Rural Health Rising

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Cyclosporiasis Outbreak with Unknown Source,” July 14, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/index.html.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Clinical Overview of Cyclosporiasis,” February 29, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “About FoodNet,” April 28, 2018, https://www.cdc.gov/foodnet/about/.  American Medical Association, “Cyclospora,” Jul 9, 2026, https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/infectious-diseases/cyclospora.  Lena Sun, “How much did CDC cuts really impact this cyclosporiasis outbreak?,” July 15, 2026, https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/07/15/how-much-did-cdc-cuts-really-impact-this-cyclosporiasis-outbreak/, The Washington Post.  Victoria Forster, “Unresolved Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak Raises Questions About CDC Cuts,” July 14, 2026, https://www.forbes.com/sites/victoriaforster/2026/07/13/unresolved-cyclospora-outbreak-raises-questions-over-cdc-cuts/, Forbes.  Madeline Scheetz, “17 maternity service closures in 2026,” July 14, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/rural-health/rural-workforce/3-maternity-closures-in-3-weeks/, Becker's Hospital Review.  Cheryl Whitney, “Bridging the distance: Bringing care closer to home for rural Veterans,” July 8, 2026, https://news.va.gov/148097/bringing-care-closer-home-rural-veterans/, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  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 Today is pleased to welcome today's guest, Brock Sherva, chief executive officer of Northwood Deaconess Health Center in North Dakota. Rural hospitals play a unique and vital role in their communities. In this episode, Brock will share how he's leading his hospital to close care gaps and serve rural patient populations with the services they need. We'll talk about nonprofit healthcare, unique service lines, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 Brock Sherva on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/in/brock-sherva-9b1544a1/ Follow Northwood Deaconess Health Center on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/company/northwood-deaconess-hc/https://www.facebook.com/NDHC1

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode:  Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, “Stopping the Loss of Rural Maternity Care,” June 2026, https://chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Maternity_Care_Crisis.pdf. Stephanie Armour, “New Disease Threats Follow Trump Administration's Health Program Cuts,” July 2, 2026, https://kffhealthnews.org/public-health/new-disease-threats-follow-trump-administrations-health-program-cuts/, KFF Health News. Grace van Deelen, “Trump Administration to Remove Hundreds of Deep-Ocean Observation Instruments, Dismantling $368 Million Program,” June 3, 2026, https://eos.org/research-and-developments/trump-administration-to-remove-hundreds-of-deep-ocean-observation-instruments-dismantling-368-million-program, Eos. U.S. Department of Agriculture, “USDA Confirms Presence of New World Screwworm in the United States,” June 3, 2026, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states.  Nikhil Ranadive, M.D. Et al., “CDC Operational Guidance for Investigating Locally Acquired Mosquito-Transmitted Malaria,” May 21, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/rr/rr7501a1.htm.  Sarah J. Topping, “Statement from the Southampton Town Trustees Regarding Vibrio Vulnificus,” April 23, 2026, https://www.southamptontownny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/46859/04-23-2026-Trustees-Press-Release---Statement-from-the-Southampton-Town-Trustees-Regarding-Vibrio-vulnificus, Town of Southampton Board of Trustees. Rick Mayer, “Florida is up to eight cases of Vibrio vulnificus – so-called 'flesh-eating bacteria' – in 2026,” June 12, 2026, https://www.wusf.org/health-news-florida/2026-06-12/florida-is-up-to-eight-cases-of-vibrio-vulnificus-so-called-flesh-eating-bacteria-in-2026, WUSF.  Amy Maxmen, “‘We Live With Fear': In Congo, Doctors Face Ebola With Little Protection,” June 5, 2026, https://kffhealthnews.org/public-health/ebola-congo-virus-outbreak-drc-africa-health-workers-bundibugyo/, KFF Health News. U.S. Agency for International Development, https://oig.usaid.gov/. Molly Castle Work, “Minnesota's ‘sprint medic' pilot program aims to get paramedics to rural emergencies faster,” July 1, 2026, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/06/30/minnesotas-sprint-medic-pilot-program-aims-to-get-paramedics-to-rural-emergencies-faster, Minnesota Public Radio 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 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.

Dr. Carrie Henning-Smith, 2026 president of the National Rural Health Association joins us on today's episode of Rural Health Fractured. Today we are talking about rural healthcare and aging. Dr. Henning-Smith will share her experience providing aging care in rural communities as well as her research into the social infrastructure of rural health. We'll talk about caregiver burnout, medicare access and of course, what it has to do with rural health. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! ⁠⁠https://x.com/RuralHealthPod⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665⁠⁠  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! ⁠⁠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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-henning-smith-b448242b8

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode:  Phil Galewitz & Samantha Liss, “Indiana Takes on Powerful Hospitals by Capping Prices They Charge Employers,” https://kffhealthnews.org/health-industry/hospitals-price-controls-indiana-cap-healthcare-costs-debate/, KFF Health News. Alan Dondon, “Hospital price caps gain momentum across states,” June 30, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/hospital-price-caps-gain-momentum-across-states/, Becker's Hospital Review. Health Resources and Services Administration, “Lists of Designated Primary Medical Care, Mental Health, and Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas,” July 1, 2026, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/01/2026-13309/lists-of-designated-primary-medical-care-mental-health-and-dental-health-professional-shortage-areas, Federal Register. Andrew Abram et al., “County-Level Differences in Health Professional Shortage Areas by Rurality, Age, and Disability Status,” April, 2026, https://www.ruralhealthresearch.org/publications/1767, University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, Rural Health Research Gateway. Shandra Martinez, “Kids' Food Basket, schools join to address rural hunger,” June 26, 2026, https://rapidgrowthmedia.com/kids-food-basket-schools-join-to-address-rural-hunger/, Rapid Growth. 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.

Heidi Hagel-Braid, chief executive officer at First Children's Finance, joins us on today's episode of Rural Health Today. Childcare deserts present a serious challenge to rural communities nationwide. Heidi's insight will provide us an understanding of the issues rural communities face as well as actionable steps we can take. We'll talk about access to rural childcare, creative solutions, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! ⁠https://x.com/RuralHealthPod⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665⁠  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! ⁠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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidihagelbraid Follow First Children's Finance! https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-children's-finance

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Andrew Cass, “Senators warn RHTP may disadvantage independent rural hospitals,” June 24, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/senators-warn-rhtp-may-disadvantage-independent-rural-hospitals/, Becker's Hospital Review. Hawkins Teague, “Celsor criticizes state's use of rural health funds,” June 26, 2026, https://www.murrayledger.com/news/local/celsor-criticizes-state-s-use-of-rural-health-funds/article_bf391e95-24c5-4065-a0bf-76cb6f75ad70.html, Murray Ledger & Times. Sarah Jane Tribble & Amanda Seitz, “'We'll never know if he could have been saved.' The gaps in Trump's rural health fund,” May 22, 2026, https://www.npr.org/2026/05/22/nx-s1-5821038/rural-health-hospitals-50-billion-big-beautiful-bill-obbba, National Public Radio. Madeline Scheetz, “‘The day we can't make payroll, it's over': Inside 1 rural Minnesota hospital's fight to stay afloat,” May 15, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/the-day-we-cant-make-payroll-its-over-inside-1-rural-minnesota-hospitals-fight-to-stay-afloat/, Becker's Hospital Review. The Commonwealth Fund, “H.R. 1 Funding Cuts Will Overshadow Gains from the New Rural Health Transformation Program,” June 9, 2026, https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2026/jun/hr-1-funding-cuts-rural-health-transformation. Bill Siwicki, “How St. Luke's is bringing sexual assault forensic care closer to home in rural Idaho,” June 22, 2026, https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/how-st-lukes-bringing-sexual-assault-forensic-care-closer-home-rural-idaho, Healthcare IT 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 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.

Craig Thompson, chief executive officer at Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, joins us on today's episode of Rural Health Today. Advocacy remains critical in maintaining local access to care for rural hospitals. Craig shares with us some strategies on how we can exercise our voice on both state and federal levels. We'll talk about, reimbursement, RHTP effects and what it all has to do with rural health.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! ⁠https://x.com/RuralHealthPod⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665⁠  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! ⁠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 Craig Thompson! https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigthompson00/ Follow Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare! https://www.facebook.com/choosegvmh/

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Forvis Mazars, “CMS Rule Signals Shift in Medicaid State-Directed Payments,” June 11, 2026, https://www.forvismazars.us/forsights/2026/06/cms-rule-signals-shift-in-medicaid-state-directed-payments. Medicaid.gov, “State Directed Payments,” https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/managed-care/guidance/state-directed-payments. Sturgis Hospital, “Sturgis Hospital Closure,” https://sturgishospital.com/sturgis-hospital-closure/. The Association of American Medical Colleges, “AAMC Statement on Proposed Rule on Medicaid Supplemental Payments,” May 21, 2026, https://www.aamc.org/news/press-releases/aamc-statement-proposed-rule-medicaid-supplemental-payments. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “Proposed Rule: Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee-For-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments (CMS-2449-P),” May 20, 2026, https://www.hhs.gov/guidance/document/proposed-rule-medicaid-managed-care-state-directed-payments-and-medicaid-fee-service. Michigan Health & Hospital Association, “CMS Releases FY 2027 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule,” April 17, 2026, https://www.mha.org/newsroom/cms-releases-fy-2027-hospital-inpatient-prospective-payment-system-proposed-rule/. Federal Register, “Medicaid Program; Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee-for-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments,” May 22, 2026, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/22/2026-10292/medicaid-program-medicaid-managed-care-state-directed-payments-and-medicaid-fee-for-service-targeted. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, “Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee-For-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments Proposed Rule (CMS-2449-P,” May 20, 2026, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicaid-managed-care-state-directed-payments-medicaid-fee-service-targeted-medicaid-practitioner. Andrea Hooten, “New Rural Health Hub Connects Arkansans to Healthcare Resources, Opportunities,” June 15, 2026, https://news.uams.edu/2026/06/15/new-rural-health-hub-connects-arkansans-to-healthcare-resources-opportunities/, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 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 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.

Amanda Bank, program officer at the Center for Healthcare Strategies, joins us on today's episode of Rural Health Today. Access to food is a key determinant of health in any community. Amanda's expertise on food security will be vital in helping us understand the impact food insecurity has on small-town America. We'll talk about food security programs, policy changes, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-bank/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/chcshealth/

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Kate Wells, “Michigan Found a Way To Reduce School Vaccine Waivers. Until It Backfired.,” June 3, 2026, https://kffhealthnews.org/public-health/vaccinations-school-vaccine-waivers-michigan-measles-covid-lockdowns/, KFF Health News. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Measles Cases and Outbreaks,” May 29, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html.  Andrew Cass, “720 hospitals at risk of closure, by state,” June 1, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/720-hospitals-at-risk-of-closure-by-state/, Becker's Hospital Review.  Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, “Rural Hospital at Risk of Closing,” May 2026, https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf. University of Minnesota, “How rural and tribal communities are rewriting the rules for Alzheimer's prevention,” June 2, 2026, https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/how-rural-and-tribal-communities-are-rewriting-rules-alzheimers-prevention. 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.

Dominick Pallone, executive director at the Michigan Association of Health Plans, joins us on today's episode of Rural Health Today. Health plans are an essential component to healthcare affordability and accessibility in the United States, but the cost of premiums continues to climb. Dominick is here to provide insights in healthcare affordability in Michigan. We'll talk about upcoming legislation, payer-hospital negotiations, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominick-pallone-200b3269/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/mahp/ https://www.facebook.com/MichiganAssociationofHealthPlans

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Kate Wells, “Michigan Found a Way To Reduce School Vaccine Waivers. Until It Backfired.,” June 3, 2026, https://kffhealthnews.org/public-health/vaccinations-school-vaccine-waivers-michigan-measles-covid-lockdowns/, KFF Health News. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Measles Cases and Outbreaks,” May 29, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html.  Andrew Cass, “720 hospitals at risk of closure, by state,” June 1, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/720-hospitals-at-risk-of-closure-by-state/, Becker's Hospital Review.  Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, “Rural Hospital at Risk of Closing,” May 2026, https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf. University of Minnesota, “How rural and tribal communities are rewriting the rules for Alzheimer's prevention,” June 2, 2026, https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/how-rural-and-tribal-communities-are-rewriting-rules-alzheimers-prevention. 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.

We are excited to have Joyce Fetrow, project director of the North Michigan Opioid Response Consortium, join us on today's episode of Rural Health Today. Opioid use continues to be prevalent in rural communities, especially those lacking the resources to address it with sustainable solutions. Joyce is here to share her perspective as a leader in the field of opioid response. We'll talk about effective programming, prevention methods, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-fetrow-cprm-cprm-m-chw-87473914b/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/michigan-center-for-rural-health/

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Sarah Kwon, “Cheaper, Alternative Health Plans Are Having a Moment, but Critics Urge Caution,” May 26, 2026, https://kffhealthnews.org/health-industry/alternative-health-plans-growth-sharing-ministries-short-term-aca-premiums/, KFF Health News. John Riggi, “Health Care Cybersecurity Considerations for 2026: This Year's Top 3 Cyber Risks,” May 15, 2026, https://www.aha.org/news/aha-cyber-intel/2026-05-15-health-care-cybersecurity-considerations-2026-years-top-3-cyber-risks, American Hospital Association. Steve Alder, “Up to 1.8 Million Individuals Affected by NYC Health + Hospitals Data Breach,” May 19, 2026, https://www.hipaajournal.com/nyc-health-hospitals-data-breach-march-26/, The HIPAA Journal. Anna Falvey, “146 rural hospital and health system presidents and CEOs to know | 2026,” April 29, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/146-rural-hospital-and-health-system-presidents-and-ceos-to-know-2026/, Becker's Hospital Review. 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.

Dr. James Jackson, author and director of behavioral health at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins us on today's guest episode of Rural Health Today. Medical trauma can create barriers between patients and access to the care they need. Dr. Jackson will share his perspective as an expert in behavioral health and author of a recently published book on medical trauma. We'll talk about symptoms of medical trauma, healing strategies, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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. James Jackson on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-jackson-b451503/ Follow Vanderbilt University Medical Center on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/company/vanderbilt-university-medical-center/ https://www.facebook.com/vanderbilthealthVUMC01

I am excited to welcome Alexa McKinley-Abel onto our show! Today we're talking about the impact of funding cuts and harmful legislation on rural communities and hospitals. Alexa is here to share her perspective as an expert in government policy and advocacy. We'll talk about the role of state offices, the newest budget cuts proposed for Fiscal Year 2027, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 our guest on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-mckinley/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-rural-health-association/posts/?feedView=all https://www.facebook.com/ruralhealth

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: National Conference of State Legislators, “FY 2027 State Budget Status,” May 7, 2026, https://www.ncsl.org/fiscal/fy-2027-state-budget-status. Robert Tann, “Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs state budget, with Medicaid taking brunt of cuts to close $1 billion gap,” May 8, 2026, https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-new-budget-cuts-medicaid/, The Aspen Times. Liese Klein, “Connecticut hospitals get funding boost as federal Medicaid cuts loom,” May 9, 2026, https://www.ctinsider.com/business/article/connecticut-hospitals-budget-provider-tax-medicaid-22244864.php, CT Insider. Clark Corbin, “Idaho Senate passes rewritten health and welfare budget with additional budget cuts,” March 26, 2026, https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/03/26/idaho-senate-passes-rewritten-health-and-welfare-budget-with-additional-budget-cuts/, Idaho Capital Sun. Jason Bailey, “Budget Agreement Cuts and Freezes Funding for Most Services, Continues to Underfund Medicaid,” April 15, 2026, https://kypolicy.org/budget-agreement-cuts-and-freezes-funding-for-most-services-continues-to-underfund-medicaid/, Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. Roz Brown, “NM's Medicaid program gets state funding boost after federal cuts,” March 26, 2026, https://www.krwg.org/regional/2026-03-26/nms-medicaid-program-gets-state-funding-boost-after-federal-cuts, KRWG Public Media. Hayley DeSilva, “Layoffs, closures tracker: Providence to cut 40 positions,” May 12, 2026, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/staffing/mh-layoffs-closures-healthcare-live-updates/, Modern Healthcare. 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.

Monica McConkey, Eyes on the Horizon founder and rural mental health specialist, joins us on today's guest episode of Rural Health Today. Today we're talking about access to mental healthcare in rural communities. Monica is here to share her perspective as a leader in rural mental health. We'll talk about service closures, how stigma affects care, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamcconkey/ https://www.eyesonthehorizon.org/ https://www.facebook.com/eyesonthehorizonconsulting

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.

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.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! ⁠https://x.com/RuralHealthPod⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665⁠  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! ⁠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 our guest! ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-kutter-93b02740/⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/michiganhospitals/posts/?feedView=all⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHospitals

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. 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.

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.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-kutter-93b02740/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/michiganhospitals/posts/?feedView=all https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHospitals

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 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 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.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-skye-campbell/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-ms-society/https://www.facebook.com/nationalmssociety

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 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.

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.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/nahid-bhadelia-81a775b7/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/buceid/ https://www.bu.edu/ceid/

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. 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.

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.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 Julie Soekoro on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-soekoro-6aa2521b/ Follow the Hamilton Healthcare System on social media! https://www.facebook.com/HamiltonHealthcareSystem

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 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 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. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossramsey/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/scheurerhealth/ https://www.facebook.com/ScheurerHealth

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. 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.

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. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 Alicia Faust on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-faust-7274255/ Follow Forzis Mazars on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/company/forvis-mazars-us/https://www.facebook.com/ForvisMazarsGroup

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 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 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. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-brown-88324043/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/michiganhospitals/posts/?feedView=allhttps://www.facebook.com/MichiganHospitals

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. 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.

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.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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. Mark Holmes on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-holmes-2269bb46/ Follow UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/school/uncpublichealth/  https://www.facebook.com/UNCpublichealth

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 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 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 Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPodhttps://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewa-k-panetta-cpps-a637322b/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/michiganhospitals/posts/?feedView=all https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHospitals

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 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.

Today, we're back talking with John Barnas, who answers your questions on how to maintain teleheath capabilities in rural settings. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! ⁠https://x.com/RuralHealthPod⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665⁠  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! ⁠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 John Barnas on social media! ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-barnas-a7519115/⁠ Follow the Michigan Center for Rural Health on social media! ⁠https://www.facebook.com/MCRH91/

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. 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.

Today, we're back talking with John Barnas, who answers your questions on how to maintain teleheath capabilities in rural settings. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 John Barnas on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-barnas-a7519115/ Follow the Michigan Center for Rural Health on social media! https://www.facebook.com/MCRH91/

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.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! ⁠https://x.com/RuralHealthPod⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665⁠  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! ⁠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 John Barnas on social media! ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-barnas-a7519115/⁠ Follow the Michigan Center for Rural Health on social media! ⁠https://www.facebook.com/MCRH91/⁠

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. 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.

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.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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 John Barnas on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-barnas-a7519115/ Follow the Michigan Center for Rural Health on social media! https://www.facebook.com/MCRH91/

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. 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.

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! https://x.com/RuralHealthPodhttps://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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/  Follow the University of Michigan School of Public Health on social media! 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

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.  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.

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! https://x.com/RuralHealthPodhttps://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! 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/  Follow the University of Michigan School of Public Health on social media!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

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. 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.