Podcasts about National Rural Health Association

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.  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 on social media!https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-cochran-mcclain/ https://www.facebook.com/ruralhealth https://x.com/ruralhealthhttps://www.ruralhealth.us/  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 Receive the Rural Roundup NRHA Advocacy Newsletter https://eepurl.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a6888dd5c7fa338a048faebf8&id=c0c4b0730f Contact us!  advocacy@ruralhealth.us 

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 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 Alan Morgan, CEO at the National Rural Health Association, who answers your questions on what happens after Medicaid cuts? 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.ruralhealth.us/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-morgan-6634486/ https://x.com/Amorganrural

Rural America is a vital part of our nation—rich in culture, community, and resilience. But potential Medicaid cuts coupled with the impending expiration of enhanced tax credits further threatens rural communities' access to health care and puts the strength of rural communities at risk. In this episode, Chip Kahn is joined once again by Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, to explore the impacts of Medicaid cuts and Americans' loss of health coverage on rural hospitals and what is at stake for patient care if lawmakers fail to protect these institutions.Key topics include: The current state of rural health care and why it matters to all Americans;What hospital closures mean for rural patients;The policy levers that could make or break the future of rural hospitals; and,Why Medicaid and the enhanced tax credits are essential to access care.References: Washington Post “Republican Medicaid cuts could shutter rural hospitals, maternity care” (https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/03/08/medicaid-cuts-rural-hospitals/)About: Alan Morgan joined NRHA staff in 2001 and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the association.  Recognized as among the top 100 most influential people in health care by Modern Healthcare Magazine, Alan Morgan serves as Chief Executive Officer for the National Rural Health Association. He has more than 30 years experience in health policy at the state and federal level, and is one of the nation's leading experts on rural health policy.Mr. Morgan served as a contributing author for the publications, “Policy & Politics in Nursing and Health Care,” “The Handbook of Rural Aging” and for the publication, “Rural Populations and Health.” In addition, his health policy articles have been published in: The American Journal of Clinical Medicine, The Journal of Rural Health, The Journal of Cardiovascular Management, The Journal of Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology, Cardiac Electrophysiology Review, and in Laboratory Medicine. Mr. Morgan served as staff for former US Congressman Dick Nichols and former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden. Additionally, his past experience includes tenures as a health care lobbyist for the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the Heart Rhythm Society, and for VHA Inc.He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from University of Kansas, and a master's degree in public administration from George Mason University.

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. 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.ruralhealth.us/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-morgan-6634486/ https://x.com/Amorganrural 

Michael welcomes Neal Neuberger, President of Health Tech Strategies and lead for the National Rural Health Association's Rural Health IT Coalition. Neal addresses the current state of health care in rural US communities, the successes and challenges over the years through technology and regulations, and the "deprioritization" of telehealth. Neal and NRHA will have their NRHA Rural Health Policy Institute in Washington DC in February. Click here for more information

How can students understand how to apply data into real-world situations?  Dr. Elizabeth Ackley, Director of the Center for Community Health Innovation at Roanoke College joined RHV to discuss the development of their Healthy Living Index. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join VRHA at the National Rural Health Association's Policy Institute this February in Washington, DC.  The Policy Institute is a chance to hear firsthand from federal policymakers and meet with your members of Congress.

How has the opioid crisis complicated pain management? Dr. Robert Twillman of St. Luke's Health System joined me to discuss alternatives for rural communities with limited access to services. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join VRHA at the National Rural Health Association's Policy Institute this February in Washington, DC. The Policy Institute is a chance to hear firsthand from federal policymakers and meet with your members of Congress.

This week on Rural Health Leadership Radio, we are wrapping up our series on NRHA's 2023 Fellows Program Policy Papers with Fellows Michelle Fortune and Abby Radcliffe. Michelle and Abby explored one of the hottest topics in healthcare, particularly impactful in rural – healthcare workforce shortages. The Fellows share short and long-term strategies in handling workforce shortages, as well as pragmatic and policy-based recommendations. “Everybody in every community can take some action in some way, and it doesn't have to be looking for that gigantic next step. The big is in the little, so do something.” – Michelle Fortune Michelle Fortune, MBA, BSN, FACHE is the President of Surgery and GI Service Line for Mercy Health in St Louis, MO. Prior to joining Mercy, Michelle led the Perioperative and Anesthesia Service Lines for Atrium Health and then served as a CEO for a Critical Access Hospital managed by the system which needed an operational turnaround. Michelle is a Certified Ambulatory PeriAnesthesia Nurse and a National Rural Health Fellow. She is currently participating in the NRHA Rural CEO Certification Program. Michelle has a passion for assuring the availability of high quality healthcare in rural communities. Her work in Rural Healthcare has brought her numerous honors, including being named the 2023 Rural Community Champion of the year by the North Carolina Rural Health Association for her work in advancing Cardiac Care in Rural North Carolina. Abby Radcliffe currently serves as the Senior Director of the Small and Rural Hospital Constituency Section at the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA). She has worked with rural hospitals at IHA for over 17 years and has worked on several grant initiatives. In 2023, she served as a National Rural Health Association fellow and was also awarded the Rural Health Hero Award from the National Center for Rural Health Professions.  Abby graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a major in Speech Communication and a double minor in Business Administration and Public Relations. In 2005 she graduated from Miami University with an MA in Speech Communication. Abby has also worked in state government and development.

In this episode of "This is Rural Health," we continue our special series featuring excerpts from the 2023 California State Rural Health Association (CSRHA) annual conference.We were privileged to have Brock Slabach, the Chief Operating Officer of the National Rural Health Association, discuss federal updates, future programs, and the unique challenges rural communities face. Brock shared insights into the impact of structural urbanism on rural health policies, the vital role of community-based care, and the powerful influence of political and commercial determinants on public health. With compelling insights and a call to action for stronger advocacy, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about advancing rural healthcare and making a difference in underserved communities.What you'll learn in this episode:Brock outlines the latest federal updates and research initiatives aimed at enhancing rural healthBrock emphasizes the unique challenges faced by rural areas, which cover 80% of the U.S. land but house only 17-20% of the populationImportance of rural communities in producing essential resources: food, fuel, and fiberHistorical Disadvantages: Brock discusses how public policy has historically disadvantaged rural healthcareStructural Urbanism: The challenge of designing policies based on urban settings, which often overlook the needs of rural communitiesAgency and Advocacy: Brock stresses the need for strong advocacy to secure resources and fight structural urbanismCommunity-Based Care: Moving away from institutional-based models to focus on community-centered healthcareBrock highlights traditional social determinants and introduces political and commercial drivers of healthPolitical Determinants: Impact of Medicaid expansion and other policy decisions on rural health equityCommercial Interests: Influence of industries like tobacco, food, and fossil fuels on public health and policyCall to Action: Encouragement for rural health professionals to engage in advocacy, policy-making, and community collaboration to improve rural health outcomesThe CSRHA has been a go-to resource for rural healthcare and community leaders since 1995. The CSRHA brings an accumulation of actionable insights to the next generation of rural healthcare leaders. For more behind the scenes of this podcast follow @CSRHApodcast on Twitter or @csrha.advocate on Facebook.If you enjoy This Is Rural Health, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this!Learn more about the CSRHA at csrha.org.

Eric Zimmerman, Erica Stocker and Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer of the National Rural Health Association, join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss rural health and solutions to address issues faced by rural communities.

In this episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, Michael Hassell, CEO of Melissa Memorial Hospital in Colorado, discusses his journey from paramedic to hospital executive. Hassell discusses his strategic focus on community-centric initiatives, like enhancing local orthopedic services and integrating telemedicine. He also shares insights on effective collaboration through the Eastern Plains Health Consortium, underscoring the value of collective action in addressing rural healthcare challenges. “Being rural should be seen less as a location and more like a proclamation of our dedication to creating stronger, sustainable healthcare.” -Michael Hassel Michael Hassell is the CEO of Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke, Colorado. His experience includes roles in healthcare leadership, incident command, and consulting. Notable positions include Deputy Incident Commander for Region 7 All Hazards Incident Command in Florida during the COVID-19 crisis. He has also held management positions at various healthcare facilities, demonstrating expertise in leadership development, operations, safety, emergency management, and service line expansion.  Michael is a Fellow for the American College of Healthcare Executives, holds a certification from the National Rural Health Association, and an adjunct professor for Regis University.  He holds a Bachelor's of Science and Master of Business Administration and enjoys camping and spending time with his two daughters. 

As rural hospitals continue to struggle financially, a new type of hospital is slowly taking root, especially in the Southeast. Rural emergency hospitals receive more than $3 million in federal funding a year and higher Medicare reimbursements in exchange for closing all inpatient beds and providing 24/7 emergency care. While that makes it easier for a hospital to keep its doors open, experts say it doesn't solve all of the challenges facing rural health care. People might have to travel further for treatments for illnesses that require inpatient stays, like pneumonia or COVID-19. In some of the communities where hospitals have converted to the new designation, residents are confused about what kind of care they can receive. Plus, rural hospitals are hesitant to make the switch, because there's no margin of error. “It's ironic” that the facilities that might need the most help can't afford to take the risk, said Carrie Cochran-McClain, chief policy officer at the National Rural Health Association. She pointed to having to give up certain services and benefits, such as a federal discount program for prescription drugs. Nebraska's first rural emergency hospital opened in February in a city called Friend. Though residents expressed concerns at a September town hall about closing inpatient services, the importance of having emergency care outweighed other worries. “We have farmers and ranchers and people who don't have the time to drive an hour to get care, so they'll just go without,” said Ron Te Brink, co-CEO and chief information officer. “Rural health care is so extremely important to a lot of Nebraska communities like ours.” “If my intuition is correct, it will probably work well for some communities and it may not work well for others,” said Hospital CEO Dr. Kenneth Williams. Cochran-McClain said her organization is trying to work with Congress to change regulations that have been a barrier for rural facilities, like closing inpatient behavioral health beds that are already scarce. As Quinten Whitwell, the CEO of Irwin County Hospital, sees it: “As this program evolves, there will be more people that I think will understand the value.” This article was provided by The Associated Press.

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. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter!  https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/  https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/  https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow the Missouri Rural Health Association! https://mrhassociation.org/  https://www.facebook.com/MORuralHealth  https://twitter.com/MORuralHealth https://www.linkedin.com/company/missouri-rural-health-association/ https://www.instagram.com/MORuralHealth  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/  Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer  https://www.kenjiulmer.com/ 

Today's podcast features an interview with Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, Rani Snyder, Vice President for Program at John A. Hartford Foundation, and Jed Hansen, Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association. We discuss the National Rural Age-Friendly Initiative, the importance of ensuring rural health systems maintain accessibility for patients of all ages, the “Four Ms” of an age-friendly health system, and the vital role of direct care workers. The transcript and a list of resources and organizations mentioned in the episode can be found at: https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/podcast/age-friendly-apr-2024. Exploring Rural Health is an RHIhub podcast.

Who is responsible for health literacy?  Systems Design Coach Steven Ragsdale joined RHV to discuss how health disparities need to be addressed at every level. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, check out the National Rural Health Association's Health Equity conference this May in New Orleans.

Rural Americans have higher rates of depression, and farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, according to the National Rural Health Association.

More than 50,000 Americans took their own lives in 2023, the nation's highest yearly rate of suicide on record. Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, according to the National Rural Health Association. Special correspondent Megan Thompson reports from Wisconsin on the burden farmers often deal with and what's being done to help them. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

More than 50,000 Americans took their own lives in 2023, the nation's highest yearly rate of suicide on record. Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, according to the National Rural Health Association. Special correspondent Megan Thompson reports from Wisconsin on the burden farmers often deal with and what's being done to help them. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Looking for a captivating book to start the year? Look no further! In this episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, we are joined by Dr. Tim Putnam, DHA, EMT, FACHE, and a former CEO of a critical access hospital. Tim's the lead author of Healthcare Leadership and Rural Communities, along with contributing authors Nikki King and Bill Auxier. Tim shares insights into his career journey and how it inspired him to write a book on rural health leadership. The discussion delves into the significance of genuinely comprehending rural communities to enhance their health, and Tim explains how his book serves as a valuable resource in achieving this understanding.  “In Rural Healthcare, you get a chance to really make a difference and see the impact.”  -Tim Putnam    Tim Putnam DHA, EMT, FACHE has worked in the healthcare field since 1983 in laser/minimally invasive surgery research working with the Father of Laser Medicine, Dr. Leon Goldman. Most recently, he has spent the last two decades as CEO at Critical Access Hospitals in both Illinois and Indiana. He received his Doctorate in Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2010 and is currently a member of the faculty. He is a past president of both the National Rural Health Association and Indiana Rural Health Association.  A lifelong learner, Dr. Putnam was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician in 2015 and worked for his community's EMS service until 2019. Dr. Putnam frequently lectures nationally on topics related to the improvement of rural healthcare, transition from volume to value, rural Graduate Medical Education, EMS, and health equity. He was appointed by President Biden to the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force where he chaired the Healthcare Access and Quality subcommittee.  You can purchase a copy of Tim's book here. 

Greg Peterson – Machinery Pete – joins us to discuss his Pick of the Week, plus a few other auctions he's watching. We get an update on the state of the rural health industry from Carrie Cochran-McClain, chief policy officer at the National Rural Health Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collaboration and connection are aspects we often emphasize in rural health. The rural advantage allows us to collaborate with each other and uniquely connect with our communities.  Our guest this week on Rural Health Leadership Radio is no stranger to collaboration. We are delighted to share with you our conversation with Kevin Bennett, a Professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Chair of the Department of Translational and Clinical Sciences, Director of the South Carolina Center for Rural & Primary Healthcare, and the Research Center for Transforming Health.  Dr. Bennett discusses his work in rural health, emphasizing the importance of addressing food insecurity and bridging gaps in healthcare access. He highlights the need for comprehensive solutions, including collaborations with medical education institutions. We also explore how to attract young professionals to a rural lifestyle. “Rural is more than a label, there's a beauty to it and a strength in the community connection.” -Kevin Bennett Dr. Bennett is Professor and Chair in the Department of Translational and Clinical Science, at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, in Columbia, SC. He serves as the Director of the Research Center for Transforming Health and Director of the South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare. He also serves on the National Rural Health Association's Board of Trustees and as President-Elect (2024).  His work focuses on care delivery for vulnerable and underserved populations and how policies and legislation affect these populations.  He has also worked extensively with community organizations, rural health networks, healthcare systems, and state agencies to create, facilitate, and evaluate the impact of innovative care delivery programs.

In this episode:  As we recognize Rural Hospital Week 2023, Chip and Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association, discuss the importance of having medical care 30 miles or 30 minutes away and the battle to maintain patients' access to vital services in small communities across the country. They also examine the ways lawmakers can throw a lifeline to hospitals struggling to keep their doors open. Topics include:  Growing health care workforce shortage in rural areas Rural hospital closure crisis Impact so-called site-neutral policies would have on access to care Unintended consequences of the rapid growth of Medicare Advantage  Importance of extending government assistance through the Low-Volume Hospital and Medicare Dependent Hospital programs GUEST:  Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health AssociationMORE: With more than 30 years experience in health policy at the state and federal level, Alan Morgan is one of the nation's leading experts on rural health policy.Alan has been CEO of the National Rural Health Association since 2001 and he sat down with Chip to talk about the current state of health care access in small communities across the country, with a focus on hospitals.According to the Sheps Center for Health Care Research at the University of North Carolina, there have been 149 rural hospital closures since 2010 – and COVID only made the situation worse. These facilities are grappling with lower reimbursement rates from programs like Medicare Advantage and chronic underpayment from Medicare and Medicaid.Alan also highlights actions Congress can take to maintain critical hospital care in rural areas across the nation. 

Establishing a clear mission for your staff is key to providing safe patient care. When your team knows what they need to accomplish and feels empowered to do so, high quality care will naturally follow. In this conversation, Mark Boucot, President and CEO of Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital, shares how he's hardwired safety into his team's operations. Under his leadership, they've become a Top 20 Hospital as recognized by the National Rural Health Association. As you listen, you'll learn how to create a culture of safety for both staff and patients by implementing programs like peer support, frontline staff councils, and employee recognition. On this episode, you'll hear: [00:30] Introducing Mark Boucot, President and CEO of Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital [02:30] Adopting Lean Six Sigma performance improvement models [05:30] Embracing a mindset of safety [10:00] Empowering employees to improve patient outcomes [14:30] Protecting staff from violence [18:30] Achieving top safety metrics and low readmission rates

A transcript is available onlineWe explore the kind and quality of healthcare available in rural hospitals in an age of growing technological and resource-heavy medicine. Do we risk a two-tiered system where the best care possible is only available in large cities near major medical centers? And are there options available for people who might have to travel hundreds of miles for specialist care?   Guests include Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association; Theresa Gleason and Erica Manor from the Providence Hickel House, a hospitality facility on the campus of the Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage; and with Geraldine Picha, who stayed at Hickel House during her son's medical emergency last year...N.B.  Beginning with this episode, we are shifting the release date of the podcast to the first and third Thursdays of the month. 

There are countless remarkable aspects to growing up in a rural community, ranging from the tight-knit bonds within the community to the invaluable mentors. Childhood experiences are major predictors of future health, so how can we actively foster more positive childhood encounters in rural communities? Our next guest may just have the answer. This week on Rural Health Leadership Radio we welcome back Dr. Elizabeth Crouch, Associate Professor of Health Services & Policy at Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina and Director of the Rural and Minority Health Research Center.  Elizabeth discusses her research into positive childhood experiences in rural and urban areas. She also discusses the intersection between childhood experiences and health policy, shedding light on the instrumental role policy can play in promoting the well-being of rural youth. To read about some of the great research Dr. Crouch and her team is doing visit this link: https://www.ruralhealthresearch.org/projects/929 “Rural communities have a lot of positive, wonderful things going on ...Let's focus on the positive and highlight things that are going really well” -Dr. Elizabeth Crouch Dr. Crouch is an associate professor in the Department of Health Services Policy and Management within the Arnold School of Public Health and Director of the Rural and Minority Health Research Center.  Her work focuses on policy-related issues across the age spectrum in vulnerable populations at the beginning of life (children) and the end of life (elderly), particularly focusing on rural populations, with expertise in policy, claims-based analysis, and economics, with more than one hundred publications to date.  Dr. Crouch serves as Rural Health Congress chair of the National Rural Health Association board of trustees and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Rural Health.

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. Find National Rural Health Association online! https://www.ruralhealth.us/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter!  https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/  https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/  https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ 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/  Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer  https://www.kenjiulmer.com/ 

The National Rural Health Association is hosting the Critical Access Hospital and Rural Health Clinic conferences in a few weeks, from September 26-29. Our colleagues from both Jarrard and Chartis will be there, digging into the issues facing rural providers today. They'll also be providing resources, research and education to rural healthcare leaders – content that will extend well beyond the conferences. With all of that coming up, we wanted to lay the groundwork by taking a broad look at the challenges facing rural healthcare today through the eyes of two people who spend their time studying and working with rural providers. Letitia Fecher is a Vice President at Jarrard and our Public and Community Health System Practice Lead. Michael Topchik is the National Leader of the Chartis Center for Rural Health. They're also spearheading the presentations at NRHA. In this conversation, Fecher and Topchik look at: ·      Regulation and policy ·      Workforce issues ·      Community engagement during operational change Key Points ·      Quality is job number one. But it's not just quality as defined by ratings organizations or regulatory agencies. It's the quality patients feel when they receive care at a hospital, and how employees feel when they come to work every day. ·      Communication with the community must be ongoing. A rural hospital's first message to its community should not be announcing a service line closure. Instead, rural healthcare leaders need to be regularly talking about the ways delivery of care are shifting and ways the hospital is changing to meet the community's needs. Nurse and staff engagement are vital. Retention is a major challenge for all provider organizations, with rural hospitals feeling especially pinched over the past few years. It's critical to find out what caregivers are looking for even when increased compensation may not be an option. Invest in relatively simple things – better engagement with leadership, more two-way communication, focusing on the mission, offering career development opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We love sharing stories of successful hospitals, leaders, and programs on rural health leadership radio. This week we have the pleasure of talking with two rural health leaders of the 2023 National Rural Health Association's Outstanding Rural Health Organization, Memorial Hospital in Carthage Illinois.  Ada Bair, CEO, and Raigan Brown, CNO join us this week to discuss how they built such a strong rural hospital. They highlight the importance of community connection and moving healthcare beyond the four walls of the hospital.  Raigan and Ada also share with us some of the great things happening at Memorial Hospital, a teaching kitchen to expanding behavioral health services and so much more.  “We know how to innovate and collaborate and I think that is what truly is going to contribute to the viability of rural health.” -Ada Blair Raigan Brown MHA, RN was born and raised in Carthage, IL. She has been with Memorial Hospital in Carthage for 11 years and has grown through the ranks starting as a staff ED nurse, moving to leadership in Rural Health Clinics, then to a department manager, and now the Chief Nursing Officer. Raigan has recently completed the NRHA CEO Certification program and her aspirations are to continue to learn and be involved in rural healthcare administration. Raigan is actively involved in many of Memorial's strategic plans and projects. Raigan also has an active community involvement with the Hancock County EMS, Carthage Park District, The Crossing Church, and Hancock County Addiction Coalition just to name a few.   Ada Bair started her career in nursing and with great mentors over the years obtained her BSN and MHA.  Having worked in the clinical arena for many years she transitioned to operations serving as a COO in 2 organizations prior to becoming a CEO for her current organization.  After 20 years serving the community it certainly is home.  Community outreach and support are key to rural leadership and as such volunteers with state professional organizations as well as several local organizations and boards.  An outreach passion is the nonprofit she organized 10 years ago, Food For Thoughts Hancock County where meal bags go home on Friday for children who have food insecurity – serving over 250 children in 6 school districts with an all-volunteer team.

Running a rural hospital requires a lot of time, commitment, and knowledge. It is essential that rural health leaders have a platform to learn and share their success stories. This week we welcome back Brock Slabach, Chief Operating Officer of the National Rural Health Association, to discuss how the NRHA is supporting rural hospitals and those who lead them. Brock discusses a variety of programs that support rural hospital executives, boards, and legislators.  We also talk about an upcoming event to connect with rural health leaders- the Critical Access Hospital Conference in Kansas City, MO. Register with the link below for early bird pricing by September 7th! Link for CAH conference registration “We don't do nearly enough of recognizing the great work that hospitals are doing in rural areas. And this conference is a way for us to show a showcase some of that stunning work that's going on out in, in rural parts of our country.” -Brock Slabach  Brock joined NRHA in 2008. He is NRHA's Chief Operating Officer. He was a rural hospital administrator for more than 21 years and has served on the board of the National Rural Health Association and the regional policy board of the American Hospital Association. Brock specializes in rural health system development that encompasses population health and the varied payment programs moving rural providers into value-based purchasing models.  Brock is a member of the National Quality Forum's Measures Application Partnership (MAP) Rural Health Workgroup and serves on the Board of Directors of Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). Brock is the 2015 recipient of the Calico Quality Leadership Award of the National Rural Health Resource Center, received the American Society of Healthcare Pharmacists (ASHP) Board of Directors' Award of Honor for 2018, and the NRHA's President's Award in 2023. Brock earned a master of public health degree in health administration from the University of Oklahoma and is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

In the second episode of the Re-examining Value series, the Medicare Team speaks with Ann Greiner, president and CEO of the Primary Care Collaborative and Brock Slabach, COO of the National Rural Health Association about ongoing opportunities to improve patients' care in the value movement. Show notes:“Wakely Risk Insight for the Medicare Shared Savings Program: Performance Year 2023 Results.” (Wakely)“Relationships Matter: How Usual is Usual Source of (Primary) Care?” (Primary Care Collaborative)“Primary Care Practice Finances in the United States Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.” (Harvard Center for Primary Care)“The Health of US Primary Care: A Baseline Scorecard Tracking Support for High-Quality Primary Care.” (Milbank Memorial Fund)For more information about the Primary Care Collaborative, visit https://www.pcpcc.org/For more information about the National Rural Health Association, visit https://www.ruralhealth.us/

In rural America, farmers face unique stressors that can exacerbate mental health concerns, such as fluctuating commodity prices and climate-related issues. In this episode, Heidi and Joel explore solutions for rural America's mental health crisis with Alexa McKinley and Tara Haskins to discover how we can address mental health and decrease rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide amongst farmers. Alexa McKinley and Tara Haskins discuss their experiences working with farmers and addressing these mental health concerns, emphasizing how financial incentives and pipeline programs can address the stigma around treatment and improve mental health in rural America.Alexa McKinley is the Regulatory Affairs Manager at the National Rural Health Association. Tara Haskins currently serves as the Director of the Total Farm Health Initiative at AgriSafe.To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.

What does the Farm Bill have to do with rural health?  Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer at the National Rural Health Association joined RHV to discuss why the Farm Bill matters and what you can do to support it. NRHA Advocacy campaigns can be found here.

EPISODE SUMMARY: Over the last few years, retail health clinics have grown by over 20%* – opening in stores you visit for everything from groceries to home goods. Dr. David Carmouche from Walmart Health joins us to discuss the growth of retail health as well as how it fits into people's daily lives. And, as the health industry expands to better meet you where you're at, we talk with guest, Beth O'Connor, host of The Rural Health Voice podcast and past president of the National Rural Health Association, about the unique challenges rural Americans face getting the care they need.*Forrester researchHIGHLIGHTS:[04:14] David Carmouche discusses the latest trends in retail health and how it's meeting people where they're at.[15:35] Beth O'Connor talks about unique ways to solve rural health challenges. RESOURCES:Home - NRHA (ruralhealth.us)Rural Healthcare (walmart.com)Walmart and UnitedHealth Group Collaborate To Deliver Access to High-Quality, Affordable Health CareGUESTS: Dr. David Carmouche, Senior Vice President of Omnichannel Care Offerings at WalmartBeth O'Connor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Health Association (2022 National Rural Health Association president) and host of The Rural Health Voice podcastThe views, opinions, endorsements and content expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or policies of Optum.Visit optum.com for more information about how Optum is helping to create a healthier world. 

Remain independent or integrate with a large system? This has been a hot topic in rural healthcare, especially when considering its impact on reimbursement, organizational culture, community engagement, and more. This week we are talking with Jose Alba, the President for CentraCare–long prairie in central Minnesota. Jose will discuss the care structure his facility is transitioning to and share his perspective on hospital systems. “We've really worked together to try to not only leverage the resources of our large healthcare system but how do we do things right in rural health and partner and work together and collaborate and innovate.” -Jose Alba Jose has more than nine years of healthcare leadership experience. He has spent his whole career in rural care delivery and for the past six months, he has been the President of CentraCare Long Prairie. He has also held leadership roles with Astera Health, Sanford Health, and Catholic Health Initiatives. He received his Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead and earned his healthcare MBA from the University of Mary, Bismarck, ND. He currently holds Fellow status through the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on the boards of two local non-profits. Jose is also certified as a rural hospital CEO through the National Rural Health Association. Jose and his family currently reside in Wadena with his wife Katie (10 years), Kids (Mia 6, Andre 4, Sofia 4 months), and his mom. He enjoys being competitive when he can and traveling with his friends and family. Originally from the Staples-Motley area, he considers central Minnesota home.

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. Center For Rural Health Leadership https://www.crhleadership.com/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach 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/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

Even if you don't use it, you probably know where it is -- your local hospital. It's a staple of a community. But many of Wisconsin's rural hospitals are facing headwinds in 2023 from the rural economy and labor shortages to funding issues and health inequity, says Alan Morgan, executive director of the National Rural Health Association. Will Stafford, the Washington representative for CHS, lists off the policy agenda and other lines Congress will likely add in the 2023 Farm Bill. He says while he has his hands full getting new members of Congress up to speed on ag policy, there is excitement surrounding this bill.  Extension beef specialist Bill Halfman says keep a close eye on your cattle, feedstuffs and shelters during this cold snap. GrassWorks President Kevin Mahalko says the 2023 Grazing Conference saw record attendance. Wisconsin continues to be a hub for hemp research, even having a hand in new resources, such as the Midwestern Hemp Database and the Emerging Crops Website. Phillip Alberti, a research program manager at UW-Madison, talks about the trends he's seeing in the hemp industry, and resources growers now have at their fingertips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach 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/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

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. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow The HCS Group on social media or visit online! https://www.facebook.com/TheHCSgroup https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehcsgroup/ https://www.hcs-group.com 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/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

In this episode: We'll discuss the major stresses and challenges facing rural hospitals, including geography, patient mix, a growing workforce crisis, and funding shortfalls.   Since 2010, 140 rural hospitals have closed, including 25 since the start of the pandemic. Congressional support helped keep that number from being even higher, but what happens now as COVID-19 relief runs out? What's the impact on a small, rural community when a hospital closes? Congress needs to take actions to preserve funding for rural hospitals during Lame Duck session. What will be the impact on access to care if Medicare Dependent Hospital and Low-Volume Hospital programs aren't extended and lawmakers don't waive PAYGO? How will divided government affect rural hospital policy moving forward in 2023? Is there room for bipartisan compromise?  Guest: Brock Slabach, Chief Operating Officer, National Rural Health Association.

Healthcare centers, both rural and urban, have benefited from financial relief efforts given out during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now with the state of emergency being lifted but the effects still lingering, what can rural facilities count on? Today we are talking with Alexa McKinley, Government Affairs & Policy Coordinator for the National Rural Health Association. Alexia will be discussing the Rural Emergency Hospital model and how it can be a beneficial tool for rural health providers.  “…I'm excited to see what innovations and policies will come out of this administration, the next administration, and the 118th Congress.” - Alexa McKinley Alexa earned a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. During law school, she interned with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, a Pittsburgh-based corporation, and served clients at the Pitt Environmental Law Clinic. Previously, she earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Michigan State University where she interned with the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs at the Department of Education and served as a fellow at MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research.

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. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow the National Rural Health Association on social media! https://www.facebook.com/ruralhealth/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealth https://twitter.com/NRHA_advocacy https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-rural-health-association/ https://instagram.com/nrha_advocacy 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/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

Brock Slabach is the chief operating officer for the National Rural Health Association and he provides a status update for the rural health system, including COVID, plus details regarding monkeypox, and personnel shortages. Chief economist Jackson Takach of Farmer Mac shares his perspective on the Inflation Reduction Act, interest rate trends, land values, available credit and more. Ryan Bivens is a first generation farmer in Kentucky and he joins us to discuss his operation, including challenges, plus the tragic flooding that occurred in the eastern part of the state.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America's rural hospitals face an uncertain future. One in three are now at risk of closure as doctors and nurses quit, patients struggle to pay their medical bills and government covid subsidies stop. We hear from the front line of one rural hospital in Luray, Virginia. Travis Clark, the hospital's president, and Dr David Lee explain the everyday challenges facing patients and staff. Alan Morgan from the National Rural Health Association tells us why rural hospitals are struggling. Michael Cannon of the Cato Institute in Washington DC argues that rural hospitals should stop relying on subsidies and close their doors if they can't become more efficient. Presenter and producer: Szu Ping Chan. Image: Dr David Lee in the emergency room of Page Memorial Hospital in Luray, Virginia; Credit: BBC

Cancer care can be a rare sight in rural healthcare, however, there are an increasing amount of opportunities to bring cancer care back to rural communities. This week, we're talking about the Rural America Cancer Patient experience with Dr. Wade Swenson, Medical Director, and Medical Oncologist at Lake Region Healthcare. “Decentralizing cancer care in the United States and in rural areas can make economic sense and practical sense, both for patients, families, communities, and health systems” ~Dr. Wade Swenson Wade Swenson, MD, is a rural oncologist who has practiced at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, Minnesota for 17 years. He is originally from Moorhead, Minnesota. He attended Medical School at the University of North Dakota and residency and fellowship at the University of Iowa. He is a father to a high school senior and recent college graduate. His professional interests include rural cancer delivery, leadership, and health policy. He recently completed an MBA in Healthcare at the University of St Thomas in Minneapolis. He also was a Rural Health Fellow at the National Rural Health Association from 2021-2022. 

Welcome Back No-Problem Parents!   Resilience isn't about strength or being stronger than others. My guest today describes resilience as rubber-not steel. Our ability to overcome and bounce back when bad things happen. He shares the importance of delaying gratification, listening to our kids more than telling them what you want them to do, and validating their ideas, efforts, and resilience.   Meet Thad Shunkwiler is a licensed behavioral health provider who works as a Professor in the College of Allied Health and Nursing at Minnesota State University, Mankato. In addition to his faculty role, he is the founding Director of the Center for Rural Behavioral Health, which aims to ensure access to quality mental health care in outstate Minnesota. For his efforts in establishing the Center, he was named a 2022 Fellow of the National Rural Health Association. In 2021, he was named both a Presidential Teaching Scholar and a Fellow for the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.   Professor Shunkwiler's research includes prevention science, the practice of marriage and family therapy, and workforce development. His research has led to various appointments from the Governor's Office, Judicial Branch, and county government. Having been an invited speaker to numerous professional conferences, he is recognized as a national leader in training healthcare professionals on issues surrounding mental health and wellness.   He and his wife, Lisa, along with 3 boys, aged 10, and 2 year old twins, make their home in North Mankato.   To watch Thad's TedEx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vpj9UDylyM   To learn more about Thad; Center for Rural Behavioral Health https://ahn.mnsu.edu/departments/center-for-rural-behavioral-health/     Want access to ALL of Jaci's favorite resources, trainings, parenting course and all things No-Problem Parenting? Learn more at https://www.noproblemparents.com/ Ready to get started and become the confident leader your kids crave you to be? Join our Private Parenting Community for just $397 or $47/month: https://www.noproblemparenting.com/     Hugs and High Fives,   Jaci    

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

Physician leaders play an important role in the sustainability of rural healthcare. This week, we're having a conversation with Dr. Bensson Samuel, who tells us about his experiences as an intensive care physician in rural Michigan. “The interesting fact about rural health is that small contributions that are made by each individual in that community leads to a bigger impact.” ~Dr. Bensson Samuel Dr. Samuel is currently based out of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, and is currently practicing at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault. He is a graduate of the National Rural Health Association's CFO and CEO programs. He also completed the University of Oxford Executive Leadership Program and holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the Swiss School of Business and Research with a focus on Situational Leadership and its efficacy on achieving organizational goals. His other qualifications include board certifications in Internal medicine, UCNS Neuro-critical care, Certified Health Care Financial Professional from HFMA, and Board Certified in Public Health from the National Board of Public Health Examiners. He spends his free time with his family and four kids. His other passions include economics and human rights.

Transitioning to a new facility AND into a new position can be an overwhelming change, particularly in rural healthcare while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, we're having a conversation with Jennifer Reed, CEO of Ferry County Health, who tells us about how she made those switches and how it's going! “We don't have to do it all. We can be a part of it and be a part of the solution and I see that a lot. So that's really exciting about rural healthcare.” ~Jennifer Reed Jennifer is the CEO of Ferry County Public Hospital, a small critical access hospital in North Central Washington state. She came to Ferry County to work as the CFO/COO in January of 2022 from a large critical access hospital in the Western part of Washington State where she was the Director of Finance for almost 10 years. She has been in the accounting field for over twenty years, specializing mainly in non-profit entities from very small to very large organizations.  Jennifer came to healthcare finance 10 years ago finding, what she believes, is the perfect niche and industry for her. She holds a Master's degree in Accounting, and a certification as a rural CFO from the National Rural Health Association sits on the board of the WA/AK chapter of HFMA and enjoys membership in ACHE. She enjoys the creative challenge of finance in the rural hospital and making that work within the framework of critical access reimbursement and our local government. Jennifer brings her experience in rural community development, budgeting, strategic and organizational planning, reporting, and contract compliance to her position.

Last week on Rural Health Leadership Radio, we started discussing leadership solutions available specifically for rural health leaders. We continue that conversation this week by investigating NRHA's Rural Health Congress, which advocates for rural healthcare at the national level. “Every rural community is so different and the more we can increase that understanding of all those distinct features in small towns in rural America, the better we can provide a exchange and distribution of ideas that's going to inform health care providers, provide research and look at methods that are going to improve rural health.” ~Dr. Bill Auxier The Rural Health Congress is the policy-making body of the National Rural Health Association. Elected representatives from each of the association's constituency groups, State Association Council, State Office Council, issue groups and officers serve on the Congress. This gives broad grassroots representation that reflects the concerns of NRHA's membership. The Rural Health Congress determines the association's positions on public policy through a series of policy briefs and issue papers. To learn more, visit their website: https://www.ruralhealth.us/advocate/rural-health-congress