Rural Health Today

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode:  U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation Et al., “#StopRansomware: Gunra Ransomware,” August 10, 2026, https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/aa26-222a-stopransomware-gunra-ransomware_508c.pdf.  Giles Bruce, “Gunra ransomware targets hospitals: CISA, FBI issue new warning,” August 12, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/cybersecurity/gunra-ransomware-targets-hospitals-cisa-fbi-issue-new-warning/, Becker’s Health IT.  Department of Health and Human Services, “Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals (IPPS) and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Rates; Requirements for Quality Programs; Other Policy Changes; and Adoption of Updated Versions of Certain Health Information Technology Standards,” https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-08-04/pdf/2026-15833.pdf. Miranda A. Franco & Jennifer F. Hananoki, “CMS Releases Fiscal Year 2027 IPPS and LTCH Final Rule,” August 10, 2026, https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2026/08/cms-releases-fiscal-year-2027-ipps-and-ltch-final-rule, Holland & Knight. Meghan Basler, “CMS Proposes 2.4% IPPS Update for FY 2027 with Targeted Payment Adjustments, DSH Reductions, and Expanded Oversight Across Hospital Policies,” https://www.appliedpolicy.com/cms-proposes-2-4-ipps-update-for-fy-2027-with-targeted-payment-adjustments-dsh-reductions-and-expanded-oversight-across-hospital-policies/, Applied Policy.  Mitch Carr, “Target 7: Southwest Virginia medical school tackles rural healthcare crisis,” August 10, 2026, https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/08/10/target-7bridging-gap-southwest-virginia-medical-school-tackles-rural-healthcare-crisis/, WDBJ7.  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 talking about global healthcare. Chief Executive Officer of Henry Ford Health Bob Riney is here to share his perspective and insights. We’ll talk about big system healthcare delivery, serving rural communities, social determinants of health, and gain some insights into today’s social and political climate toward healthcare 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 Bob Riney on social media! https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=henry%20ford%20health https://www. linkedin.com/company/henry-ford-health/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-riney-6380337/ https://www.instagram.com/henryfordhealth/?hl=en

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode:  Alan Condon, “The payer policy problem draining hospital revenue: 6 things to know,” July 31, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/the-payer-policy-problem-draining-hospital-revenue-6-things-to-know/?origin=BHRE&utm_source=BHRE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C, Becker’s Hospital Review. Healthcare Financial Management Association, “The State of Payer Negotiations: Data, Visibility and Financial Performance,” July 28, 2026, https://www.hfma.org/payment-reimbursement-and-managed-care/the-state-of-payer-negotiations-data-visibility-and-financial-performance/?utm_campaign=Content_HFMA_Daily_FY25&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_sqU-ITZrRHYjTCRg3wX_BPCV_UEg8eQO0vlN23NIY3lBeIVfkOCMVL5EidB4mJqt8Z9fdfBLrCzlCnlctJJCR3svg4OhK4YSNvRAX5xhxnppMlJc&_hsmi=430796013&utm_content=430796013&utm_source=hs_email.  Dede Biles, “Healthcare for the Homeless in Aiken provides assistance and education about local resources,” August 4, 2026, https://www.postandcourier.com/aikenstandard/news/local/aiken-rural-health-services-homeless/article_3f3f5ac4-1685-46d3-905a-65b6a613e64d.html, Aiken Standard. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

Dr. David Miller, CEO of Michigan Medicine and executive vice president for medical affairs the University of Michigan, joins us on today’s episode of Rural Health Today. Today we’re talking about coordinating goals and success across healthcare management, collaborations and patient care. Dr. Miller is here to share his expertise on leading a healthcare organization to improve quality and patient experience. We’ll talk about measuring success, national advocacy, 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 our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcmillermd/https://www.linkedin.com/company/michigan-medicine/https://www.facebook.com/MichiganMedicine

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode:  Congresswoman Erin Houchin, “Houchin Introduces Bipartisan Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act,” July 27, 2026, https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/houchin-introduces-bipartisan-rural-hospital-cybersecurity-enhancement-act.  U.S. Congressman Glenn Thompson, “Thompson Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Rural Hospitals' Cybersecurity Infrastructure,” July 27, 2026, https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-introduces-legislation-strengthen-rural-hospitals.  Kelly Gooch & Kristin Kuchno, “The hospitals, health systems cutting jobs in 2026,” July 29, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/the-hospitals-health-systems-cutting-jobs-in-2026/, Becker’s Hospital Review.  Madeline Scheetz, “Shuttered Chicago hospital to lay off 500,” July 1, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/shuttered-chicago-hospital-plans-mass-layoffs/, Becker’s Hospital Review.  Healthcare Staff Et al., “Fierce Healthcare Layoff Tracker—MaineHealth reorgs hit 83; Tower Health cutting 160 at PA hospital,” July 29, 2026, https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/finance/fierce-healthcare-layoff-tracker-2026-job-cuts-eliminations-health-systems-hospitals, Fierce Healthcare.  Madeline Scheetz, “Kansas hospital CEO to resign amid ‘significant workforce reduction’,” July 23, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/kansas-hospital-ceo-to-resign-amid-significant-workforce-reduction/, Becker’s Hospital Review.  Wil Day, “Layoffs coming as financially troubled Kansas hospital tries to ‘stabilize’,” July 23, 2026, https://www.ksn.com/news/state-regional/pratt-regional-medical-center-layoffs/, KSN News. Kim Chockley, “PRMC Announces Urgent Care Clinic Closure and Critical Financial Situation,” February 18, 2025, https://prmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Feb2025PRMCUpdate.pdf, Pratt Regional Medical Center. Lee Cowan, “Home, not alone: Helping aging seniors in rural America,” July 26, 2026, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/home-not-alone-helping-aging-seniors-in-rural-america/, CBS News. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

We are thrilled to have Benjamin Frederick, associate vice president of advocacy and government relations, with us on today’s episode of Rural Health Today.  Today we’re talking about rural health advocacy. As an advocacy leader in the state of Michigan, Ben’s insights on this topic will help us better understand the changing needs of rural hospitals and how we can lead conversations with legislators to address these needs. We’ll talk about healthcare industry changes, advocacy efforts, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/  Follow our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-frederick-msml-3625201/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/memorial-healthcare/ https://www.facebook.com/memorialhealthcare

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode:  Alan Condon, “CMS proposes Medicaid provider tax rule to cut federal spending by $246B: 8 things to know,” July 22, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cms-proposes-medicaid-provider-tax-rule-to-cut-federal-spending-by-246b-8-things-to-know/, Becker’s Hospital Review.  American Hospital Association, “CMS issues proposed provider tax rule,” July 21, 2026, https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2026-07-21-cms-issues-proposed-provider-tax-rule.  Amani Sampson, MD, MS Et al., “Unequal paths to care: How region, rurality, and deprivation determine transport to verified trauma centers among the critically injured,” August 2026, https://www.surgjournal.com/article/S0039-6060(26)00157-1/fulltext, Surgery Journal. Don Hartley, “Youths Get A Jumpstart on Rural Healthcare At UA,” https://tuscaloosathread.com/alabama-rural-health-pipeline-students/, Tuscaloosa Thread. 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.

Chuck Strand, executive director at Rural Minds, joins us on today’s episode of Rural Health Today. Today we’re talking about mental healthcare access in rural communities. Chuck is here to provide information on the state of mental healthcare, issues in the care models of mental health, and its impact on communities. We’ll talk about stigma, barriers to care, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health. Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/  Follow our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckstrand/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruralmindsus/ https://www.facebook.com/ruralmindsus

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Cyclosporiasis Outbreak with Unknown Source,” July 14, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/index.html.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Clinical Overview of Cyclosporiasis,” February 29, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “About FoodNet,” April 28, 2018, https://www.cdc.gov/foodnet/about/.  American Medical Association, “Cyclospora,” Jul 9, 2026, https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/infectious-diseases/cyclospora.  Lena Sun, “How much did CDC cuts really impact this cyclosporiasis outbreak?,” July 15, 2026, https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/07/15/how-much-did-cdc-cuts-really-impact-this-cyclosporiasis-outbreak/, The Washington Post.  Victoria Forster, “Unresolved Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak Raises Questions About CDC Cuts,” July 14, 2026, https://www.forbes.com/sites/victoriaforster/2026/07/13/unresolved-cyclospora-outbreak-raises-questions-over-cdc-cuts/, Forbes.  Madeline Scheetz, “17 maternity service closures in 2026,” July 14, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/rural-health/rural-workforce/3-maternity-closures-in-3-weeks/, Becker’s Hospital Review.  Cheryl Whitney, “Bridging the distance: Bringing care closer to home for rural Veterans,” July 8, 2026, https://news.va.gov/148097/bringing-care-closer-home-rural-veterans/, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

Rural Health Today is pleased to welcome today’s guest, Brock Sherva, chief executive officer of Northwood Deaconess Health Center in North Dakota. Rural hospitals play a unique and vital role in their communities. In this episode, Brock will share how he’s leading his hospital to close care gaps and serve rural patient populations with the services they need. We’ll talk about nonprofit healthcare, unique service lines, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/  Follow Brock Sherva on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/in/brock-sherva-9b1544a1/ Follow Northwood Deaconess Health Center on social media! https://www.linkedin.com/company/northwood-deaconess-hc/https://www.facebook.com/NDHC1

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

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

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode:  Phil Galewitz & Samantha Liss, “Indiana Takes on Powerful Hospitals by Capping Prices They Charge Employers,” https://kffhealthnews.org/health-industry/hospitals-price-controls-indiana-cap-healthcare-costs-debate/, KFF Health News. Alan Dondon, “Hospital price caps gain momentum across states,” June 30, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/hospital-price-caps-gain-momentum-across-states/, Becker’s Hospital Review. Health Resources and Services Administration, “Lists of Designated Primary Medical Care, Mental Health, and Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas,” July 1, 2026, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/01/2026-13309/lists-of-designated-primary-medical-care-mental-health-and-dental-health-professional-shortage-areas, Federal Register. Andrew Abram et al., “County-Level Differences in Health Professional Shortage Areas by Rurality, Age, and Disability Status,” April, 2026, https://www.ruralhealthresearch.org/publications/1767, University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, Rural Health Research Gateway. Shandra Martinez, “Kids’ Food Basket, schools join to address rural hunger,” June 26, 2026, https://rapidgrowthmedia.com/kids-food-basket-schools-join-to-address-rural-hunger/, Rapid Growth. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

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

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

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

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

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

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Kate Wells, “Michigan Found a Way To Reduce School Vaccine Waivers. Until It Backfired.,” June 3, 2026, https://kffhealthnews.org/public-health/vaccinations-school-vaccine-waivers-michigan-measles-covid-lockdowns/, KFF Health News. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Measles Cases and Outbreaks,” May 29, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html.  Andrew Cass, “720 hospitals at risk of closure, by state,” June 1, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/720-hospitals-at-risk-of-closure-by-state/, Becker’s Hospital Review.  Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, “Rural Hospital at Risk of Closing,” May 2026, https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf. University of Minnesota, “How rural and tribal communities are rewriting the rules for Alzheimer’s prevention,” June 2, 2026, https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/how-rural-and-tribal-communities-are-rewriting-rules-alzheimers-prevention. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

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

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Kate Wells, “Michigan Found a Way To Reduce School Vaccine Waivers. Until It Backfired.,” June 3, 2026, https://kffhealthnews.org/public-health/vaccinations-school-vaccine-waivers-michigan-measles-covid-lockdowns/, KFF Health News. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Measles Cases and Outbreaks,” May 29, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html.  Andrew Cass, “720 hospitals at risk of closure, by state,” June 1, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/720-hospitals-at-risk-of-closure-by-state/, Becker’s Hospital Review.  Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, “Rural Hospital at Risk of Closing,” May 2026, https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/downloads/Rural_Hospitals_at_Risk_of_Closing.pdf. University of Minnesota, “How rural and tribal communities are rewriting the rules for Alzheimer’s prevention,” June 2, 2026, https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/how-rural-and-tribal-communities-are-rewriting-rules-alzheimers-prevention. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

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

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Sarah Kwon, “Cheaper, Alternative Health Plans Are Having a Moment, but Critics Urge Caution,” May 26, 2026, https://kffhealthnews.org/health-industry/alternative-health-plans-growth-sharing-ministries-short-term-aca-premiums/, KFF Health News. John Riggi, “Health Care Cybersecurity Considerations for 2026: This Year’s Top 3 Cyber Risks,” May 15, 2026, https://www.aha.org/news/aha-cyber-intel/2026-05-15-health-care-cybersecurity-considerations-2026-years-top-3-cyber-risks, American Hospital Association. Steve Alder, “Up to 1.8 Million Individuals Affected by NYC Health + Hospitals Data Breach,” May 19, 2026, https://www.hipaajournal.com/nyc-health-hospitals-data-breach-march-26/, The HIPAA Journal. Anna Falvey, “146 rural hospital and health system presidents and CEOs to know | 2026,” April 29, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/146-rural-hospital-and-health-system-presidents-and-ceos-to-know-2026/, Becker’s Hospital Review. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

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

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

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: National Conference of State Legislators, “FY 2027 State Budget Status,” May 7, 2026, https://www.ncsl.org/fiscal/fy-2027-state-budget-status. Robert Tann, “Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs state budget, with Medicaid taking brunt of cuts to close $1 billion gap,” May 8, 2026, https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-new-budget-cuts-medicaid/, The Aspen Times. Liese Klein, “Connecticut hospitals get funding boost as federal Medicaid cuts loom,” May 9, 2026, https://www.ctinsider.com/business/article/connecticut-hospitals-budget-provider-tax-medicaid-22244864.php, CT Insider. Clark Corbin, “Idaho Senate passes rewritten health and welfare budget with additional budget cuts,” March 26, 2026, https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/03/26/idaho-senate-passes-rewritten-health-and-welfare-budget-with-additional-budget-cuts/, Idaho Capital Sun. Jason Bailey, “Budget Agreement Cuts and Freezes Funding for Most Services, Continues to Underfund Medicaid,” April 15, 2026, https://kypolicy.org/budget-agreement-cuts-and-freezes-funding-for-most-services-continues-to-underfund-medicaid/, Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. Roz Brown, “NM's Medicaid program gets state funding boost after federal cuts,” March 26, 2026, https://www.krwg.org/regional/2026-03-26/nms-medicaid-program-gets-state-funding-boost-after-federal-cuts, KRWG Public Media. Hayley DeSilva, “Layoffs, closures tracker: Providence to cut 40 positions,” May 12, 2026, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/staffing/mh-layoffs-closures-healthcare-live-updates/, Modern Healthcare. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

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

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: National Rural Health Association, “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,” February 17, 2026, https://nrha-prod-eastus-be.azure.silvertech.net/NationalRuralHealth/media/Documents/Advocacy/2026/Farm,-Food,-and-Natl-Sec-Act-summary-2-17-26_1.pdf.  Congress.gov, “H.R.7567 - Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,” https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7567/text.  Alan Condon, “‘Dynamics we haven’t experienced before’: Hospitals absorb costs as patients lose coverage, skip Medicaid,” May 5, 2026, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/we-are-dealing-with-dynamics-we-havent-experienced-before-hospitals-absorbing-costs-as-patients-lose-coverage-skip-medicaid/, Becker’s Hospital Review. Steven Martin, “Facing Financial Pressure, Rural Hospitals Adapt to Survive,” May 4, 2026, https://oklahomawatch.org/2026/05/04/facing-financial-pressure-rural-hospitals-adapt-to-survive/, Oklahoma Watch.  Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

We're back for part two with Elizabeth Kutter, vice president and deputy chief counsel at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, joins us on today’s episode of Rural Health Today. Healthcare expenses continue to outpace the cost of living, creating more financial strain for hardworking families across the US. Elizabeth is here to provide her insight as an advocate for healthcare funding in Michigan’s state government. We’ll talk about Medicaid cuts, state budget priorities, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! ⁠https://x.com/RuralHealthPod⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665⁠  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! ⁠https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/⁠ ⁠https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/⁠  Follow our guest! ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-kutter-93b02740/⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/michiganhospitals/posts/?feedView=all⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHospitals

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: Gary L. Roth, DO, “Fact Check: Drug Pricing Savings Are the Lifeline to Community Healthcare Services,” April 30, 2026, https://www.mha.org/newsroom/fact-check-drug-pricing-savings-are-the-lifeline-to-community-healthcare-services/, Michigan Health and Hospital Association.  American Hospital Association, “AHA urges HRSA to act as Eli Lilly threatens 340B discounts over claims data submission policy,” April 27, 2026, https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2026-04-27-aha-urges-hrsa-act-eli-lilly-threatens-340b-discounts-over-claims-data-submission-policy.  American Hospital Association, “Washington Post publishes AHA letter in response to anti-340B editorial,” April 22, 2025, https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2026-04-22-washington-post-publishes-aha-letter-response-anti-340b-editorial. Jennifer Wessel, JD, MPH, “Commercial Insurers’ Payments to Hospitals Closer to Medicare Rates in Arkansas Than in Any Other State,” May 15, 2024, https://achi.net/newsroom/commercial-insurers-payments-to-hospitals-closer-to-medicare-rates-in-arkansas-than-in-any-other-state/, Arkansas Center for Health Improvement. Tess Vrbin, “Low reimbursement rates force Arkansas hospitals to scale back services,” April 21, 2026, https://arkansasadvocate.com/2026/04/21/low-reimbursement-rates-force-arkansas-hospitals-to-scale-back-services/, Arkansas Advocate. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

Elizabeth Kutter, vice president and deputy chief counsel at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, joins us on today’s episode of Rural Health Today. Healthcare expenses continue to outpace the cost of living, creating more financial strain for hardworking families across the US. Elizabeth is here to provide her insight as an advocate for healthcare funding in Michigan’s state government. We’ll talk about Medicaid cuts, state budget priorities, and of course, what it all has to do with rural health.  Follow Rural Health Today on social media! https://x.com/RuralHealthPod https://www.youtube.com/@ruralhealthtoday7665  Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/  Follow our guest! https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-kutter-93b02740/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/michiganhospitals/posts/?feedView=all https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHospitals