Podcasts about Rural health

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.

Gas tax referral officially makes the ballot for Nov: https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/12/oregonians-wont-see-gas-tax-transportation-fee-hikes-in-january-as-opponents-secure-enough-signatures-to-send-issue-to-ballot.html 7 conservative wins in OR for 2025 https://oregoncatalyst.com/93529-7-conservative-wins-oregon-2025.html The left's top 25 lies in 2025: https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/29/the-lefts-top-25-lies-of-2025/ 10 biggest media hoaxes of 2025: https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/31/here-are-the-10-biggest-media-hoaxes-of-2025/ Intel picks former Trump official to VP post: https://oregoncatalyst.com/93520-intel-picks-trump-aide-top-post.html OR gets nearly 200M for rural health care: Fishwrap omits reasons for Medicaid cuts like illegals and able bodied workers kicked off: https://www.oregonlive.com/health/2025/12/feds-give-oregon-nearly-200m-to-shore-up-rural-health-care.html TSA agent witnessed at least a billion in cash being flown out of Minneapolis airport by Somali men: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV8Wu0tblkY&t=20s WA state Somali daycare fraud video: https://x.com/MrAndyNgo/status/2006125721501008048 Walz attacks Trump after suspension of all Minnesota day care funds: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/12/tim-walz-attacks-president-trump-latest-response-somali/  

Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) has introduced a major new health initiative offering a wide range of affordable, high-quality coverage options tailored to individuals, families, rural communities, and the self-employed. These plans feature flexible coverage levels, deductibles, co-pays, and preventive benefits, with choices across individual medical and supplemental options and both In-Network and Out-of-Network providers. Prospective enrollees should meet with their local MOFB Insurance agent for guidance and application support once enrollment begins. MOFB Health Plans are available exclusively to members; Missourians interested in joining can visit MOFBHealthPlans.com to learn more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

The SS Al RawdahFor the first time ever the families of many of the 207 Republican internees held on the Al Rawdah prison ship between 1940 and 1941 met in Belfast. 85 years after their loved ones were interned on the prison hulk the families came together for the launch of Tom Hartley's insightful account of that period.At the beginning of his remarks Tom invited the relatives present to stand. There was spontaneous and sustained applause from the rest of the audience. It was an emotional moment, for the relatives and for those watching, in what was an evening of memory and recollection.Mary McConville whose Uncle ‘Rocky' Burns was held on the Al Rawdah, introduced the event and Tom Hartley explained to the relatives and audience his motivation for writing the book and the forensic approach he took in collecting information. He also drew attention to the poignant fact that two days earlier was the 85 anniversary of the only prisoner to die on the Al Rawdah, John Gaffney, who fell from his hammock and hit his head.Tom reminded us all that following partition in 1920 the Unionist Regime at Stormont moved quickly to consolidate its power and to ensure that nationalists and republicans living in the North posed no threat to their domination. Legislation was introduced to gerrymander electoral boundaries, and deny hundreds of thousands of citizens, mostly nationalist, access to a vote in local elections. Local Councils with nationalist majorities became unionist controlled. Discrimination in employment and housing was built into the structure of the state.A Space in which Dialogue is PossibleLast week Queens University , Belfast and Dundalk  Institute of Technology (DkIT) announced a significant new partnership that will establish DKiT as a University College of Queen's University. The all-island educational and economic potential is enormous. Last week also, the Good Friday Agreement Oireachtas committee was told that survival rates for children with congenital heart conditions on the island of Ireland now match the best results anywhere in the world. This is because of 15 years of co-operation between the health services North and South.To add to this good news, the Shared Island Unit announced an additional €50 million for projects and it emerged that a number of MEPs have written to the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola requesting special “observer” status for representatives from the North.The DUP leader Gavin Robinson immediately opposed the EU move. The perennial default position of the DUP and others within political unionism is to condemn and oppose any positive progress. This resistance to change is evident almost daily in the negative atmosphere that has been created in the Assembly, in the Executive and on local councils.The reality is that unionism has gone backwards to the 'NEVER, NEVER, NEVER' stance of past decades. This resistance to change reflects the essential insecurity of political unionism.None of this is new. Anyone with a basic understanding of unionist history since the plantation, and especially since the Home Rule struggle of the late 19th century and into partition, understands this.

For the People is circling back with the New England Rural Health Association. We'll recap their recent conference which was held here in Connecticut, and learn about how our state may benefit from the organization's recently announced Rural Health Transformation Program. Rural communities are closer than you think, so tune in and find out why their health needs are so unique.

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 ★

One of the last things you need to worry about if you or a loved one needs expensive durable medical equipment or certain medical supplies is out of pocket costs. So to open the show today, we want to introduce you to the founder of Wheel It Forward, an innovative Fairfield County nonprofit that provides a durable medical equipment lending service and more - all at no direct cost. Then we'll reconnect with our community partners at Abilis, which is celebrating the opening of its first medical model residential home in Fairfield County for adults with complex medical needs and developmental disabilities. Tune in and hear about the journey toward completion of this fully accessible residence and more. And we'll close circling back as promised with the New England Rural Health Association. We'll recap their recent conference which was held here in Connecticut, and learn about how our state may benefit from the organization's recently announced Rural Health Transformation Program. 

Today we're back with Scott Becker discussing how to navigate the noisy world of healthcare news. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ⁠⁠⁠ruralhealthtoday.com⁠⁠⁠. 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 Scott Becker! ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbeckermw/⁠ Follow Becker's Hospital Review! ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/asc-communications/⁠ ⁠https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/⁠  ⁠https://www.facebook.com/@BeckersHospitalReview/⁠ ⁠https://x.com/beckershr⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/user/hospitalreview1⁠

Mark H. Knelson, MD, thought his IR career had come to an early end—until he discovered locum tenens work.At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Knelson heard that one of the radiology groups in his town was short on IRs. Because it was so close to his home—approximately 13 minutes—he offered to help, including taking call as needed.In  the audio version of "The unexpected locum" (Fall 2025 IR Quarterly), senior editorial manager Hope Racine describes the career of Mark H. Knelson, MD, who shared his unplanned path to locums work.  Support the show

In this episode, health leaders from Iowa, Maine and Mississippi share their strategies for revitalizing rural healthcare. We hear excerpts from an ASTHO media briefing featuring ASTHO members as they address the urgent challenges facing millions of rural Americans, including healthcare provider shortages, transportation inadequacies, and significant health disparities. The discussion highlights collaborative, evidence-based initiatives designed to ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of rural care.ASTHO Deskside Media Briefing on Rural HealthFrom Policy to Practice: Supporting Brain Health and Caregiving at the State Level WebinarFunding & Collaboration Opportunities

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 6 focuses on addressing food insecurity in rural communities. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka welcome Lindsey Meyers, MBA, Vice President of Communications, PR, and Community Engagement at Avera Health. Lindsey shares how Avera's community health needs assessments revealed rising food insecurity across its largely rural footprint, prompting the creation of wellness pantries within clinics. These pantries provide emergency food supplies and connect patients to sustainable resources, complementing mobile food pantries and partnerships with Feeding South Dakota. Lindsey explains why food access is essential to whole-person care and how collaboration among clinicians, volunteers, and community partners drives success. The conversation highlights the program's rapid growth, its impact on patients, and underscores Catholic health care's commitment to meeting social determinants of health and evolving to serve community needs. Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeLearn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

Value-based care leads rural health innovation, agrivoltaics grows food and opportunity, Brother Placid shares prairie wisdom, and Lyle Wilds offers a candid path to redemption.

Dr. Phil Shaffer and I are back in SC to testify yet again against a bill that would permit unsupervised NP and PA practice after 2,000 hours of experience. In this episode, I share subcommittee chair Senator Tom Davis's perspectives that SC will lose funding from the Rural Health Transformation project without scope expansion. You'll also hear a letter of support from the FTC Office of Policy Planning supporting scope expansion, and PPP's response explaining why the FTC should reconsider it's position in light of newer data.PhysiciansForPatientProtection.org

Join Dr. Clancy and his guest, Dr. Hinkle, as they discuss rural health workforce shortages and best practices to have a positive impact.  CME Credit Available:  https://uiowa.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=0&EID=80982  Host: Gerard Clancy, MD Senior Associate Dean for External Affairs Professor of Psychiatry and Emergency Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Guests: Hana Hinkle, MD Assistant Dean for Rural Health Professions and Director of the National Center for Rural Health Professions Director, Illinois Area Health Education Center Network Program Research; Assistant Professor Departmetn of Family and Community Medicine University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford Financial Disclosures:  Dr. Gerard Clancy, his guests, and the members of the Rounding@IOWA planning committee have disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Nurse: The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine designates this activity for a maximum of 0.75 ANCC contact hour. Physician: The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Other Health Care Providers: A certificate of completion will be available after successful completion of the course. (It is the responsibility of licensees to determine if this continuing education activity meets the requirements of their professional licensure board.) References/Resources:  National Center for Rural Health Professions, University of Illinois College of Medicine: https://ncrhp.uic.edu/   Illinois AHEC Network Program: https://ilahec.uic.edu/  Rural Medical Training Collaborative: https://ruralmtc.org/   Hinkle, H. E., Sheppard, A. B., Fess, K., Olson, H. R., & Squires, E. (2024). Key themes of community-oriented primary care projects from a longitudinal, rural interprofessional health professions curriculum (1997–2023). BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 1215. https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-024-06190-8 

Montana health officials have submitted an application for the state's share of a $50 billion rural health fund. Montana will receive at least $500 million over five years. The federal funding is aimed at helping rural hospitals fill the gap left by Medicaid cuts

Alongside the passage of billions of dollars in Medicaid spending reductions over a decade, Oklahoma is also vying for an opportunity available to all 50 states to fund sustainable rural health care initiatives.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags

The state of national healthcare has never been quite this tumultuous. As funding hits the chopping block and rural hospitals scramble to prop their doors open, we look to organizations like the MHA to provide much-needed guidance. We'll talk about advocacy leadership, the ripple effect of funding cuts, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/  Follow our guest on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-appel-1b8684b/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/michiganhospitals/posts/?feedView=all https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHospitals

On today's 'Best Of PHRME' episode, ASTHO revisits an interview with Dan Edney, ASTHO member and state health officer with the Mississippi Department of Health, who explains what the state is doing to meet the public health needs of rural communities across the state. This episode also features a segment with Shirley Orr, executive director of the Association of Public Health Nurses and lead speaker for ASTHO's Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab series, who discusses what motivates nurses to enter the public health field. The fifth and final webinar in the series is scheduled for Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. ET. ASTHO Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab Sustaining Accreditation Through Smart Documentation Systems

Send us a textWhat if rural hospitals could thrive instead of just survive?In this episode of CareTalk Executive Features, WVU Medicine President & CEO Albert L. Wright, Jr. joins host David Williams to share how the health system is redefining rural healthcare, expanding access, advancing innovation, and aligning care delivery through initiatives like Peak Health.

Lisa Bari, Vice President of Policy and Partnerships at Innovaccer, shares how public health departments can become better prepared to use AI by addressing their underlying data infrastructure; Angela Davis, Project Coordinator with the Montana Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center at Montana State University, explains how they developed a statewide AmeriCorps program grounded in health to address the population health needs of the highly rural state; a new ASTHO State Health Policy Update describes the legislative changes taking place across the country as a result of recent changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP); and on Wednesday, November 19th, ASTHO will close out its Public Health Nursing Learning Lab Series with a session on Public Health Nursing Workforce Culture. Innovaccer: How State and Local Public Health Leaders can Promote AI and Data Governance Montana State University: Montana State helping launch statewide AmeriCorps program for community health ASTHO Health Policy Update: States Seek Policy Guidance Beyond ACIP Vaccine Recommendations ASTHO Webinar: Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab - A Series

Each day, SDPB brings you statewide news coverage. We then compile those stories into a daily podcast.

Healthcare strategy has a far-reaching impact on patients, systems and communities. Lee Ann Odom is here to share her perspective and insight as a principal at PYA. We'll talk about patient care, healthcare legislation, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/  Follow our guest on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeann-odom-557180126/

In this episode, Lynn Barr of Caravan Health and John Budd of ECG Management Consultants discuss the urgent challenges facing rural hospitals, the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund, and strategies to move beyond short-term fixes toward sustainable care models and new payment approaches.

Catherine Jones, Senior Analyst of Government Affairs at ASTHO, breaks down what states need to know about the application for the Rural Health Transformation Program, and discusses ASTHO's recent partnership with Cornerstone Government Affairs to host two expert panels on the subject; Dr. Lena Heilmann, Director of the Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, shares the strategies her state employed to achieve the lowest youth suicide rate in Colorado since 2007; on October 7th, PHIG Partners will hold an informational Q&A session for agencies interested in applying to Wave 2 of the Public Health Data Modernization Implementation Center Program; and take a trip through the show's past in celebration of today's 1000th episode.  ASTHO Blog: Federal, State, and Stakeholder Perspectives on the Rural Health Transformation Fund Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment: Youth Suicide Rate in Colorado Drops to Lowest Level since 2007, CDPHE Committed to Ensuring Trend Continues ASTHO Blog: Public Health Approaches to Preventing Suicide and Promoting Mental Well-Being ASTHO Report: Public Health's Role in Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention ASTHO Legal Mapping Center: Suicide Prevention Offices and Committees Legal Map PHIG Partners: Public Health Data Modernization IC Program Wave 2 Q&A (Session 2)