Podcasts about Rural health

What if the most powerful clinical tool in healthcare wasn't a drug, a device, or a data platform — but a word? In this episode of Experiencing Healthcare, Jamie and Matt have a conversation that starts with Disney World germs and ends with something that will change the way you lead your team tomorrow. They unpack the idea of Intentional Positive Reinforcement — not the hollow "great job" you throw over your shoulder in the hallway, but the kind of deliberate, meaningful recognition that creates a ripple effect all the way to the patient's bedside. Matt shares what a dental hygienist taught him about doing things right, why a pair of clicking heels in a nursing home hallway was actually a leadership strategy, and what happens to a healthcare team that only ever hears what they're doing wrong. This is a conversation for the bedside nurse and the C-suite executive. For the credentialing specialist who never sees a patient and the clinical coordinator who sees dozens. Because in healthcare, everyone plays a role in the patient experience — and the way we lead people determines the care those people deliver. If you've ever wondered whether your words are adding to your team or subtracting from them, this episode is your answer.

In this episode, Jamie Wiggins, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Arkansas Children's, discusses record patient growth driven by streamlined access, a multi year expansion including the National Center for Opioid Research and Clinical Effectiveness, and a five year strategy to strengthen rural pediatric care and chronic disease management across the state.

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/

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/

Major federal investments and national guidance can shape the future of public health, but only if states can turn policy into practice. This episode looks at two sweeping developments and the on-the-groundwork required to make them matter. First, Chris Salyers, Director of Programs and Evaluation at the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health explains the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a $50 billion, five-year investment aimed at strengthening rural communities. With no clear blueprint for moving funds at this scale, states are in the early stages of building advisory groups, navigating procurement and contracting rules, and working to ensure dollars actually reach rural providers and organizations, not just large outside entities. Salyers highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement, peer learning, and using this planning window to build systems that allow smaller, capacity-strapped rural groups to compete for funding.  Then, Shannon Vance, Director, Family and Child Health at ASTHO, breaks down the newly released 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and their wide-ranging implications. With chronic disease driving nearly 90% of U.S. healthcare spending, the updated guidance, including stronger limits on added sugars, greater emphasis on protein and full-fat dairy, and life-stage–specific recommendations, could reshape everything from individual eating habits to major federal nutrition programs. Vance explores the ripple effects for SNAP, WIC, and school meals, where agencies are already juggling recent rule changes, tight budgets, and supply challenges.Leadership Power Hour: Your Launchpad for Impact | ASTHOThe 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines: Understanding the New Pyramid | ASTHOFunding & Collaboration Opportunities | ASTHOASTHO (@ASTHO) / XAssociation of State and Territorial Health Officials (@asthonews.bsky.social) — Bluesky(1) Instagram(1) LinkedInFacebook

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/⁠

Send a textIdaho ranks 50th in physicians per capita and 44th in primary care access. So what's the real plan to fix it?In this episode, I sit down with Representative Dustin Manwaring to break down Idaho's Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) strategy, the proposed 36-month rollout, and how it intersects with the $1 billion Rural Health Transformation Grant.We talk through the core problem the working group set out to solve and what “Train Here, Stay Here, Grow Here” actually means in practice and how it connects with workforce pipelines, residency expansion, and long-term retention?We also dig into the definition of “rural.” Critical access hospitals? Small towns near metro hubs? Urban hospitals that support rural areas? How the taskforce defines rural will shape who benefits and how federal dollars are distributed.Plus:How the UME plan intersects with the $1B rural investmentWhat legislators are watching to ensure accountabilityWhether Idaho's low resident-to-medical-student ratio limits retentionThe future of WWAMI and how new legislation could shift seat allocationsWhether Idaho eventually needs its own full medical schoolIf this plan works, what will Idaho's physician landscape look like 10 years from now?This is a forward-looking conversation about workforce, access, and how policy decisions today shape healthcare for the next generation.Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.email@thealexismorgan.comFind great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy:https://www.thealexismorgan.com

The House of Representatives has reached a bipartisan agreement to fund the Department of Health and Human Services, restoring support for rural programs to previous levels after last year's administration cuts

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Feb. 16, include: billion-dollar opportunity to invest in rural health, record warmth is deepening drought and shrinking snowpack, online sports wagering petitions have been cleared for circulation, Omaha Police Officers Association warns of staffing shortage, Federal Reserve officials say financial stress is gradually building for Nebraska crop farmers, University of Nebraska-Lincoln marks Charter Day amid campus changes, two North Omaha leaders were honored during Black History Month celebration.

In this episode, James Wellman, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, discusses using AI and data analytics to optimize revenue cycle management, improve patient care, and address the unique challenges facing rural health organizations.

In this episode, Krista Drobac, Co Founder of Health Policy Futures Lab, explains how the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program is reshaping support for rural hospitals through state led investments in workforce, technology, infrastructure, and new care models. She outlines key program components, timelines, and what hospital leaders should expect as funding and implementation accelerate.

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/

Carmel Shacharis an assistant clinical professor of law and faculty director of the Health Law and Policy Clinic at Harvard Law School. Stephen Morrissey, the interviewer, is the Executive Managing Editor of the Journal. H. Howard and C. Shachar. The Rural Health Transformation Program — An Avenue for Promoting Administrative Policies. N Engl J Med 2026;394:625-627.

A total of $10 billion of federal dollars is flowing to states right now as they seek to implement the first year of the new Rural Health Transformation Program. The early reports from the National Rural Health Association show promise and concerns. Carrie Cochran-McClain, NRHA's Chief Policy Officer, says, “I'll be honest. We were hearing […] The post Rural Health Transformation Program: Latest Details appeared first on Healthy Communities Online.

In this episode, James Wellman, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, discusses using AI and data analytics to optimize revenue cycle management, improve patient care, and address the unique challenges facing rural health organizations.

The House of Representatives has reached a bipartisan agreement to fund the Department of Health and Human Services, restoring support for rural programs to previous levels after cuts by the last administration. The new bill does not reverse all Medicaid cuts but focuses on funding targeted programs for rural hospitals and clinicians, including workforce and recruitment initiatives.

On the Feb. 9 edition: A Federal Judge has ordered the Trump Administration to produce records behind the Fulton County ballot seizure; Georgia is set to receive more than $200 million this year as part of a federal effort to shore up rural health care; And Senator Jon Ossoff held a rally in Atlanta on Saturday.

Today from SDPB - committees tackle state-tribal relations bills, general and special education funding, a closer look at the Rural Health Transformation Fund and more.

Episode Topic: Every Person in Every Mile (https://go.nd.edu/afa99f)How can data and AI bridge healthcare gaps in rural America? Tune in to this dynamic discussion with top experts from Johnson & Johnson, SureScripts, and CareSource. Cut through the hype to explore real-world strategies for integrating data, improving patient outcomes, and ensuring technology always serves the human connection.Featured Speakers:Fang Liu, professor, University of Notre DameJorge Leon, Senior Manager, Johnson & Johnson Read this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/219b2d.This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled The Rural Health Revolution. (https://go.nd.edu/9c0fe8)Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career. Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu. Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

This week on Faisel and Friends, we are discussing Physician as Patient: Navigating the Healthcare System in an Emergency. Faisel and Dan are talking with Dr. Lauren Hughes: Family Physician Executive and Health Policy Leader improving Primary Care and Rural Health.Our conversation explores how Dr. Hughes managed her patient experience after a car accident: the work required to navigate insurance coverage after a medical event, the impracticality of patient responsibility in a crisis, the factors that expedited resolution, and the policy action needed to address this universal issue.

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

Meet Brett Bachmann, CEO of Heuser Hearing Institute, and Dale Dobson, Division Director of Farm Safety and Rural Health for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.They are absolutely saving the lives of Kentucky farmers.Mr. Dobson explains in this moving chat with Terry Meiners on WHAS

Ohio is getting more than $200 million as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program, a federal fund to invest in rural health.

What happens when accessing health care requires booking a flight instead of driving down the road? In this episode of Plugged In to Public Health, we talk with John Desfor, a University of Iowa MPH graduate now working in rural health research and policy in Hawaii. John shares what rural health looks like in one of the most geographically isolated regions in the United States and why transportation access is one of the most critical and overlooked barriers to care. We explore how inter-island travel for medical appointments leads to missed visits, delayed diagnoses, and worsening health outcomes, and why transportation should be treated as a core social determinant of health. John also walks us through policy solutions developed through community listening sessions and research, including insurance coverage gaps, emergency transport coordination, and innovative alternatives to traditional air travel. This conversation reframes transportation as a solvable policy problem with national relevance. A transcript of this episode will be available here soon. Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks. #publichealth #ruralhealth #careaccess #hawaii #MPHGraduate #research #policy #healthcare #transportation #problemsolving #iowacity #criticalcare

In the 2025 budget bill, Congress created the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program to help struggling hospitals, doctors, and patients in rural America. But rural hospitals are expected to lose three times that through Medicaid cuts in that same budget bill. So, what will it take to keep rural healthcare afloat? *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: www.wbur.org/giveonpoint

Maryland finds out how much the state will get from a nationwide competition for federal rural health investment.Guest(s):Christina Koontz, paramedic Elizabeth Kromm, assistant secretary for population health and strategic initiatives, Maryland Department of HealthMike Salvadge, chief of emergency medical services, Allegany County, Md. Meena Seshamani, Maryland secretary of healthHemi Tewarson, executive director, National Academy for State Health PolicyLearn more and read a full transcript on our website.Want more Tradeoffs? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter featuring the latest health policy research and news.Support this type of journalism today, with a gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Upcoming EventsTá Scoil Gheimhridh Uí Chadhain, i gcomhar le Conradh na Gaeilge agus Glór na Móna, ag óstáil plé ar an Ghaeilge agus ar aontú na hÉireann Dé hAoine seo ag a haon a chlog sa Chultúrlann.In addition, Scoil Gheimhridh Uí Chadhain is hosting another discussion this Saturday at 11am on Protestants & a United Ireland, featuring Claire Mitchell and Dr Robbie McVeigh.Sinn Féin's Commission is hosting a people's assembly in Cork, on the 19th February 7pm at Rochestown Park Hotel. Bígí Linn. South & East Belfast Sinn Féin is hosting an evening discussion on what a world class, all-Ireland health system could look like and how we make it a reality. Chaired by Deirdre Hargey MLA, with Guest speaker David Cullinane TD and joined by panellists from across the health sector. The event will take place on the 12th of February 7pm at the Malone Lodge. Self-Determination and Democratic RightsFor decades now I have argued that self-determination is one of the big issues of our time. In 2005 I wrote: “In my view the big international struggle of our time is to assert democratic control by people over the decisions which affect their lives. This does not mean retreating behind existing borders and refusing contact with the outside world, but it does mean reasserting the primacy of democracy and working together in order to pursue this objective.”Mickey Brady – A Cheerful Change Maker. Mickey Brady, former Sinn Féin MLA and MP for Newry and Armagh died last week. His sudden death came as a great shock to his family and to all of us who knew and respected him. I had the great fortune to work closely with Mickey in the Assembly and I often campaigned with him during elections. Some people are really good canvassing during elections. They have that way of engaging with people on the streets and at the doorstep and Mickey was a master at it.He was always positive. He knew the issues impacting on people and he could speak from his years of experience as an elected representative and as a champion for their rights through his work in the Newry Welfare Rights centre.Report on Rural Health in a New Ireland publishedSinn Féin's Commission on the Future of Ireland last week published its latest report - ‘Delivering Rural Health and Care in a New Ireland.' The public event took place in Enniskillen in November.A packed hall heard from a panel of health activists, including Pat Cullen MP, Fr. Brian D'Arcy – writer and broadcaster, Paula Leonard, CEO of Alcohol Ireland and Denzil McDaniel, author and former editor of The Impartial Reporter. The discussion and report examines the challenges faced by rural communities trying to access all-Ireland cardiac services, autism services, cancer provision, suicide support services and A&E.It makes no sense that we run two entirely separate health systems trying to solve the same problems. The report of the Enniskillen Assembly can be accessed in English and Irish here: www.sinnfein.ie/futureofireland 

Improving health outcomes for Alaskans is at the heart of a multi-billion dollar federal plan aimed at improving rural healthcare systems. Alaska is in line to receive as much as 1.3 billion dollars over 5 years. What will the funding support-- and what do state health officials think Alaska's healthcare system needs to help all Alaskans have healthier lives? We'll learn about the Rural Health Transformation program on this Talk of Alaska.

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.

We follow Maryland's 52-day rush to convince the Trump administration to give the state new funding to transform rural health care.Guests:Bonita Baer, Maryland residentMark Boucot, president and CEO of Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital Elizabeth Kromm, assistant secretary for population health and strategic initiatives, Maryland Department of HealthLevi Lantz, ALL Produce & GreenhouseKen Ulman, former executive, Howard County, Maryland; president of Margrave StrategiesLearn more and read a full transcript on our website.Want more Tradeoffs? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter featuring the latest health policy research and news.Support this type of journalism today, with a gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today from SDPB - debates over Rural Health Transformation Funds, governor-controlled dollars and legislative priorities are coming into shape in the state's capitol.

Join host Eve Cunningham, Chief Medical Officer at Cadence, in conversation with Krista Drobac, one of the most influential architects of modern telehealth and care-in-the-home policy. As the Rural Health Transformation Program enters its first year of funding, the two explore how policy, payment reform, and technology are converging to reshape rural care delivery.Their conversation focuses on:Why outcomes and evidence, not innovation alone, are now the currency of health policyHow states are approaching Rural Health Transformation funding and what they're prioritizing firstThe role of coalition-based advocacy in unlocking care-at-home, RPM, and workforce flexibilityHow payment models like ACCESS, APCM, and RHTP must align to avoid siloed innovation and provider burdenWhat success looks like over the next decade for rural health systems, clinicians, and patientsKrista Drobac is a partner of Cadence and not compensated for this podcast.For more information on Cadence, visit https://www.cadence.care/

Join Thanks to our guest today, Jed Hansen, PhD, APRN, FNP-C, who is the Nebraska Rural Health Association's Executive Director. He and Libby Crockett, MD are discussing the Rural Health Transformation Fund which was established by HR1 (or the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) July 4, 2025. He serves as the Nebraska Hospital Associations's rural consultant. He is a native Nebraskan, growing up in the community of Minden. His academic background is focused on healthcare utilization facilitators and barriers in ambulatory care settings.Dr. Hansen leads projects focused on the rural emergency hospital model, improving veteran access to care, and innovative community-level health economic models. He also works diligently to improve interoperability and data flow in rural health care settings and increase workforce pipelining. Dr. Hansen is a fellow of the National Rural Health Association, the 2023 Rural Advocate of the Year and he recently published in JAMA on the impact of OBBA/HR1 on rural healthcare (read it here): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40900579/Additional Background on HR1 (OBBA) Link to HR1 - One Big Beautiful Bill ActNE DHHS text of Application- click here and scroll down to find text of applicationhttps://www.cms.gov/priorities/rural-health-transformation-rht-program/overviewhttps://shvs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SHVS-Manatt-Rural-Health-Transformation-Fund-Discussion-8.28.25.pdfhttps://shvs.org/tracking-state-preparation-for-the-rural-health-transformation-program/Rural Health Association Links:https://nebraskaruralhealth.org/I Love Rural Health Program Link:https://iloveruralhealth.com/We rely on your donations to keep producing this podcast content and to support physician advocacy in Nebraska. If you would like to support Nebraska Alliance for Physician Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) organization in Nebraska please click to DONATE NOW.    If you have questions or answers, please email us at contact@nebraskaallianceforphysicianadvocacy.org   Please check out our website at: Nebraska Alliance for Physician Advocacy   Follow on social media: @NEAllianceforPhysicianAdvocacy on Instagram https://www.facebook.com/neallianceforphysicianadvocacy on Facebook The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of their employers or any other organization or entity. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, or financial advice. If you have a specific concern, please consult with a qualified professional.

Community health workers (CHWs) play a critical role in bridging the gap between health systems and the communities they serve, especially in rural and underserved areas. In this episode, ASTHO Senior Director of Population Health, Alex Kearly, explains who CHWs are, how they build trust and address both health and social needs, and why Medicaid reimbursement can help make these roles sustainable. The conversation also explores the unique access challenges facing rural communities, from provider shortages to hospital closures, and the policy tools states can use to respond, including telehealth, workforce initiatives, and systems-of-care models. Looking ahead to 2026, the episode highlights what states should watch as new federal rural health programs begin to take shape.Policy Trends Shaping Access to Care in 2026 | ASTHOBraiding and Layering Funding to Address the Social Determinants of Health | ASTHOWebinar Registration - ZoomCMS Announces $50 Billion in Awards to Strengthen Rural Health in All 50 States | CMS

Rural health experts dig into the Trump administration's effort to transform rural health care.Guests:Kevin Bennett, Director Center for Rural & Primary Healthcare; Professor, Family and Preventative Medicine, School of Medicine Columbia, University of South CarolinaPaula Chatterjee, Director of Health Equity Research, Penn LDI; Assistant Professor, Medicine, Perelman School of MedicineSarah Jane Tribble, Chief Rural Correspondent, KFF Health NewsRachel Werner, Executive Director, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics; Professor of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaLearn more and read a full transcript on our website.Want more Tradeoffs? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter featuring the latest health policy research and news.Support this type of journalism today, with a gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to 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 - Federal rural health funding could bring big changes for Chelan and Douglas counties — but local hospitals are still waiting to find out just how much they’ll get.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Rural Health Transformation Program aims to improve “healthcare access, quality, and outcomes” with $50 billion aimed at making changes to the healthcare delivery ecosystem. Keeping an eye on the state applications, the federal money awarded and how it will be used is Sarah Jane Tribble, lead rural health reporter at KFF Health News. […] The post KFF Health News Covers $50 Billion Rural Health Transformation: Latest Details appeared first on Healthy Communities Online.

West Virginia is set to receive a nearly $200 million federal award for the state's 2026 Rural Health Transformation Fund. It's designed to transform rural health care, but against the backdrop of staggering cuts to Medicaid. There are significant questions about what the new program can accomplish – and how rural hospitals in the state may fare in the months and years ahead. The post Transforming Rural Health Access, This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Ella Jeffries, “CMS approves rural health awards for all 50 states,” December 29, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/financial/cms-awards-50b-to-states-for-rural-health-transformation/, Becker's Hospital Review. CMS.gov, “CMS Announces Establishment of the Office of Rural Health Transformation,” December 29, 2025, https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-announces-establishment-office-rural-health-transformation/ Erica Cerutti, “ED boarding in 2025: 4 notes,” December 29, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/care-coordination/ed-boarding-in-2025-4-notes/, Becker's Hospital Review. Kara Gavin, “Wait times for emergency hospitalization keep getting higher,” August 4, 2025, https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/wait-times-emergency-hospitalization-keep-getting-higher, Michigan Medicine. Ella Jeffries, “Judge blocks 340B rebate pilot program,” December 29, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/judge-blocks-340b-rebate-pilot-program/, Becker's Hospital Review. Elizabeth S. Eaton, “'Threadbare administrative record': Federal judge stops 340B rebate pilot,” December 30, 2025, https://firstwordpharma.com/story/7022857, FirstWord Pharma. 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.

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On the Dec 30 edition: Georgia is slated to receive more than $200 million next year to bolster rural health; newly elected Public Service Commission member Alicia Johnson made history yesterday with her swearing-in ceremony; and a recent study from the University of Georgia is shedding light on the use of CBD among college students.

Your Nebraska Update headlines for today, Dec. 30, include: Nebraska will receive $218 million in federal grant funding to strengthen rural health care access and services, expanded federal funding could intensify workplace immigration raids, worsening farm labor shortages, advocates warn funding for domestic violence victim services is shrinking as number of murder-suicides rise statewide, state health officials report an increase in respiratory illnesses during the holiday season, Nebraska football prepares for the Las Vegas Bowl with changes to the coaching staff.

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

Today, we're back talking with Jeremy Cannon, who answers your questions on how to build successful relationships between clinicians and administrators. 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/jeremy-cannon-5b4447103/https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/kalkaska-memorial-health-center/about-us/leadership/kalkaska-memorial-hospital-leadershiphttps://www.facebook.com/KMHCKalkaska

The Big Unlock · Lisa Hunter, Senior Director of Federal Policy & Advocacy, United States of Care In this episode, Lisa Hunter, Senior Director of Federal Policy and Advocacy at United States of Care, discusses how her organization is working to ensure every American has access to affordable, high-quality care, with a particular focus on rural communities. She explains the new Rural Health Transformation Program—a 50-billion-dollar, five-year federal investment that gives states a rare opportunity to redesign rural health delivery, address workforce gaps, and move toward “patient first care” models that emphasize coordination, whole-person care, and sustainable payment structures.​​ Lisa highlights a growing trust gap around AI in healthcare, noting that patients are more comfortable with AI in back-office and ambient use cases compared to roles that feel like they replace clinicians. She stresses the need for rigorous listening, research, and language that resonates with people, so policy and technology decisions reflect real experiences rather than abstract concepts. Take a listen.

As 2025 draws to a close, millions of Americans stand at the edge of a healthcare cliff. Sister Mary Haddad, President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association, returns to The Healthy Project to sound the alarm on an urgent policy crisis that threatens to undermine healthcare access for working families nationwide.Following the passage of major Medicaid cuts in July that will affect 10 million people, enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act are set to expire at the end of the year. The result? An estimated 4.2 million more Americans are losing coverage, with millions facing dramatic cost increases. For rural communities already struggling with limited resources, the impact could be devastating.This episode examines the intersection of healthcare policy, economic justice, and human dignity. Sister Mary draws on Catholic social teaching to frame healthcare access not merely as a policy preference but as a moral imperative rooted in the inherent worth of every person. She offers a clear-eyed assessment of how hospital closures, emergency department overcrowding, and the loss of telehealth flexibilities create a perfect storm threatening the most vulnerable among us.Beyond diagnosis, this conversation explores solutions. What must Congress do immediately? How can healthcare systems balance mission-driven care with financial sustainability? What role should everyday citizens play in advocacy? And perhaps most importantly: what does hope look like when systems are breaking down?In This Episode:The Immediate CrisisUnderstanding the connection between July's Medicaid cuts and expiring tax creditsWhy 4.2 million working Americans face losing coverageThe "sticker shock" families are experiencing during open enrollmentCongressional gridlock and the December deadlineRural Healthcare Under PressureLower median incomes meeting higher insurance costsThe competitive disadvantage of rural insurance marketsHospital closures and service reductions on the horizonThe hidden costs: hotel stays and hours-long drives for basic careEmergency Departments as Safety NetWhy ERs become primary care when coverage disappearsThe economic burden of treating delayed, acute conditionsFederal mandates and the impossible position of hospitalsTriage challenges when systems are overwhelmedThe Telehealth QuestionHow COVID revealed telehealth's essential roleTemporary extensions vs. permanent policy solutionsAccess equity and the digital divideReal stories from rural South DakotaMoral Framework & AdvocacyHealthcare as inseparable from human dignityOperating as a "ministry that functions as a business"The responsibility of citizens to engage with the governmentMoving from despair to concrete actionLooking ForwardStrengthening existing coverage systemsThe critical need for primary care investmentAcknowledging that U.S. healthcare is "broken"Building coalitions across providers, payers, and governmentSister Mary's perspective is particularly vital for those interested in the social determinants of health, healthcare economics, policy advocacy, and faith-based approaches to social justice. Her framing of hope as "concrete actions" rather than abstract aspiration offers a powerful counter-narrative to policy fatalism.Guest: Sister Mary Haddad, RSM, President & CEO, Catholic Health Association of the United StatesResources: Learn more and take action: www.chausa.orgShow Notes:July 2025: "One Big Beautiful Bill" passes with major Medicaid cuts affecting 10M peoplePremium tax credits expiring December 31, 20254.2 million Americans projected to lose coverage without extensionRural areas particularly vulnerable due to limited market competitionTelehealth flexibilities extended only through January 31, 2026Emergency departments face increased burden as primary care access shrinksCatholic social teaching emphasizes healthcare access as fundamental human rightRelated Episodes: June 2025 - Medicaid at a Crossroads: A Conversation with Sr. Mary Haddad (Part 1)About The Healthy Project: The Healthy Project explores the systems, policies, and people shaping health and healthcare in America. Host Corey Dion Lewis brings thoughtful conversations about how we can build a healthier, more equitable future. ★ Support this podcast ★