and National Nurses Week

Mon, 05 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Show Notes

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Alan Condon, “Pennsylvania hospital closes,” Friday, April 25, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/pennsylvania-hospital-closes/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Madeline Ashley, “The cost of hospital closures in 21 numbers,” Monday, April 28, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/the-cost-of-hospital-closures-in-21-numbers/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Michael Topchik, et. al, “2025 rural health state of the state,” February 11, 2025, https://www.chartis.com/sites/default/files/documents/CCRH%20WP%20-%202025%20Rural%20health%20state%20of%20the%20state_021125.pdf, The Chartis Group.

Zachary Levinson, et. al, “Key Facts About Hospitals,” February 19, 2025, https://www.kff.org/key-facts-about-hospitals/?entry=the-hospital-industry-workforce, KFF.

Terry H. Schwadron, “Rural Hospitals in Trouble,” April 30, 2025, https://www.dcreport.org/2025/04/30/rural-hospitals-in-trouble/, DC Report.

Richard K. Leuchter, et. al, “Health Care Staffing Shortages and Potential National Hospital Bed Shortage,” February 19, 2025, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2830387, JAMA Network.

Nursingworld.org, “National Nurses Week History,” https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/national-nurses-week/history/.

The Voice of Hospitals in Government Affairs with Dan Bucci

Thu, 01 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Welcome to Rural Health Today, the podcast where we connect you to what really matters in rural health. Our special guest of the show is Dan Bucci, Regional Executive at the American Hospital Association.

Today we’re talking about the role of hospitals as it relates to government affairs.

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April 28, 2025 News Update: Measles Outbreaks, New Hospital Closures, and a New Strategy to Cultivate Talent

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Alex Montero et. al, “KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust: The Public’s Views on Measles Outbreaks and Misinformation,” April 23, 2025, https://www.kff.org/health-information-and-trust/poll-finding/kff-tracking-poll-on-health-information-and-trust-the-publics-views-on-measles-outbreaks-and-misinformation/, KFF Health News.

CDC SchoolVaxView, “Vaccination Coverage and Exemptions among Kindergartners,” October 2, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html.

Bram Sable-Smith et. al, “Slashed Federal Funding Cancels Vaccine Clinics Amid Measles Surge,” April 9, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/vaccine-clinics-canceled-measles-surge-federal-funding-cuts/, KFF Health News.

Madeline Ashley, “4 hospital closures in 2 weeks,” April 22, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/4-hospital-closures-in-2-weeks/?origin=BHRE&utm_source=BHRE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Richard Menger, MD, MPA, “Hospital Job Cuts Leave Local Economies Struggling,” April 2, 2025, https://www.forbes.com/sites/richardmenger/2025/04/02/when-hospitals-slash-jobs-towns-suffer-economic-pain/, Forbes.

Madeline Ashley, “Prime to suspend pediatric inpatient care at Illinois hospital,” April 23, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/prime-to-end-pediatric-inpatient-care-at-illinois-hospital/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Kelly Gooch, “Providence freezes nonclinical hiring amid economic ‘perfect storm,’” April 21, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/providence-freezes-nonclinical-hiring-amid-economic-perfect-storm/, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Paige Minemyer, “Walgreens launches program to support pharmacy techs in securing a PharmD,” April 23, 2025, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/retail/walgreens-launches-program-support-pharmacy-techs-securing-pharmd, Fierce Healthcare.

Rural Health & Maternity Care: Facing the Reality of Maternity Care in Rural America

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Welcome to Rural Health Today. Over the next few months we'll be publishing a series of episodes about maternal care in rural health. Whether you're a rural mom, a healthcare worker, or attentive to what goes on in rural healthcare, this is the series for you.

Our special guest of the show is Dawn Shanafelt, Director, Maternal & Infant Health Division at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

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April 21, 2025 News Update: Continued Threats to Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and a Medicaid Story from our Community

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

Watch Jill & James’ story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuK94jLJxNk

News sources for this episode:

Leighton Ku, et. al, “How Potential Federal Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP Could Trigger the Loss of a Million-Plus Jobs, Reduced Economic Activity, and Less State Revenue,” March 25, 2025, https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/mar/how-cuts-medicaid-snap-could-trigger-job-loss-state-revenue; The Commonwealth Fund.

American Hospital Association, “The Growing Impact of Medicare Advantage on Rural Hospitals Across America,” April 17, 2025, https://www.aha.org/system/files/media/file/2025/02/growing-impact-of-medicare-advantage-on-rural-hospitals.pdf.

Arielle Zionts, “Some Rural Hospitals Ditch Medicare Advantage,” April 11, 2025, https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/the-week-in-brief-rural-medicare-advantage-pushback/

Alexa McKinley Abel, “The top 5 policies to transform rural health,” January 23, 2025, https://www.ruralhealth.us/blogs/2025/01/top-5-policies-to-transform-rural-health, National Rural Health Association.

Rural Health Answers: "What Does it Take to be a Rural Health Leader?" Featuring Dr. Greg Johnson

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re back talking with Dr. Greg Johnson, Regional Market President, Parkview Health, who answers your questions on what the most important qualities are in a rural health leader today.

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April 14, 2025 News Update: Medicaid and Public Health Grant Cuts, Tariffs & Physician Satisfaction

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Katie Adams, “The Hidden Cost of Medicaid Cuts: Why the GOP’s Budget Plan Would Be a Disaster for Hospitals,” March 13, 2025, https://medcitynews.com/2025/03/medicaid-congress-budget-republican-hospital-healthcare/; MedCity News.

REQUEST FOR EMERGENCY TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER UNDER FEDERAL RULE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE 65(B) (2025). Available at: https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/court-filings/colorado-et-al-v-us-department-of-health-and-human-services-et-al-complaint-2025.pdf (Accessed: 09 April 2025).

Erica Carbajal, “States sue HHS over $12B in canceled health funds: 4 updates,” April 1, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/states-sue-hhs-over-12b-in-canceled-health-funds-4-updates/; Becker’s Hospital Review.

The New York Times, “Judge Blocks H.H.S. From Terminating $11 Billion in Public Health Grants,” April 3, 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/03/us/politics/hhs-public-health-grants-judge.html.

Joseph Choi, “House Democrats warn Trump tariffs could devastate medical supply chains,” April 9, 2025, https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5239718-house-democrats-donald-trump-tariffs-medical-supply-chains/; The Hill.

Business Wire, “Annual athenahealth Physician Survey Finds Improved Day-to-Day Experience and Attitudes around AI Mixed with Pessimism around the Future of U.S. Healthcare System,” https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250325182952/en/Annual-athenahealth-Physician-Survey-Finds-Improved-Day-to-Day-Experience-and-Attitudes-around-AI-Mixed-with-Pessimism-around-the-Future-of-U.S.-Healthcare-System.

Mariah Taylor, “Number of physicians thinking of leaving medicine drops 24%: 4 notes,” March 27, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-physician-relationships/number-of-physicians-thinking-of-leaving-medicine-drops-22-4-notes/?origin=BHRSUN&utm_source=BHRSUN&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C; Becker’s Hospital Review.

How Health Systems Collaborate with Rural Communities with Dr. Greg Johnson

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Welcome to Rural Health Today, the next chapter of our preceding show, Rural Health Rising. This is the podcast where we connect you to what really matters in rural health. Our special guest of the show is Dr. Greg Johnson, Regional Market President, Parkview Health.

Today we’re talking about how health systems can collaborate with rural hospitals in order to better serve our rural communities.

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April 7, 2025 News Update: A Medicaid Story, National Layoffs & Rural Nursing Training

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:05:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Kelly Gooch, “24 hospitals, health systems cutting jobs,” March 21, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/20-hospitals-health-systems-cutting-jobs/?origin=BHRSUN&utm_source=BHRSUN&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C; Becker’s Hospital Review.

Madeline Ashley, “2 Ohio hospitals abruptly halt operations,” March 28, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/2-ohio-hospitals-abruptly-halt-operations/#:~:text=Insight%20Hospital%20and%20Medical%20Center,Dallas%2Dbased%20Steward%20Health%20Care, Becker’s Hospital Review.

Patty Wight, “MaineGeneral Health to lay off full-time equivalent positions,” March 24, 2025, https://www.mainepublic.org/health/2025-03-24/mainegeneral-health-to-lay-off-100-full-time-equivalent-positions, Main Public.

Drew Davison, “UTA Takes Lead with Mobile Lab to Address Rural Health Care Crisis,” March 31, 2025, https://www.uta.edu/news/news-releases/2025/03/31/uta-takes-lead-with-mobile-lab-to-address-rural-health-care-crisis, The University of Texas at Arlington.

Thank you for listening to another episode of Rural Health Today, the podcast where we connect you to what really matters in rural health. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

Rural Health Answers: "What Happens After Medicaid Cuts?" Featuring Alan Morgan

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 05:52:00 -0000

Today, we’re back talking with Alan Morgan, CEO at the National Rural Health Association, who answers your questions on what happens after Medicaid cuts?

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March 31, 2025 News Update: Medicaid, Closures & Residency Records

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:51:00 -0000

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital.

News sources for this episode:

Elizabeth Williams et. al, “Putting $880 Billion in Potential Federal Medicaid Cuts in Context of State Budgets and Coverage,” March 24, 2025, https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/putting-880-billion-in-potential-federal-medicaid-cuts-in-context-of-state-budgets-and-coverage/; KFF.

Allison Orris & Elizabeth Zhang, “Congressional Republicans Can’t Cut Medicaid by Hundreds of Billions Without Hurting People,” March 17, 2025, https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/congressional-republicans-cant-cut-medicaid-by-hundreds-of-billions-without-hurting#_edn2; Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Madeline Ashley, “10 hospital closures already in 2025 – what’s going on?” March 21, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/10-hospital-closures-already-in-2025-whats-going-on/?origin=BHRE&utm_source=BHRE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C; Becker’s Hospital Review.

Chartis, “2025 rural health state of the state,” February 10, 2025, https://www.chartis.com/insights/2025-rural-health-state-state.

Dustin Walsh, “Rural hospitals at risk for closure as financial pressure mounts,” March 11, 2025, https://www.crainsdetroit.com/health-care/rural-hospitals-risk-closure-financial-pressure-mounts; Crain’s Detroit Business.

Centers for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform, February, 2025, “Rural Hospitals At Risk of Closing,” https://chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf.

The National Resident Matching Program, “National Resident Matching Program® Releases the 2025 Main Residency Match® Results, Celebrates the Next Generation of Physicians,” March 21, 2025, https://www.nrmp.org/about/news/2025/03/national-resident-matching-program-releases-the-2025-main-residency-match-results-celebrates-the-next-generation-of-physicians/.

Navigating Rural Health in Legislative Crisis with Alan Morgan

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:16:00 -0000

Welcome to Rural Health Today, the next chapter of our preceding show, Rural Health Rising. This is the podcast where we connect you to what really matters in rural health. Our first special guest of the show is Alan Morgan, the CEO at the National Rural Health Association.

Today we’re talking about legislative crisis in rural health. We’ll talk about Medicaid cuts, price transparency, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.

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Introducing Rural Health Today

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 17:15:00 -0000

Hillsdale Hospital is excited to introduce Rural Health Today! This is the new chapter of our show, Rural Health Rising. On this podcast, we’ll connect you, our listeners, to what really matters in rural health.

If you want to submit a question about rural healthcare for us and our guests to answer on the show, email ruralheathtoday@hillsdalehospital.com or submit your question on our online form at ruralhealthtoday.com.

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Episode 187: End of an Era

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel bring a close to Rural Health Rising and give updates to some big life and career changes while reflecting back on some of their favorite moments of Rural Health Rising.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 186: Repost: Preserving Maternal Healthcare Services in Rural America

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, we look back another one of our listeners favorite episodes from August of 2024 with Harold Miller, President and CEO, Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. In this episode, Harold examines why as OB-GYN services go under, maternal and infant mortality rise, which is the result of a crisis that starts with inadequate payment models.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 185: Repost: Supporting Hospitals through Field Engagement

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, we look back another one of our listeners favorite episodes from August of 2023 with Jen Porter, Senior Vice President of Field Engagement at the American Hospital Association. In this episode, Jen shared practical insights about how rural hospitals can leverage the support of organizations just like the American Hospital Association to continue moving forward and improve access to rural health all over the country.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 184: 2024 Recap Part 2

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel look back at some more of their favorite interviews from 2024.

Select clips from:

Lisa Davis, Director of the Office of Rural Health, for the state of Pennsylvania
John Supplitt, rural health advocate, and former Senior Director of Rural Health Services at the American Hospital Association
Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Terry Scoggin, Chief Executive Officer at Titus Regional Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant, Texas
Jennifer Mewes, RN, OB Leader at Iowa Specialty Hospital

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 183: 2024 Recap Part 1

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel look back at some of their favorite interviews from 2024.

Select clips from:

Jason Merkley, President & CEO at Brookings Health System in South Dakota
Adam Carlson, Senior Vice President of Advocacy at the Michigan Hospital Association
Dr. Ross Ramsey, President and CEO of Scheurer Health
Beth O'Connor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Health Association
Jacy Warrell, chief executive officer of the Rural Health Association of Tennessee

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 182: Strengthening Cybersecurity in Rural Healthcare

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Cyber security has become a major area of concern for hospitals and healthcare organizations. As the threat of cyber attacks continue to rise, hospital leadership must step up to meet the challenge with robust defense systems.

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with John Riggi, National Advisor for Cyber Security and Risk, and Scott Gee, Deputy National Advisor for Cyber Security and Risk at the American Hospital Association.

http://AHA.org/cybersecurity

http://hhscyber.hhs.gov/performance-goals.html

John Riggi: jriggi@aha.org

Scott Gee: sgee@aha.org

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 181: Rural Health Roadtrip: The Evergreen State

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 08:25:43 -0000

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations, hospital associations, and offices of rural health all tackle issues that support hospitals and healthcare providers' ability to provide care in tier communities.

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with David Windom, President of the Washington Rural Health Association.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 180: Rural Health Road Trip: The Hawkeye State

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Whitney Zahnd, President of the Iowa Rural Health Association.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 179: Revenue Integrity for Rural Hospitals

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

For rural healthcare organizations, fiscal health is more important than ever. Hospital administrators should be continually evaluating their own revenue integrity and seeking strategic solutions for optimized performance.

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Shinal Patel, Senior Manager of Healthcare Performance Improvement at Forvis Mazars.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 178: Surviving & Operating as an Independent Rural Hospital

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Over the last fifteen years, it has become increasingly difficult to operate and survive as an independent rural hospital in America. As the healthcare needs of our rural populations continue to grow, it's imperative for hospitals to find ways to remain independent and provide the services their patients need the most.

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Jason Merkley, President & CEO at Brookings Health System in South Dakota

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 177: Rural Health Road Trip: The Hoosier State

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 16:31:56 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Cara Veale , Chief Executive Officer of the Indiana Rural Health Association.

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Episode 176: Equipping Rural Communities to Face the Mental Health Crisis

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Rural communities in America are facing a significant mental health crisis, but many don't have behavioral services available to them. For the mental health in rural communities to improve, healthcare organizations must equip their organizations, providers and staff with the resources and education they need.

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Ed Woods, Board Chair of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

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Episode 175: Advocating for Mental Health in Rural Michigan

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Mental heath is a rising concern in every state, especially for rural areas where access to help is limited. Hospitals and healthcare organizations have a responsibility to advocate for their patient's needs including mental healthcare.

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Robert Sheehan, CEO at Community Mental Association of Michigan.

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Episode 174: Rural Health Road Trip: The Pelican State

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Denae Hebert, Executive Director at Louisiana Rural Health Association.

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Minisode: Forming Partnerships in Rural Health

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

In this week's minisode, JJ and Rachel talk about forming and maintaining good partnerships in rural health.

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Episode 173: Rural Health Road Trip: The Beaver State

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Robert Duehmig, Director of the Oregon Office of Rural Health.

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Episode 172: Rural Health Road Trip: The Keystone State

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Lisa Davis, Director of the Office of Rural Health, for the state of Pennsylvania.

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Episode 171: Rural Health Road Trip: The Prairie State

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Diane Potts, President of the Illinois Rural Health Association.

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Episode 170: Rural Health Road Trip: The Magnolia State

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak Ryan Kelly, Executive Director of the Mississippi Rural Health Association.

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Episode 169: Leading Hospitals With a Clinical Perspective

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Healthcare organizations often experience separation between administrative and clinical departments, but hospitals can't truly thrive unless they work together as a cohesive whole.

On today's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Dr. Ross Ramsey, President and CEO of Scheurer Health.

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Episode 168: Nursing Recruitment & Leadership in Rural Healthcare

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Every hospital needs a strong team of nurses to provide reliable patient care and support through every challenge. The role of nursing, interacting most directly with patients and supporting medical staff is absolutely essential for a healthcare organization to thrive.

On today's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with two representatives from the Michigan Hospital Association, Lindsay Peters, Senior Director of Field Engagement and Amy Brown, Chief Nursing Officer.

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Episode 167: Rural Health Road Trip: The Mount Rushmore State

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak Tim Rave, President/CEO South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations

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Episode 166: Providing Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine for Rural Communities

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:57:52 -0000

In rural communities, hospitals are struggling to meet their most basic service lines. Amid closures and shortages, comprehensive healthcare is needed more than ever in rural populations.

On today's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Bradley Hodshire, Program Director, Hillsdale Hospital Center for Advanced Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine.

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Episode 165: Rural Health Road Trip: The Cornhusker State

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak Jed Hansen, Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association

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Episode 164: Rural Health Road Trip: The Silver State

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak Blayne Osborn, President, Nevada Rural Hospital Partners.

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Episode 163: Preserving Maternal Healthcare Services in Rural America

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Rural America has faced hundreds of hospital closures over the past decade, but no service is more neglected than maternity care. As OB-GYN services go under, maternal and infant mortality rise, which is the result of a crisis that starts with inadequate payment models.

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Harold Miller, President and CEO, Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.

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Episode 162: Rural Health Road Trip: The Old Dominion State

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak Beth O'Connor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Health Association.

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Episode 161: Innovating Healthcare Leadership

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0000

In every healthcare organization, leadership teams face operational challenges on a daily basis. This requires leaders to develop solutions to serve their staff, patients and communities while optimizing their hospital's performance.

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Ben Miles, President of St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital.

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Episode 160: How Rural Hospitals are Adapting for the Future of Healthcare

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000

In the past several decades, rural America has witnessed more hospital closures than its communities can afford. To survive, rural hospitals must meet the future with staying power and effective strategies now more than ever.

On today's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with John Supplitt, rural health advocate, and former Senior Director of Rural Health Services at the American Hospital Association.

Episode 159: Update on the State of Healthcare in Michigan

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Hospitals all over Michigan benefit from the leadership and resources provided by the Michigan Hospital Association. With a trustworthy and informed team of healthcare leaders at the helm, this association is a strong advocate and ally for rural hospitals like Hillsdale.

On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

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Episode 158: What the New State Budget Means for Healthcare

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000

The final state budget for fiscal year 2025 was recently passed, and it has a significant impact on healthcare in Michigan. That’s why healthcare advocacy in the budgeting process is a vital part of ensuring the best possible outcome for patients, providers and administration.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

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July 4 Special: Live with Mackinac Straits Health System CEO Karen Cheeseman

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On today’s fourth of July special episode, we take a listen to a recent Hillsdale Live episode where hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Karen Cheeseman, CEO of Mackinac Straits Health System.

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Episode 157: Optimizing Healthcare Operations through Financial Improvement

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

For healthcare to make a difference, financial wellbeing is essential. Many rural hospitals are struggling with operational stability right now, but with the right approach, they can often regain financial health and strengthen their organization’s mission.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Kevin Rash, managing director at Forvis Mazars US.

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Episode 156: Rural Health Road Trip: The Sooner State

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations tackle issues that support their members’ ability to provide care in their rural communities.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Mark Woodring, vice president of the board for the Rural Health Association of Oklahoma as well Professor of Healthcare Administration & Policy at the University of Oklahoma

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Episode 155: No CRNAs, No Surgeries: How Full Practice Authorization Supports Rural Surgical Care

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are the foundation for quality surgical services. When rural hospitals are equipped with exceptional CRNAs, they can provide their community with top-notch surgical care.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jason Flowers, CRNA & Owner of Challenge Anesthesia.

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Episode 154: Rural Health Road Trip: The Sunflower State

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dorothy Hughes, president of the Kansas Rural Health Association.

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Episode 153: Helping Children with Autism Thrive, Including in Rural Communities

Thu, 30 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Helping our children thrive is a vital part of building healthy communities. As a rural hospital providing a full continuum of care, we know the value of occupational and speech therapy in kids’ lives. Lumen Pediatric Therapy shares our vision for healthy families, and they work to provide evidence-based services that will benefit children with autism.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Nicholle Mehr, Chief Executive Officer at Lumen Pediatric Therapy.

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Episode 152: The Last Independent Hospital in Northeast Texas

Thu, 23 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Independent hospitals exist for the health and wellbeing of their communities. Amidst a rapidly changing healthcare environment, locally controlled rural healthcare organizations can remain autonomous and dedicated to their patient populations.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Terry Scoggin, Chief Executive Officer at Titus Regional Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.

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Episode 151: Rural Health Road Trip: The Last Frontier State

Thu, 16 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jared Kosin, president and CEO of the Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association.

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Episode 150: Meet the Critical Access Hospital Delivering 600 Babies a Year

Thu, 09 May 2024 10:20:00 -0000

Every community needs maternal and infant healthcare, and yet, many rural areas no longer have access to it. In a time when obstetric care is becoming more and more difficult to find, some rural hospitals are striving to sustain the high-quality birthing services that every woman, infant and family that needs.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jennifer Mewes, RN, OB Leader at Iowa Specialty Hospital.

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Episode 149: Rural Health Road Trip: The Tar Heel State

Thu, 02 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Maggie Sauer, Director of the North Carolina Office of Rural Health.

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Episode 148: Rural Health Road Trip: The Volunteer State

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jacy Warrell, chief executive officer of the Rural Health Association of Tennessee

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Episode 147: Live from National Council on Mental Wellbeing #NatCon2024

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Mental health and substance use treatment organizations are vital to hospitals across the country, especially those serving rural areas where behavioral health providers and services are more limited. These organizations often bridge the gap between a patient boarding in the ER and their safe discharge home, or an inpatient stay and post discharge follow-up care.

On todays episode, hosts JJ and Rachel are live in St Louis, MO at the National Council on Mental Wellbeing with guest Annette Dubas, Executive Director, Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations (NABHO).

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 146: Strategies for National Rural Health

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Understanding the challenges and opportunities in rural healthcare is necessary for healthcare leaders. Rural hospitals must develop strategies to address these issues for the benefit of their patients and communities.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Amy Elizondo, Chief Strategy Officer for the National Rural Health Association.

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Episode 145: Rural Health Road Trip: The Show-Me State

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Heidi Lucas, Executive Director of the Missouri Rural Health Association.

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Episode 144: Rural Health Road Trip: The New England States

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Andy Lowe, Executive Director of the New England Rural Health Association

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Episode 143: Rural Health Road Trip: The Old Line State

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jonathan Dayton, Executive Director of the Maryland Rural Health Association.

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Episode 142: Rural Health Road Trip: The Peace Garden State

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Kylie Nissen, Executive Director at the North Dakota Rural Health Association.

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Episode 141: Advancing Michigan’s Osteopathic Healthcare

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Osteopathic medicine is a cornerstone of our national healthcare, and the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) plays a vital role in advancing the practice of osteopathic medicine in our state. The MOA contributes to rural communities by connecting doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) to rural practice opportunities, positively impacting care access for our underserved patient populations.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Kris Nicholoff, Chief Executive Officer, and Jenell Leonard, Strategic Partnership Coordinator, from the Michigan Osteopathic Association.

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Episode 140: Leveraging Rural Healthcare Partnerships, Part 2

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Access to healthcare is vital to rural communities, but as rural healthcare grows more challenging to sustain, many systems have realized they can’t do it on their own.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Andrew Daniels and Angie McConnachie, co-CEOs of Aspire Rural Health System.

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Episode 140: Leveraging Rural Healthcare Partnerships, Part 1

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Access to healthcare is vital to rural communities, but as rural healthcare grows more challenging to sustain, many hospitals have realized they can’t do it on their own.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Andrew Daniels and Angie McConnachie, co-CEOs of Aspire Rural Health System.

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Episode 139: Shaping Rural Healthcare Policy in 2024

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Michigan healthcare policy is never standing still. Thanks to rural health policy advocates, we have representation among policy makers, but every hospital needs to be actively aware of the changes in healthcare policy and how they impact hospital operations.

On this weeks episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Lauren Lapine, Senior Director of Legislative and Public Policy at the Michigan Hospital Association.

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Episode 138: Serving Rural Hospitals Across Iowa & Around the Nation

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Many rural hospitals around the nation are fighting the same battles in legislation, operations, and workforce. Advocacy and connection are essential to understanding the issues and taking necessary action to make a difference to healthcare in rural areas.

On todays episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Chris Mitchell, President and CEO of the Iowa Hospital Association.

Episode 137: Michigan Rural Healthcare Legislation Update

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Michigan healthcare legislation directly impacts both the day to day activity and long term sustainability of healthcare organizations. If rural hospitals want to be involved, we have to stay updated as we can and rely on connections with rural health advocates.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Adam Carlson, Senior Vice President of Advocacy at the Michigan Hospital Association.

Episode 136: Obstetrics in Rural America & Rachel's Rural Birth Story

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Maternal health is vital to a rural community's well being, especially labor and delivery care. As OB units close all over the country, the rural OB's that remain face growing challenges to keep their doors open.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Hillary Zimmerman, Hillsdale Hospital's Clinical Nurse Manager of Labor and Delivery, about the state of rural maternity health.

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Episode 135: Faith and Healing

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

If you've ever worked in healthcare. you know that healing goes beyond medical treatment. Spiritual well-being is a vital part of a patient's recovery and in healthcare, we have a role in fostering that healing.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Reverend Lucas Miller, Hillsdale Hospital Chaplain.

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Episode 134: Mental Health in Pediatric Services

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Mental health is a rising issue in pediatric services, especially in rural areas where access to specialized psychiatric care is limited. With the growing need for qualified mental health services, the shortage of psychiatric healthcare professionals becomes all the more relevant.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brittany Brannan, Nurse Practitioner & Pediatric Mental Health Specialist at Viking Psychiatry, about mental health in pediatric services.

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Episode 133: Health Literacy

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

As a small-town hospital, health literacy is a vital part of our community’s wellbeing. Healthcare is meant to go beyond the walls of a healthcare facility, so that patients are equipped to improve their health and maintain necessary recovery.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Lance Wells, Medical Director of Emergency Medicine, about health literacy.

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Episode 132: Emergency Care in Rural Hospitals, part 2

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Emergency rooms are a lifeline for patients and for local hospitals, as they stand in the gap to care for patients who need immediate and significant intervention, while also serving as a gateway to the rest of the hospital and its services. So, how do rural hospitals ensure that their emergency rooms meet the needs of their community, in both clinical quality and patient experience?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Val Hepker, clinical nurse manager and trauma coordinator of emergency services at Hillsdale Hospital.

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Episode 131: Rural Hospital Independence & Leadership

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

As a regional hospital system, healthcare governance and leadership remain local. But the more successful and competitive a regional system is, the more interested larger systems become in acquiring that regional group. So, how do regional hospitals and health systems maintain their independence in an ever-consolidating market?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Bill Manns, President and Chief Executive Officer for Bronson Healthcare, about regional independence and healthcare leadership.

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Episode 130: Pharmacy Contracting & Medicine Shortages

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:34:19 -0000

The partnership between hospitals and pharmacies is an essential link for quality patient care. As the national healthcare industry faces a major medicine shortage, pharmacies and hospitals are both struggling to find solutions.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Joseph Dula, Executive Vice President of Clinical Services for CPS, about pharmacy contracting and medicine shortages.

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Episode 129: Changes in the Mental Health Industry

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Mental health services are a crucial piece of the healthcare industry, and with a combined increase in demand and decrease in supply for these services, the collective healthcare system is feeling the squeeze. So, how do rural hospitals adapt to best serve patients in need of mental healthcare?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Mark Eastburg, CEO Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services about mental health services.

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Episode 128: Change Management, Part 2: Mergers & Acquisitions

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

As a community-centered, rural hospital, we know the struggle of existing independently when resources are scarce. Unfortunately, sometimes hospitals have no other choice but to accept a merger or acquisition. How do rural hospitals maintain the trust of their community as they face hard choices and dramatic change?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Letitia Fecher, Vice President, Public & Community Health Systems Practice Lead, with Jarrard Inc. about change management in rural hospital merges and acquisitions.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

We are taking time off this week to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Be sure to tune in next week as we resume our weekly episodes!

Episode 127: Long COVID

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Long COVID is a condition plaguing many Americans in the wake of the pandemic, and treatment for long COVID symptoms isn’t standardized and can be hard to come by. So, how do hospitals care for patients experiencing long COVID symptoms?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with James Jackson, Director of Behavioral Health at the ICU Recovery Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. about long COVID recovery.

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Episode 126: Building a Strong Hospital Culture

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Hospital culture is an essential part of creating a safe and healthy workplace for team members. So, how do rural hospitals create a positive hospital culture, even in today’s challenging healthcare environment?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Stacy Feltz, Chief Administrative Officer at Hillsdale Hospital about building a strong workplace culture.

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Episode 125: The EMS Shortage: How Lack of Ambulances Impacts All Medical Transport

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Access to medical and ambulance transport is important and often life saving for rural communities with a limited EMS and transport services. So, how do rural hospitals manage the challenge of limited ambulances in their service area?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Robert Dionne, Chief Executive Officer of Ultra EMS about ambulance services in a rural community.

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Episode 124: Vascular Care in Rural America

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Vascular care is a specialty not always accessible to rural communities, but diagnosis, treatment and surgery for vascular disease is certainly needed by rural Americans. So, how do rural hospitals attract, support and sustain visiting specialists like vascular surgeons to ensure specialty care is available to their communities?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Syed Alam, Vascular Surgeon at Hillsdale Hospital about vascular care in a rural hospital.

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Minisode: Litchfield Merger: Handling Major Change

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

On this week's minisode, hosts JJ and Rachel do a case study, unpacking the decisions and thought process behind their recent merger of two rural health clinics.

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Episode 123: Change Management Communications

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

As rural hospitals continue to struggle, facing unprecedented industry-wide challenges in addition to the rural-specific challenges they have been managing for decades, effective change management is more crucial than ever. So, how do rural hospitals develop and execute a change management strategy to support their teams through tumultuous times?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Letitia Fecher, Vice President, Public & Community Health Systems Practice Lead, with Jarrard Inc. about change management in rural hospitals.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 122: New Hospitals, and New Challenge

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Rural hospitals are as unique as the communities they serve, with their own set of demographics, their own geography and their own local history—all of which can be a detriment or an asset to their success as an organization. So, how do rural hospitals leverage their unique positions to best serve their communities and build long-term sustainability?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk Karen Cheeseman, CEO of Mackinac Straits Health System in St. Ignace, Michigan, about meeting the needs of a unique rural community.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 121: Congressional Legislative Update

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

For rural healthcare to thrive, proactive representation and response in congress is essential. So, how should hospitals navigate the latest legislative decisions on healthcare policy and rural health budgeting.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer at the National Rural Health Association to get a legislative update on the state of rural healthcare policies.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

Episode 120: Stepping Up to Lead in a Time of Change

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Solid executive leadership is essential to the success of any hospital, but the job of a rural hospital president is unique with its own set of challenges and opportunities. So, how do rural hospital presidents set the stage for the future and lead their organizations with purpose?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Helen Johnson, president of Sparrow Eaton Hospital, about stepping into her role as a rural hospital president.

Find Sparrow Eaton Hospital online!

https://www.sparrow.org/our-hospitals-services/sparrow-hospitals/sparrow-eaton-hospital

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

Episode 119: Supporting Physician Assistant Education Though Rural Experiences

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Physician Assistants are essential members of the healthcare team whose versatility as providers can help expand access to care in rural communities where it may be harder to recruit a physician. So, how do we prepare more physician assistants for thriving careers in rural environments?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with John McGinnity, professor and director of the Department of PA Medicine at Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine about expanding training opportunities for PAs in rural communities.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

Episode 118: The State of Healthcare in Michigan

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 14:24:13 -0000

Today’s healthcare industry is facing a staffing crisis that impacts healthcare providers, hospitals and systems of all sizes, including rural. So, how can healthcare careers be promoted to build and expand the talent pipeline for our industry?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brian Peters, president and CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), about healthcare’s staffing

challenges today and how MHA is working to combat them in Michigan.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

Episode 117: Healthcare Information Technology

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Electronic medical records and patient portals are becoming a necessary tool for hospitals and healthcare providers to deliver care in today’s world. But implementing, managing and maintaining a functional EMR is time-consuming, expensive and taxing on an organization. So, how do rural hospitals keep their EMRs up-to-date and build a strong foundation for the evolution of their systems in the future?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with David Winn, Vice President of Parkview Connect at Parkview Health in Fort Wayne, Indiana about EMRs in rural hospitals.

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https://www.parkview.com/community/community-connect

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 116: Supporting Hospitals through Field Engagement

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Rural hospitals today face unprecedented financial challenges, cybersecurity threats, staffing shortages and more, often feeling like they are on an island, fighting a battle on all sides. So, how do rural hospitals leverage the support of organizations like the American Hospital Association to continue moving forward?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jen Porter, Senior Vice President, Field Engagement at American Hospital Association about the various ways AHA supports hospitals across the country.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 115: Obstetrics in Rural America

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

As obstetrics care around the country continues to disappear with more than 40% of rural communities without local access to delivery care, providing quality OB services in rural America has never been more important than it is today. So, how do rural hospitals build a robust, sustainable obstetrics program that improves and supports the wellbeing of their community?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Sarah Spencer, OB-GYN, at Hillsdale Hospital about obstetric care in rural hospitals and the challenges they face.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 114: Elder Care in Rural America, Part 3

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Home health care is one of the primary ways homebound seniors in rural communities can receive the healthcare they need, but providing that care is no easy feat. So, how do rural homecare providers deliver the best care possible to elderly populations?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Kathy Coe, director of Hillsdale Home Care at Hillsdale Hospital about caring for rural America’s elderly population in their homes.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 113: Sustaining Infusion Services in Rural America

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Infusion services are important for many patients—especially those who receive infusions regularly and routinely—so having access to this type of care locally can have a significant impact not only a patient’s health, but their quality of life. So, how do rural hospitals build a sustainable infusion service line to create access for their patients and community?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Randy Holland, Infection Control Officer and Director of Ancillary Services right here at Hillsdale Hospital about infusion services in rural hospitals and how to keep the service line sustainable.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 112: Cardiopulmonary Care & Building Strong Teams

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:37:55 -0000

A strong cardiopulmonary team is a critical piece of any hospital, including rural. From emergent to inpatient to outpatient care, they are part of it all. So, how do rural hospitals build that team and support its success long-term?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Val Boyd, cardiopulmonary and sleep lab manager right here at Hillsdale Hospital about cardiopulmonary care in rural hospitals and longevity in a healthcare career.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 111: Emergency Care in Rural Hospitals, Part 1

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:35:00 -0000

Emergency services are a lifeline for patients suffering immediate and urgent medical conditions, and in rural America, the local hospital emergency room can be the lifeline that ensures a patient makes it until they can get to a higher level of trauma care. So, how do rural hospitals build robust emergency services and earn the trust communities?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Lance Wells, medical director of emergency medicine, right here at Hillsdale Hospital about providing emergency care in rural communities.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 110: Rural Healthcare Advocacy

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:33:00 -0000

It is no secret that struggling rural hospitals and, by extension, the patients they serve need dedicated advocates to ensure long-term sustainability and access to care in rural America. So, how do rural hospitals effectively lobby their elected officials to create positive change in their environment?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Benjamin Frederick, Associate Vice President of Advocacy & Government Relations of Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, Mich. about advocating for rural hospitals.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Minisode: Hillsdale Strong. Hillsdale First.

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000

On this week's minisode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk about Hillsdale Hospital's latest campaign to connect with their team, patients, the community, and what lessons can be learned from how they connect with their own rural patients.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 109: Cyber Security in a Rural Community

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Network security is an important part of any hospital including rural. But rural hospitals may be even more likely targets as bad actors assume there is less security and therefore, more susceptible to breach. How do rural hospitals defy that assumption, ensuring safe networks and secure operations?

On today's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Joshua Daugherty, Network Administrator here at Hillsdale Hospital on what it takes to keep Hillsdale Hospital safe and secure from outside threats.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 108: Expanding Access to Cancer Care in Rural America

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Bringing specialty care to rural communities has long been a challenge for rural hospitals, and oncology is one of the most difficult service lines to recruit. At the same time, the prevalence of cancer diagnoses in rural America demonstrates the critical nature of oncological services for those patients. So, how can rural hospitals help their patients access meaningful oncological care?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Sagar Patel, radiation oncologist at Saint Francis Healthcare System in Cape Girardeau, Missouri about access to cancer care in rural America.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 107: The Rural Hospital CNO Certification Experience

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Education is the cornerstone of good healthcare, not just for clinical and medical purposes, but also in learning how to effectively manage a hospital. So, how do hospitals help their department heads advance their skills and become stronger leaders?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Meghan Campbell, Chief Nursing Officer for Hillsdale Hospital about her experience in the Rural Hospital CNO Certification program.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Minisode: New Nursing Staff Legislation is Harmful

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

On today's minisode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk about nurse staffing ratio legislation in Michigan and the impact it could have on rural hospitals.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 106: Payment Transparency & Data

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 04:03:00 -0000

Price transparency has pushed hospitals to publish detailed information about what they charge for their services, including providing good faith estimates to patients. This initiative is a step forward in the effort to make healthcare costs more transparent and accessible for patients, but it may have value for rural hospitals beyond that. So, how do rural hospitals provide accurate prices to the public, while utilizing price transparency data to their advantage?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Martie Ross & Kathy Reep of PYA to discuss price transparency data and how to benefit from it.

PYA

https://www.pyapc.com/

https://www.pyapc.com/healthcare-transparency/

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 105: USDA and Healthcare

Thu, 25 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Rural communities and rural hospitals benefit from having strong partners at the local, state and federal level, supporting their goals so they can thrive in today’s environment. So, how do agencies like USDA support rural hospitals, and promote their survival?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brandon Fewins, Rural Development State Director for USDA in Michigan about programs and initiatives to support rural healthcare.

Michigan Rural Development State Office

https://www.rd.usda.gov/mi

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 104: Getting Patients from the ER to the Floor

Thu, 18 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Emergency room admissions are important for any hospital, but especially rural ones as it is truly the front door of the hospital, feeding patients into other departments to receive all the care they need. But admitting from the ER to the floor is easier said than done. So, how do rural hospitals increase emergency room admissions, decrease transfers and get their patients the care they need?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Carla Wilber, about care delivery models that support ER admissions to the hospital’s inpatient care, minimizing transfers to other facilities.

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Stroudwater Associates Study

https://www.stroudwater.com/case-study/increasing-admissions-by-creating-a-clinical-care-delivery-spectrum/

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 103: Raising Up the Next Generation of Rural Healthcare Professionals

Thu, 11 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Hospitals have been bracing for healthcare professional shortages for many years now, but those shortages were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic leaving hospitals to contract with staffing agencies at a drastically higher cost with no end in sight. So, how do rural hospitals work in tandem with higher education and workforce development initiatives to raise up the next generation of healthcare professionals?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Geoffrey Roche, Senior Vice President of National Healthcare Practice and Workforce for Core Education and Siena Heights University.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreymroche/

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 102: How Rural Hospital Closures Affect Cost & Quality

Thu, 04 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Rural hospital closures have an undeniable effect on local access to care and may also result in a change to the actual cost of care to that population. But, it's the relationship between cost, quality and efficiency that is not always clear. So, how do we better understand the financial access and quality impact rural hospital closures have on affected populations?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Caitlin Carroll, Assistant Professor, Division of Health Policy & Management at the University of Minnesota.

Links:

Impeding Access or Promoting Efficiency? Effects of Rural Hospital Closure on the Cost and Quality of Care:

https://scholar.harvard.edu/ccarroll/publications/impeding-access-or-promoting-efficiency-effects-rural-hospital-closure

Care Costs More in Consolidated Health Systems:

https://hms.harvard.edu/news/care-costs-more-consolidated-health-systems

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 101: The State of Healthcare in Michigan

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

The healthcare industry today is facing a number of challenges, and state hospital associations are advocating for and supporting hospitals through it all. So, how do state associations support and engage rural hospitals in these unprecedented times?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brian Peters, president and CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), about healthcare’s challenges today and how MHA is supporting its member hospitals.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 100: 100th Episode Special

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel celebrate 100 episodes of Rural Health Rising by looking back to when the podcast started as well as how the podcast will continue to grow in the future.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 99: Farming & Food Insecurity in Rural America

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Access to fresh, nutrient-dense foods can be tough for underserved populations in rural communities. So, how do rural hospitals engage the community and support efforts to combat food insecurity?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Denise Lovinger, registered dietician, and Ezra Bertakis, owner of Chef’s Way Farm, about the partnership between the hospital and the farm to combat hunger in their community.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 98: Rural Hospital Closures & Getting the Message Out

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Rural hospitals are important to smaller communities but as of now there are more than 200 rural hospitals on the brink of closure. So, how do we raise awareness on rural hospital closures and prevent them from happening?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Steve Gruber, broadcast journalist and host of the Steve Gruber Show.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 97: The Fix is In: Why Alternative Payment Models Don't Work

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Payment models are a hot topic for discussion, debate and development in the healthcare industry today. From consulting firms to associations and other industry influencers, various models are proposed, but they’re not always designed with financial sustainability of rural hospitals in mind. So, how do we differentiate between payment models that could actually work versus rhetoric that won’t?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Harold Miller, CEO of the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform about the variety of payment models being discussed today and which ones are actually viable.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 96: Radiology Services in a Rural Community

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Radiology services are very important, but for a rural hospital it can be hard to keep large, expensive technology up-to-date. So, how do we manage cutting-edge radiology services in a rural environment?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jamie Caldwell, Manager of Radiology at Hillsdale Hospital about radiology services and the expensive technology needed to run this service.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 95: Elder Care in Rural America, Part 2

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Elder care in rural America is unique—not just while the patient is in the hospital, but also after discharge. Resources in rural communities may be scarcer, access to transportation limited, and other factors that can impact a person’s health after leaving the hospital. So, how do rural hospital case management programs navigate the rural environment to ensure adequate support for elderly patients?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Nicole Kline, Manager of Case Management at Hillsdale Hospital about case management for elderly patients in rural America.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Episode 94: The Rural Hospital “Bystander Effect”

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Rural hospital closures continue to rise, leaving rural Americans without local access to healthcare. A recent study analyzed the effect this has on geographically-close hospitals, and the burden on those facilities in the years after closure. So, how do hospitals monitor and measure the potential impact of nearby closures and prevent their own closure?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Shayann Ramedani, alumnus of the Penn State College of Medicine and a transitional year resident at Bassett Network in upstate New York about the rural hospital “bystander effect.”

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https://pennstatehealthnews.org/2022/12/rural-hospital-closures-affect-operations-of-surrounding-hospitals/

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Episode 93: Caring for Kids in Rural America

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Pediatric care is a core part of the healthcare system in any community, including rural America. But caring for kids in a rural community poses unique challenges and requires a tailored approach to ensure the health and wellbeing of young patients. So, how do rural pediatricians take care of the youngest rural Americans?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Nicholle Ellis, pediatrician at The Pediatric Place in Hillsdale and Chief of Medical Staff for Hillsdale Hospital about caring for children in rural America.

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Minisode: Communication With Your Teams

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

In this week's minisode, JJ and Rachel talk about the challenges plaguing the industry right now, and strategies to keep your workforce engaged and in the loop.

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Episode 92: Leadership in Rural Health

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Rural hospitals continue to face unprecedented challenges in todays environment with supply chain increases, workforce recruitment and retention, financial woes and more. And as staff burnout, leaders do too. This week, we welcome Sydney Grant, Director of Programming at the National Rural Health Association, to discuss how leaders can gain the education, support and fortitude to shepherd their organization for the years to come.

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Episode 91: Elder Care in Rural America

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Rural communities often have a larger proportion of elderly residence compared to their urban and suburban counterparts, contributing to a larger proportion of elderly patients receiving care in rural hospitals. They are also less likely to have access to support at home, adequate resources , and other factors to take care of themselves after they leave. To help us further understand the issues of elder care in rural America, we welcome this week Dr. Ali Shukr, Director of Hospitalist Medicine here at Hillsdale Hospital.

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Episode 90: Rural Obstetrics

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Rural obstetrics care is often hampered by a lack of providers, low reimbursement, and limited resources, often leading to closures of birthing centers and OB/GYN practices in rural communities. This week, we speak with a Hillsdale legend, and someone who often has been been the only or one of the only people delivering babies in the community over the past few decades. Today welcome Dr. Alfred Bediako, OB/GYN and Chief of Obstetrics here at Hillsdale Hospital.

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Minisode: Payment Reform: The Time is Now

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

After an illuminating conversation last week with Harold Miller, CEO Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, we talk this week about our thoughts and reactions to the interview. We also discuss ways that rural hospitals can come together to help sway both public opinion and public policy regarding sufficient payment and reimbursement.

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Episode 89: Identifying and Advocating for Data Backed Payment Reform

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Nearly 30 percent of all rural hospitals in the United States are at risk of closure, including 10 percent at immediate risk of closure. Mixed payment models, fixes that made things worse, and the effect of inflation demand a new look on how rural hospitals are paid and sustained. This week, we welcome Harold Miller, CEO of the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform to talk about alternative payment models across the rural health industry.

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Episode 88: Taking Lessons from the Past to Thrive Now and in the Future

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Today, we get into the history of rural health as well as taking a look to the future. This week, we welcome someone who has been leading the National Rural Health Association for more than 20 years, and was advocating for hospitals even before that. Our guest today is Alan Morgan, CEO of The National Rural Health Association.

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Minisode: 2023 Look Ahead

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 08:00:00 -0000

On this week's minisode, JJ and Rachel talk about how rural health closed out 2022 and what they're looking forward to in 2023 here on Rural Health Rising.

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Episode 87: How Public Health and Healthcare Work Together in Rural Communities

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Public health and healthcare play different, but complementary, roles in ensuring the health and wellness of their communities and patients. This relationship was both tested and highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic unlike ever before. So, how do rural hospitals work with their local public health agencies to support their overall health and wellbeing of the people they serve?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Rebecca Burns, Health Officer for the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency (BHSJ) in Michigan about the relationship between public health and healthcare.

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Episode 86: 2023 State Legislative Priorities

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

After election season as legislatures and executive offices begin to turnover, newly elected officials have to begin shaping their priorities and engaging with constituents to inform those priorities, often forming brand new relationships in the process. So, how do rural hospitals ensure that they are part of the conversation with newly-elected policy and rule makers from the start?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with State Sen. Elect Joe Bellino of Michigan’s 16th District about the process of engaging newly-elected officials and prioritizing legislation.

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Episode 85: Rural Health in Remote Areas

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Many of America’s critical access hospitals are in geographically-isolated areas, serving sparse populations far from any other hospitals or healthcare facilities. This means they are the sole healthcare provider for their communities, serving a broad range of patients with a broad range of healthcare needs. So, how do these critical access hospitals prioritize care designed for their unique community?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Hunter Nostrant, CEO of Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry, Michigan, about operating a hospital in a geographically-isolated area in Michigan's upper peninsula.

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Episode 84: Advocating for DSH Funding

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 11:36:51 -0000

Building relationships with state and local elected officials is important for rural hospitals and healthcare providers as they work to advocate for their organizations, their patients and their communities. But accessing those individuals and developing those relationships is not always easy. So, how do rural hospitals effectively engage state and local leaders?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Bruce Caswell, former Michigan state senator, former Michigan state representative and former Hillsdale County commissioner, about the ways rural hospitals can engage with elected officials in their state and community.

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Episode 83: Telehealth and NRHA Advocacy Update

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Telehealth was brought to the forefront of healthcare delivery models during the COVID-19 pandemic as patients were hesitant to leave their homes and the need for isolation and social distancing required more virtual care. During the public health emergency, telehealth has been reimbursed, but the future of that reimbursement is uncertain as the expected end of the public health emergency looms. So, how do rural hospitals understand and advocate for reimbursement to sustain telehealth as a standard care delivery option.

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Josh Jorgensen, Government Affairs and Policy Director at the National Rural Health Association, to discuss payment models that support rural healthcare's needs for their patients and their communities.

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Episode 82: Partnerships for High-Tech Imaging

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

As rural hospitals work to serve their patients locally, accessing state-of-the-art, cutting-edge or advanced imaging technologies can be a barrier, meaning patients either leave town for care or don’t get care at all. So, how do rural hospitals expand their offerings to give patients the care they need at home?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brian Madison, president and CEO of The HCS Group, about the need for advanced imaging in rural communities and how to meet it.

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Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer

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Mini-Sode: National Rural Health Day & RHR’s Anniversary!

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In celebration of National Rural Health Day and the two-year anniversary of Rural Health Rising, hosts JJ and Rachel discuss what “The Power of Rural” means to them.

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Episode 81: Reducing Transfers from Rural Hospitals

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Rural hospitals often transfer patients for higher levels of care, both from the emergency room and their inpatient units. But sending them to another facility can be detrimental to the hospital, not to mention the hardship it creates for families and loved ones to visit during the patient’s hospitalization out of town. So, how do rural hospitals take care of their patients locally as often as possible?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Doris Whorley, Director of Risk Management, Patient Advocate and Recipient Rights Advisor, about the necessity of transfers and how to minimize them.

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Episode 80: A Legislative Legacy: Standing Up and Standing Alone for Rural Hospitals

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Rural hospitals need support from their state legislatures to operate in a way that not only allows them to best serve their communities, but to survive in an increasingly challenging environment. Fighting for critical funding is often an uphill battle, especially when that means supporting programs that are unpopular in their community or with their elected officials. So, how do rural hospitals ensure that their voice is heard and their critical needs are met at the state legislative level?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Mike Shirkey, State Senate Majority Leader, about ensuring rural hospitals are heard at the state legislative level.

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Episode 79: Life as a CRNA in a Rural Hospital

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Recruiting specialty and advanced practice providers to rural communities is a challenge for many small hospitals, especially in today’s environment. Retaining enough staff to provide needed coverage is no small feat, especially for critical services like anesthesia that keep other service lines in operation.

So, how do rural hospitals recruit and keep excellent providers in their challenging and unique hospital settings?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with John Gadwood, CRNA at Hillsdale Hospital, about managing an advanced practice provider group in rural America.

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Episode 78: Making Infusion Centers Possible in Rural America

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Specialty outpatient services like infusion can be a risky business for rural hospitals. Such a service requires drugs that come at a very high cost and a challenging reimbursement process that can leave hospitals holding the bag and unable to sustain infusion care for their communities. So, how do rural hospitals find a way to provide specialty services like this without facing financial woes?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jacob Dozier from Community Infusion Solutions about how partners can make specialty services possible for rural hospitals.

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Episode 77: Rural Health Policy & Advocacy

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Rural hospitals and healthcare providers are constantly facing new challenges as the healthcare industry changes and as regulations shift. At the same time, legislators and federal agencies need to hear from rural hospitals if any new action needs to be taken for their benefit or if coming changes will impact them.

Our guest today is Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer for the National Rural Health Association.

Make your voice heard to promote NRHA’s rural health FY 2023 Appropriations requests and priorities including extension of LVH/MDH hospitals, rural ambulance payments, 340B protections, telehealth provisions, and sequestration relief. NRHA has developed pre-prepared materials and talking points as guides for these conversations. https://www.ruralhealth.us/advocacy/advocacy-campaigns

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Episode 76: Legislative Update

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

While much of the funding for rural hospitals comes through the federal government, state legislatures also play a key role in funding, supporting and safeguarding their rural hospitals. So, how do rural hospitals ensure their needs are prioritized in the state budget and through state law?

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Michigan State Rep. Andrew Fink about funding and representation for rural hospitals.

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Episode 75: The De-Humanization of Medicine & How to Fix It

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Rural hospitals are often praised for their personalized approach of neighbors caring for neighbors, but along with the rest of the healthcare industry, rural providers are not immune to the increasingly less human-centered care that we sometimes see today. To help us understand the importance of more personable and less mechanical care, we welcome Dr. Charles Vear, retired Chief of Staff at our very own Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 74: How Regulations & Industry Trends Impact Rural Hospital Finances

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Rural hospitals face significant financial strain to the point of closure for more than 140 hospitals since 2010. Additionally, we are seeing many others facing a high and/or immediate risk of closing in the near future. Today, we dive back into this very important topic with our guest, David Usher, Chief Financial Officer at Ray County Memorial Hospital.

Episode 73: Part 2: How the Pandemic Impacted Individuals with Disabilities

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

This week, JJ and Rachel continue their discussion on how the pandemic impacted individuals with disabilities with Michigan Supreme Court Justice, Richard Bernstein.

Episode 73: Part 1: How the Pandemic Impacted Individuals with Disabilities

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0000

COVID-19 has had significant impacts on all sectors of the population for the past three years, but has created particular challenges for those with disabilities who use hearing and touch as communication. To help us understand how the critical institutions in our community and state need to support those with disabilities in todays COVID-19 affected world and in case of future pandemics, we welcome Michigan Supreme Court Justice, Richard Bernstein.

Episode Transcript

Episode 72: How Hospital Associations Support & Advocate for Rural Hospitals

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 12:19:45 -0000

In rural healthcare, it is essential to have support advocating for your needs and developing policies that are helpful to rural hospitals while influencing policies that could be hurtful instead. In order to find out how rural hospitals ensure that issues important to them are addressed through effective policies, we welcome Lauren LaPine, Director of Small & Rural Hospitals & Policy Programs at the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.

Episode 71: Rural Hospital Representation & Support

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Connections between rural hospitals and state wide advocacy organizations that can represent them is crucial to hospital success, and even at times, their survival. These partnerships assist hospitals in providing affordable healthcare to their community, focusing on quality initiatives and even advocating for them with their local legislatures. Our guests this week are Lindsay Peters, Senior Director at MHA, and Brian Peters, Chief Executive Officer at MHA.

Episode 70: Data Collection and Analysis in Rural Health

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

There are many entities that rate and evaluate hospitals for quality, safety and more. However, rural hospitals are often overshadowed or misjudged due to data collection techniques, metric designs that automatically disadvantage rural hospitals with smaller numbers, and the lack of concern for the subsequent misleading results. This week, we welcome someone who specializes in data collection and analysis for rural hospitals as we try and get an accurate picture of the challenges and successes of rural hospitals. Our guest today is Michael Topchik, National Leader of the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Episode 69: Rules & Regs: Navigating a Complex Regulatory Environment

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Healthcare is one of the most regulated industries that exist today, and the maze of regulations continues to expand. Today, we zero in on how rural hospitals can deal with the growing complexity of the regulatory environment. Our guest this week is Martie Ross, Office Managing Principal at PYA, and Director of the Center for Rural Health Advancement.

Episode 68: Fundraising Initiatives for Rural Hospitals

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Gaining community support through fundraising can be difficult for rural hospitals thanks to limited time, resources, and personnel dedicated to this effort. A strong development program however, can bolster the bottom line and more importantly, build affinity towards the hospital among members of the community. Our guest this week is Lisa Alexander, President of CoxHealth Foundation.

A Mini-Sode in Two Parts: Strategic Planning, Part II

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

When it comes to a rural hospital becoming more financially sustainable, having a strategy is critical. This week, JJ and Rachel continue in part 2. of our discussion about the importance of strategic planning.

A Mini-Sode in Two Parts: Strategic Planning, Part I

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

When it comes to a rural hospital becoming more financially sustainable, having a strategy is critical. This week in part 1, JJ and Rachel sit down to talk about the importance of strategic planning.

Episode 67: The Value Proposition in Rural Hospital Partnerships, Part 2

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

This week, we continue the discussion on the value rural hospitals bring when partnering with larger systems and organizations. Our guest today is Jeff Sommer, Managing Director at Stroudwater Associates.

Episode 66: The Value Proposition in Rural Hospital Partnerships

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

We've talked before about how healthcare partnerships are critical to rural hospitals, but these partnerships are also beneficial to the organizations that we are joining forces with. Today, we look into the value rural hospitals bring to their partner organizations, and how to use that value to leverage more relationships with increased returns. Our guest this week is Eric Shell, Chairman of Stroudwater Associates.

Episode 65: Infection Control

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Infection control is a term that is now well understood even outside of healthcare thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. This week, we get into the challenges rural hospitals face as they implement their own infection control programs, and how those programs have changed and adapted in response to the pandemic as well as preparing for future outbreaks. Our guest today is Randy Holland, Director of Ancillary Services and Infection Control Officer here at Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 64: Access to Prenatal Care in Rural Communities

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Access to prenatal care in rural communities is critical to the health and well-being of mothers and their children, but its often difficult to access, limited in scope, or worse, non existent. To help us take a deeper look into this topic, we welcome Brittany Page, Registered Nurse, at the Bediako Birthing Center here at Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 63: Navigating the Federal Landscape for Rural Hospitals

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Connecting with federal government decision makers is an important t part of rural hospital advocacy efforts. But without a Washington DC base, it's not easy to cultivate those relationships. This week, we welcome someone who has partnered with Hillsdale Hospital to help cultivate political relationships. Our guest is Mark Mcintyre, Co-founder and Principal of Merchant Mcintyre Associates.

Episode 62: 340B Discount Drug Program: Making Drugs More Affordable

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

As rural hospitals work to provide the best quality of care for their patients, while maintaining financial solvency, programs like 340B can help make drugs more affordable. 340B and other programs can make or break a hospitals ability to remain financially solvent. But 340B is currently under threat from the pharmaceutical industry and others who would like to see it discontinued or scaled back. This week, we welcome Jeff Kauffman, Director of Pharmacy right here at Hillsdale Hospital.

Minisode: Financial Stability in the Post-Pandemic World

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Last week we discussed the myriad of headlines relating to financial losses hospitals are facing across the country. Since then we've seen even more headlines on hospitals posting significant financial losses. JJ and Rachel sit down to discuss possible solutions for hospitals as well as what the public can do to advocate for their hospitals, especially rural.

National Rural Health Association: ruralhealth.us

Minisode: Healthcare Industry Aftershocks from COVID-19

Thu, 26 May 2022 15:40:00 -0000

This week, JJ and Rachel sit down to talk about the healthcare industry's aftershocks coming on after the pandemic. We also look into some of the factors contributing to the financial situation rural hospitals find themselves in today.

Episode 61: Nurse Practitioners Filling Provider Gaps

Thu, 19 May 2022 07:00:00 -0000

We've talked quite a bit about provider recruitment challenges that rural hospitals face, and discussed on a previous episode developing a talent pipeline for nurse practitioners. Today, we are talking big picture about the role nurse practitioners play in our total continuum of care. Our guest today is April Kapu, President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Episode 60: Patient Experience

Thu, 12 May 2022 07:00:00 -0000

The patient experience is not a new topic for healthcare, for rural hospitals or even for this podcast. But it’s so central to what we do and it’s a little unique in the rural environment. To dive deeper into this topic, we're talking this week to Lori Strahm, Director of Patient Experience and Strategic Partnerships for Parkview Health.

Minisode: Labor Market Competition & Hospital Consolidation

Thu, 05 May 2022 07:00:00 -0000

This week, JJ and Rachel sit down to talk about mergers, acquisitions and the consolidation of healthcare services in America. In addition, they examine recent data released by the Treasury Department's State of Labor Market Competition Report, and how it relates to rural health and healthcare.

State of Labor Market Competition Report:

https://home.treasury.https://drive.google.com/file/d/146qC2uLgRO8bjyxi6aZniSgdfG8sMNNi/view?usp=sharinggov/system/files/136/State-of-Labor-Market-Competition-2022.pdf

Episode 59: Health Policy at the State Level

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 16:48:55 -0000

We talk about healthcare policy often, and when we talk about long-term financial stability for rural hospitals, we’re usually talking about federal policy as it relates to reimbursements, payment structures, etc. But state-level healthcare policy also has a significant impact on rural hospitals. Our guest today is state Rep. Bronna Kahle serving Michigan’s 57th district.

Episode 58: Chronic Disease & Nutrition

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000

We know chronic disease is a major concern in rural America, often coming on Community Health Needs Assessments as a key priority area with diabetes in particular. Is diabetes more prevalent in rural communities? What contributes to that? To help us answer these questions, we welcome Denise Lovinger, Director of Outpatient Dietician Programs here at Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 57: The Education Ladder: From Patient Care Tech to Nurse Practitioner

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Recruiting has never been a hotter topic in healthcare than it is today. Hospitals across the country are plagued with staffing shortages. In addition to recruiting new staff, advancing the staff we already have is a key strategy, particularly in rural healthcare. Our guest this week is Sarah Butler, Director of Behavioral Heath Services & Nurse Practitioner here at Hillsdale Hospital.

Minisode: What Now? Navigating the Post-Pandemic Era

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 16:42:56 -0000

This week, JJ and Rachel sit down to talk about how the rural healthcare industry will look as we start to move past the pandemic.

Episode 56: Rural Hospitals Advocating for One Another

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Rural hospital leaders are more than just administrators keeping their own hospitals and healthcare services running—many of them are using their voices to be rural health advocates, speaking out on issues that affect all of us in rural healthcare. We’re speaking with someone who has worked hard in his position as a rural hospital CEO to promote the needs of rural healthcare, to the benefit of all of us. Our guest this week is Steve Barnett, President & CEO of McKenzie Health System in Sandusky, Michigan.

Episode 55: The Fight for EMRs & Tech Infrastructure

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000

To provide the best possible patient care in today’s environment, hospitals and healthcare providers must have a strong IT infrastructure with systems to manage and support every part of patient care, which often comes at a high cost. This week, we’re speaking with someone who has a great deal of experience navigating the IT infrastructure of hospitals and helping them to establish the right platforms and processes to optimize their workflows and ultimately provide the best care possible. Our guest is Barry Mathis, Consulting Principal, PYA.

Minisode: Travel Nursing Agencies: Create Scarcity & Control Supply

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 19:00:00 -0000

This week, JJ and Rachel discuss the ever rising costs that travel nursing agencies are charging to fill staffing shortages in hospitals and the domino-effect that has on health care.

Episode 54: Rural Health Policy & Advocacy Part 2

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0000

The healthcare industry is not homogenous and rural hospitals know that better than anyone. Legislations that paint with a broad brush often leaves rural hospitals unsupported at best and disadvantaged at worst. This week, we welcome Josh Jorgensen, Government Affairs & Policy Director for the National Rural Heath Association, who engages in the important work of advocating for rural health on a daily basis.

Episode 53: Rural Health Policy & Advocacy

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0000

This week we welcome a passionate advocate for rural health who continually brings awareness to the healthcare challenges, successes and opportunities facing rural America. Our guest today is Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer for the National Rural Health Association.

Episode 52: Healthcare Industry News & Trends

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

There is so much in healthcare that we as leaders need to understand and keep track of to do our jobs effectively. Whether it’s trends in technology, best practices, proposed legislation or anything else, we need to know what’s going on in our industry. Our guest today is Scott Becker, Publisher of Becker’s Healthcare.

Episode 51: Nursing Recruitment, Retention and Advancement

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

We’ve been talked about staffing challenges for months now in healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic just accelerated a trend we were already seeing before the pandemic—we knew nursing shortages were coming and then the pandemic brought that on much earlier than anticipated. This week, we talk to someone who is in the thick of this right now. We’re happy to have back with us Meghan Campbell, Chief Nursing Officer, for Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 50: Congressional Update

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In rural healthcare, we are constantly working with our elected officials and advocating for the needs of our rural hospitals and communities. This week, we welcome back US Rep. Tim Walberg, representing Michigan's seventh congressional district for an update from our nation's capitol.

Episode 49: State Government Update

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In rural healthcare, we are constantly evaluating at the landscape all around us, beyond just rural heath. This includes working with our elected officials, which plays a huge role in shaping the landscape of rural healthcare and our communities. This week, we welcome back Rep. Andrew Fink to discuss the issues that are impacting rural health and rural communities.

Episode 48: Community Needs Health Assessment

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

In rural health, we tend to have a very close relationship with our patients and our communities because we are always caring for our neighbors, our family, and our friends. These relationships are very close and meaningful. This week, we talk about the process in place to ensure that we are responding to the unique challenges in our own community when it comes to their important health. Our guest is John Robertson, Chief Quality, Information and Technology Officer at Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 47: Part 2: Experience & Engagement: The State of the Caregiver

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Employee engagement is a major focus of hospitals around the country, especially rural hospitals because it is central to how patients are cared for each and everyday. This week, we welcome back Josh Stafford for part two of our interview.

Episode 47: Experience & Engagement: The State of the Patient

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

The experience a patient and their family has with a hospital or healthcare provider can affect a multitude of things including clinical outcomes, patient loyalty, and even reimbursement for healthcare services. Success in each of these areas is critical to the survival of rural hospitals. Our guest today is Josh Stafford, Account Director at Press Ganey.

Minisode: The Eye of the Hurricane

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

This week JJ and Rachel give us an update on the vaccine mandate. We discuss the complex and often overlooked outcomes a mandate has on a rural hospital as well as the community it serves.

Minisode: 2021 Recap

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

This week, JJ and Rachel look back and reflect on an eventful 2021 as well as look forward to what the future holds for Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 46: What Role Does Faith Play in Our Decision to Vaccinate?

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

This week, JJ and Rachel discuss the role faith plays in making a decision on vaccination, something that can be difficult to talk about in the effort to encourage more people to get vaccinated. To help navigate us through this complex topic, our guest today is Reverend Lucas Miller, Pastoral Care Director here at Hillsdale Hospital.

Minisode: How Safety Ratings Confuse Patients & Dog Rural Hospitals

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

This week, JJ and Rachel discuss hospital safety ratings and how they might not be as helpful as they sound.

Episode 45: The Opioid Crisis in Rural Communities

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

The opioid crisis in America is something that is impactful in each community in our nation. It affects our rural healthcare systems, communities and health outcomes. This week, we are talking with someone who is passionate about ending this epidemic. Our guest today is JJ Fontana, CRNA at the Center for Pain Management at Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 44: The Relationship Between Quality of Place & Rural Healthcare

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0000

We've often discussed how critical rural healthcare is as a pillar of rural economies. But strong rural economies are equally important to rural healthcare. Today we are talking to someone with quite a track record of developing rural economies by making them great places to live. Our guest today is Jaime Medlock, President and CEO of Group Stellar.

Minisode: The Mandate is Here

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0000

With the arrival of the federal vaccine mandate, JJ and Rachel examine what this means for Hillsdale Hospital and how this impacts everything from personal/religious beliefs to employee recruitment and retention.

Episode 43: Population Health Research & Management with The Lincoln Project

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Population health management is critically important for rural communities where health outcomes are often poorer than in non-rural communities, leaving rural Americans naturally disadvantaged when it comes to their health and all that it impacts in their lives. Our guest today is Chip Pursell, Principal Investigator of The Lincoln Project in Eastern Arkansas and Eastern North Carolina.

Episode 42: Rural Healthcare in Isolated Communities

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

Rural hospitals typically serve smaller populations, but today, we are talking about rural hospitals that serve geographically isolated locations. Our guest today is David Jahn, President and CEO of War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Minisode: Vaccine Mandate

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

This week JJ and Rachel discuss the potential ramifications of the upcoming federal vaccine mandate, and how the mandate could affect rural hospitals and the communities they serve.

Episode 41: Favorite Moments, Behind-the-Scenes and Outtakes

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

With Hillsdale Hospital receiving a record number of COVID cases, it's all hands on deck at the hospital. So, we don't have a traditional episode for you this week, but instead we have a small collection of some of our favorite past moments, as well as some outtakes and behind-the-scenes audio.

Episode 40: Virtual Hospital During COVID-19

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 07:00:00 -0000

This week, we are discussing one hospital's creative solution to manage the health of their growing number of COVID-19 patients. A system implemented early in the pandemic and used ever since. Our guests today are Kathy Bailey, CEO and Dr. Anthony Frank, CMO, of UNC Health Blue Ridge.

Minisode: COVID-19 in Rural Hospitals

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 07:00:36 -0000

This week, JJ and Rachel discuss the challenges posed to rural hospitals from the pandemic as cases increase, and while some hospitals are seeing some of the worst surges their communities have experienced.

Episode 39: Bringing Specialties Back to Rural Hospitals

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0000

This week, are talking about specialty care and how rural hospitals can bring back services and service lines that may have left their communities for one reason or another. Our guest today is Nicholle Mehr, Chief Strategy Officer at Hillsdale Hospital as well as President and CEO of The Mehr Group. The Mehr Group: themehrgroup.com

Episode 38: Cultivating Talent from Floor Nurse to CNO

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 07:00:36 -0000

This week, we talk about growing and cultivating our own talent here at Hillsdale Hospital. Our guest today is Chief Nursing Office, Megan Campbell.

Episode 37: Rural Nursing Education

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 07:00:37 -0000

Today, we talk about the challenges rural hospitals face when recruiting providers to their communities. We also learn about an innovative program, designed to educate and recruit nurses to rural communities. Our guest today is Nichole Rouhana, Director of Graduate Nursing at the Decker School of Nursing at Binghamton University, in Binghamton New York.

Minisode: Partnerships for the People

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:00:35 -0000

This week, Rachel and JJ discuss how good partnerships with larger systems can benefit rural hospitals, and how those partnerships can ultimately benefit the patient.

Minisode: The Sinister Tactics to Swallow Rural Health

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 07:00:35 -0000

This week, JJ and Rachel take their gloves off to discuss the often sinister tactics used by large hospital systems when attempting to acquire smaller, rural hospitals.

Episode 36: Capital & Financing Strategies

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 07:00:35 -0000

Today we are talking about capital formation and debt management strategies for rural hospitals and healthcare providers. Our guest today is Shelley Aronson, President of First River Advisory

Episode 35: Pushing Through

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 07:00:26 -0000

Today we talk about leading through adversity in the rural hospital world. We know rural hospitals face significant challenges and leaders have to rise to the occasion to push through. Our guest today is Lili Petricevic, Chief Executive Officer at Sheridan Community Hospital.

Episode 34: Healthcare vs. Public Health in Rural Communities

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 07:00:34 -0000

Today we are talking about the differences between healthcare providers and public health agencies in rural communities--two groups that have been challenged more than ever before in the wake of a global pandemic. Our guest today is John Robertson, Chief Quality, Information & Technology Officer for Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 33: The Health of Critical Access Communities

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 07:00:21 -0000

Today we are talking about critical access hospitals and how they impact the health of the communities they serve. We’ve discussed critical access hospitals before, but now we’re going to look at a recent study about the health outcomes of communities with critical access hospitals, particularly in comparison to rural communities without them. Our guest today is Dr. Tony Slonim, President & CEO of Renown Health in Reno, Nevada. Links to Dr. Slonim's Studies Latest Study: Exploring the Relationship Between Critical Access Hospitals and Rural County Health, June 2021 https://bit.ly/2VhFUrx Study Discussed in Rural Health Rising Episode 7: Challenges confronting rural hospitals accentuated during COVID-19, September 2020 https://bit.ly/3l7Clir Past Study: Critical Outcomes: Clinical & Team Performance Across Acute Illness Scenarios in Emergency Departments of Critical Access Hospitals, June 2012 https://bit.ly/3lhBSdk

Episode 32: Strategy That Lets Rural Compete

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 07:00:30 -0000

Today we talk about strategy in rural healthcare, and the specialty and supportive services that patients need. Our guest this week is Nicholle Mehr, Chief Strategy Officer at Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 31: The Road to the Rural CEO

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 18:14:43 -0000

This week, JJ and Rachel discuss the importance of effective leadership from a CEO, and we also learn about JJ's journey to becoming Hillsdale Hospital's CEO.

Episode 30: 30th Episode Special

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 16:00:52 -0000

JJ and Rachel look back on how the podcast started and reflect on their favorite moments from the last 30 episodes, as well as where the show is going in the future.

Episode 29: Population Health & ACOs

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 07:00:40 -0000

Population health management is a major focus for healthcare organizations across the country. Our guest today is John Barnas, Executive Director of the Michigan Center for Rural Health.

Episode 28: Part 2: Rural Hospital-Based Medicine

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 07:00:29 -0000

This week, part 2 of our interview with Dr. Ali Shukr, as we continue to discuss what many consider to be traditional hospital care: inpatient, acute care.

Episode 28: Part 1: Rural Hospital-Based Medicine

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:00:23 -0000

This week, we dig in to what many consider to be traditional hospital care: inpatient, acute care. Our guest today is Hillsdale Hospital's very own Dr. Ali Shukr, Medical Director of Hospital Medicine.

Episode 27: Risk in the Rural Environment

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:01:03 -0000

Risk management is an element of running and sustaining a health care organization that often is an afterthought when discussing healthcare operations and challenges. Our guest today is Doris Whorley, Queen of Hillsdale Hospital.

Minisode: Our First Rural Health Experience

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 07:00:21 -0000

This week, Rachel and JJ reflect on their first experiences with rural health and how it impacted their lives and careers.

Episode 26: Pillars: Growth

Thu, 27 May 2021 07:00:20 -0000

We finish up our pillars series with part five: growth. Our guest today is Paula Autry, Senior Vice President and CEO for Henry Ford Health Systems Central Market and President and CEO of Henry Ford Allegiance Health.

Episode 25: Pillars: Finance

Thu, 20 May 2021 07:00:30 -0000

We continue our pillars series with part four: finance. Our guest today is Mark Gross, Chief Financial Officer at our very own Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 24: Pillars: Quality

Thu, 13 May 2021 07:00:36 -0000

Today, we focus on the third part of our Pillars series: quality. Our guest is Yvonne Anderson, Accreditation and Employee Health Director at Sparrow Health System.

Episode 23: Pillars: Service

Thu, 06 May 2021 07:00:21 -0000

Providing an excellent standard of service has become more and more important in the healthcare world. Hospitals and health systems are finding new ways to enhance the level of service they provide their patients. Our guest today is Dr. Kurt Roecker, Medical Director of Outpatient Primary Care Clinics for Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 22: Pillars: People

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 07:00:32 -0000

We kick off our pillars series, with people because it truly is central to everything we do. And today we’re going to learn about cultivating great relationships with and among our team. Our guest today is Mark Noon, Principal of Leadership10.

Episode 21: The Five Pillars of Healthcare

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 07:00:21 -0000

Today we kick off our series on the five healthcare pillars that we center our operations on. Each week for the next five, we’ll do a deep dive into one of these pillars.

Episode 20: Healthcare Policy

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 07:00:36 -0000

One of the most important areas of focus for us is the environment in which rural hospitals operate and how policy can directly and decisively help or hurt our ability to continue taking care of our communities. Our guest today is Samuel Chen, Principal Director of The Liddell Group

Episode 19: Recruiting & Retaining the Rural Hospital Team

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 07:00:31 -0000

This week we’re focusing in on the challenges that come with recruiting and retaining the entire workforce in a rural hospital—not just the leadership team. Our guest today is Stacy Feltz, Chief Administrative Officer right here at Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 18: Burnout in Rural Health Leadership

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 07:00:40 -0000

The job of a rural hospital leader is a tough job to be in and it can really take its toll without the proper support, education and peer network to help get you through. Our guest today is Bill Auxier, CEO of the Center for Rural Health Leadership and host of the Rural Health Leadership Radio podcast.

Minisode: The Best Care is Local

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 07:00:19 -0000

JJ and Rachel discuss their thoughts on why the best care is local, and what it means to the communities they serve.

Episode 17: The 5Ps: Payment

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 07:00:33 -0000

The final installment of our series on the 5Ps we learned from Mark Holmes of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center. Today we’re wrapping up with the fifth P: payment. Our guest today is Opal Greenway, Director of Stroudwater Associates

Episode 16: The 5Ps: Practice

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 08:00:28 -0000

The fourth installment of our series on the 5Ps we learned from Mark Holmes of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center. Today we’re covering Practice. Our guest today is Seth Gibson, Director of Outpatient Services for Hillsdale Hospital.

Episode 15: The 5 Ps of Rural Health: Profitability

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 17:47:24 -0000

We are on part 4 of our series on the 5Ps we learned from Mark Holmes of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center. Today we’re talking about profitability. Our guest today is newly-elected state Representative Andrew Fink representing District 58 in Michigan.

Episode 14: The 5 Ps of Rural Health: Policy

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 08:00:28 -0000

We are on part 2 of our series on the 5Ps we learned from Mark Holmes of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center. We covered population in part 1 and now we’ve made it to policy.Our guest today is Representative Tim Walberg, United States Congressman representing Michigan’s seventh congressional district.

Episode 13: The 5 Ps of Rural Health: Population

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 09:00:25 -0000

Population is critical to rural hospitals, not only from a patient volumes perspective, but also when it comes to recruiting talent, retaining talent, and improving the payer mix. Our guest today is Sue Smith, Executive Director of the Hillsdale County Economic Development Partnership.

Episode 12: Rural Hospital Closures

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 08:00:32 -0000

Today we’re talking about rural hospital closures. How big is this problem? Our guest today is Mark Holmes, director of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Episode 11: Resourcefulness & Resilience in Rural Healthcare

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 08:00:38 -0000

Today we’re talking about resourcefulness in rural healthcare. How rural hospitals and healthcare providers get creative to get things done. Our guest today is John Supplitt, Senior Director of Field Engagement for Rural Health Services at the American Hospital Association.

Episode 10: The Epidemiology of COVID-19

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 08:00:17 -0000

Today we’re talking about the epidemiology of COVID-19, how it’s affected rural America differently than urban and suburban areas, and the impact of testing in the fight against pandemic. Our guest today is Jon Baker, Director of Labs for Sparrow Health Systems in Lansing, Michigan.

Episode 9: Rural Health Finance

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 08:00:19 -0000

Today we’re talking about rural health finance. Our guest is Gregg Beeg, President & CEO of Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Michigan.

Episode 8: Independent or Interdependent?

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 08:00:19 -0000

Today we’re talking about partnerships and collaborations that help rural hospitals provide more types of care to their communities. Our guest today is Brian Long, CEO of Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, Michigan.

Episode 7: COVID-19 Spotlights Rural Health Challenges

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 08:00:20 -0000

Today we’re talking about the COVID-19 pandemic specifically, we’re going to focus on the effects it has had on rural hospitals and healthcare systems. Our guest today is Dr. Anthony Slonim, President & CEO of Renown Health in Reno, Nevada.

Episode 6: Partnerships in Specialty Care

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 08:00:24 -0000

Partnerships and affiliations help rural hospitals and healthcare providers expand and sustain access to care in their communities. Our guest today is Chris Lutes, Executive Vice President and Group Operating Officer for SCP Health.

Teaser: What’s Coming in 2021

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 08:00:38 -0000

We do not have a new episode for you this week, but we want to give you a little preview of what’s coming up in the New Year, plus ask for your help!

Episode 5: COVID-19 in Rural America

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 08:00:30 -0000

Today we’re talking about COVID-19 in rural hospitals—what are we seeing in our hospital and how we and our rural counterparts handle the challenges it brings. Our guest today is Loren Corbin, Chief Nursing Officer at Hillsdale Hospital

Episode 4: Growing Rural Economies

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 08:00:20 -0000

Today we'll be talking about economic development in rural communities. We are joined by Eric Doden, former president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and current president of Pago USA, a development firm that partners with small towns and rural communities.

Episode 3: Quality & Safety in Rural Hospitals

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 08:00:25 -0000

From patient falls, hospital-acquired infections and hand hygiene, we do a lot to keep our patients safe and give them the best quality care possible. Today we are joined by Sam Watson, Senior Vice President of Field Engagement for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

Episode 2: Critical Access Hospitals

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 08:00:22 -0000

Critical Access Hospitals are a specific and unique segment of the rural hospital market within the broader healthcare industry. Today we are joined by Tim Johnson, chief executive officer of Eaton Rapids Medical Center in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, who runs an independent critical access hospital.

Episode 1: The State of Rural Health

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 15:52:46 -0000

Rural hospitals and healthcare providers are the underdogs, facing financial woes head on, fighting off mergers and acquisitions, and aggressively recruiting talent so they can continue to take care of their families, neighbors and friends. Often representing one of the largest employers in their communities, rural hospitals are pillars of rural economies. In this first episode of Rural Health Rising, meet hosts JJ Hodshire and Rachel Lott who will tell you what this podcast is all about!