RSS Episodes Archive

Episode 178: Surviving & Operating as an Independent Rural Hospital

Over the last fifteen years, it has become increasingly difficult to operate and survive as an independent rural hospital in America. As the healthcare needs of our rural populations continue to grow, it's imperative for hospitals to find ways to remain independent and provide the services their patients need the most. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Jason Merkley, President & CEO at Brookings Health System in South Dakota Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

December 5, 2024

Episode 177: Rural Health Road Trip: The Hoosier State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations, hospital associations, and offices of rural health all tackle issues that support hospitals and healthcare providers' ability to provide care in tier communities. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Cara Veale , Chief Executive Officer of the Indiana Rural Health Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

November 28, 2024

Episode 176: Equipping Rural Communities to Face the Mental Health Crisis

Rural communities in America are facing a significant mental health crisis, but many don't have behavioral services available to them. For the mental health in rural communities to improve, healthcare organizations must equip their organizations, providers and staff with the resources and education they need. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Ed Woods, Board Chair of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

November 21, 2024

Episode 175: Advocating for Mental Health in Rural Michigan

Mental heath is a rising concern in every state, especially for rural areas where access to help is limited. Hospitals and healthcare organizations have a responsibility to advocate for their patient's needs including mental healthcare. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Robert Sheehan, CEO at Community Mental Association of Michigan. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

November 14, 2024

Episode 174; Rural Health Road Trip: The Pelican State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations, hospital associations, and offices of rural health all tackle issues that support hospitals and healthcare providers' ability to provide care in tier communities. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Denae Hebert, Executive Director at Louisiana Rural Health Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

November 7, 2024

Minisode: Forming Partnerships in Rural Health

In this week's minisode, JJ and Rachel talk about forming and maintaining good partnerships in rural health. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 31, 2024

Episode 173: Rural Health Road Trip: The Beaver State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations, hospital associations, and offices of rural health all tackle issues that support hospitals and healthcare providers' ability to provide care in tier communities. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Robert Duehmig, Director of the Oregon Office of Rural Health. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 24, 2024

Episode 172: Rural Health Road Trip: The Keystone State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations, hospital associations, and offices of rural health all tackle issues that support hospitals and healthcare providers' ability to provide care in tier communities. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Lisa Davis, Director of the Office of Rural Health, for the state of Pennsylvania. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 17, 2024

Episode 171: Rural Health Road Trip: The Prairie State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations, hospital associations, and offices of rural health all tackle issues that support hospitals and healthcare providers' ability to provide care in tier communities. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Diane Potts, President of the Illinois Rural Health Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 10, 2024

Episode 170: Rural Health Road Trip: The Magnolia State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations, hospital associations, and offices of rural health all tackle issues that support hospitals and healthcare providers' ability to provide care in tier communities. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak Ryan Kelly, Executive Director of the Mississippi Rural Health Association. Mississippi Rural Health Association https://msrha.org/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 3, 2024

Episode 169: Leading Hospitals With a Clinical Perspective

Healthcare organizations often experience separation between administrative and clinical departments, but hospitals can't truly thrive unless they work together as a cohesive whole. On today's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Dr. Ross Ramsey, President and CEO of Scheurer Health. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

September 26, 2024

Episode 168: Nursing Recruitment & Leadership in Rural Healthcare

Every hospital needs a strong team of nurses to provide reliable patient care and support through every challenge. The role of nursing, interacting most directly with patients and supporting medical staff is absolutely essential for a healthcare organization to thrive. On today's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with two representatives from the Michigan Hospital Association, Lindsay Peters, Senior Director of Field Engagement and Amy Brown, Chief Nursing Officer. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

September 19, 2024

Episode 167: Rural Health Road Trip: The Mount Rushmore State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations, hospital associations, and offices of rural health all tackle issues that support hospitals and healthcare providers' ability to provide care in tier communities. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak Tim Rave, President/CEO South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

September 12, 2024

Episode 166: Providing Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine for Rural Communities

In rural communities, hospitals are struggling to meet their most basic service lines. Amid closures and shortages, comprehensive healthcare is needed more than ever in rural populations. On today's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Bradley Hodshire, Program Director, Hillsdale Hospital Center for Advanced Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

September 5, 2024

Episode 165: Rural Health Road Trip: The Cornhusker State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations, hospital associations, and offices of rural health all tackle issues that support hospitals and healthcare providers' ability to provide care in tier communities. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak Jed Hansen, Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

August 29, 2024

Episode 164: Rural Health Road Trip: The Silver State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations, hospital associations, and offices of rural health all tackle issues that support hospitals and healthcare providers' ability to provide care in tier communities. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak Blayne Osborn, President, Nevada Rural Hospital Partners. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

August 22, 2024

Episode 163: Preserving Maternal Healthcare Services in Rural America

Rural America has faced hundreds of hospital closures over the past decade, but no service is more neglected than maternity care. As OB-GYN services go under, maternal and infant mortality rise, which is the result of a crisis that starts with inadequate payment models. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Harold Miller, President and CEO, Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

August 15, 2024

Episode 162: Rural Health Road Trip: The Old Dominion State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations, hospital associations, and offices of rural health all tackle issues that support hospitals and healthcare providers' ability to provide care in tier communities. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak Beth O'Connor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Health Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

August 8, 2024

Episode 161: Innovating Healthcare Leadership

In every healthcare organization, leadership teams face operational challenges on a daily basis. This requires leaders to develop solutions to serve their staff, patients and communities while optimizing their hospital's performance. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Ben Miles, President of St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

August 1, 2024

Episode 160: How Rural Hospitals are Adapting for the Future of Healthcare

In the past several decades, rural America has witnessed more hospital closures than its communities can afford. To survive, rural hospitals must meet the future with staying power and effective strategies now more than ever. On today's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with John Supplitt, rural health advocate, and former Senior Director of Rural Health Services at the American Hospital Association.

July 25, 2024

Episode 159: Update on the State of Healthcare in Michigan

Hospitals all over Michigan benefit from the leadership and resources provided by the Michigan Hospital Association. With a trustworthy and informed team of healthcare leaders at the helm, this association is a strong advocate and ally for rural hospitals like Hillsdale. On this week's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

July 18, 2024

Episode 158: What the New State Budget Means for Healthcare

The final state budget for fiscal year 2025 was recently passed, and it has a significant impact on healthcare in Michigan. That’s why healthcare advocacy in the budgeting process is a vital part of ensuring the best possible outcome for patients, providers and administration. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. Follow Michigan Health & Hospital Association! https://x.com/MIHospitalAssoc https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHospitals https://www.linkedin.com/company/michiganhospitals/ https://www.instagram.com/mihospitalassoc/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

July 11, 2024

July 4 Special: Live with Mackinac Straits Health System CEO Karen Cheeseman

On today’s fourth of July special episode, we take a listen to a recent Hillsdale Live episode where hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Karen Cheeseman, CEO of Mackinac Straits Health System. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

July 4, 2024

Episode 157: Optimizing Healthcare Operations through Financial Improvement

For healthcare to make a difference, financial wellbeing is essential. Many rural hospitals are struggling with operational stability right now, but with the right approach, they can often regain financial health and strengthen their organization’s mission. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Kevin Rash, managing director at Forvis Mazars US. Follow Forvis Mazars! https://www.forvismazars.us/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/forvismazars-healthcare/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

June 27, 2024

Episode 156: Rural Health Road Trip: The Sooner State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations tackle issues that support their members’ ability to provide care in their rural communities. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Mark Woodring, vice president of the board for the Rural Health Association of Oklahoma as well Professor of Healthcare Administration & Policy at the University of Oklahoma Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

June 20, 2024

Episode 155: No CRNAs, No Surgeries: How Full Practice Authorization Supports Rural Surgical Care

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are the foundation for quality surgical services. When rural hospitals are equipped with exceptional CRNAs, they can provide their community with top-notch surgical care. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jason Flowers, CRNA & Owner of Challenge Anesthesia. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

June 13, 2024

Episode 153: Rural Health Road Trip: The Sunflower State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations tackle issues that support their members’ ability to provide care in their rural communities. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dorothy Hughes, president of the Kansas Rural Health Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow KSRHA! https://www.kansasruralhealth.org/ https://www.facebook.com/KansasRuralHealthAssociation Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

June 6, 2024

Episode 153: Helping Children with Autism Thrive, Including in Rural Communities

Helping our children thrive is a vital part of building healthy communities. As a rural hospital providing a full continuum of care, we know the value of occupational and speech therapy in kids’ lives. Lumen Pediatric Therapy shares our vision for healthy families, and they work to provide evidence-based services that will benefit children with autism. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Nicholle Mehr, Chief Executive Officer at Lumen Pediatric Therapy. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

May 30, 2024

Episode 152: Sustaining Independent Hospitals in Rural America

Independent hospitals exist for the health and wellbeing of their communities. Amidst a rapidly changing healthcare environment, locally controlled rural healthcare organizations can remain autonomous and dedicated to their patient populations. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Terry Scoggin, Chief Executive Officer at Titus Regional Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Titus Regional Medical Center! https://www.facebook.com/titusregional https://twitter.com/titusregional https://www.linkedin.com/company/titus-regional-medical-center/ https://www.instagram.com/titus_regional/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

May 23, 2024

Episode 151: Rural Health Road Trip: The Last Frontier State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations tackle issues that support their members’ ability to provide care in their rural communities. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jared Kosin, president and CEO of the Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow AHHA! https://www.alaskahha.org/ https://www.facebook.com/alaskahha/ https://twitter.com/alaskahha https://www.instagram.com/alaskahha/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

May 16, 2024

Episode 150: Strengthening Maternal Healthcare in Rural Communities

Every community needs maternal and infant healthcare, and yet, many rural areas no longer have access to it. In a time when obstetric care is becoming more and more difficult to find, some rural hospitals are striving to sustain the high-quality birthing services that every woman, infant and family that needs. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jennifer Mewes, RN, OB Leader at Iowa Specialty Hospital. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

May 9, 2024

Episode 149: Rural Health Road Trip: The Tar Heel State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations tackle issues that support their members’ ability to provide care in their rural communities. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Maggie Sauer, Director of the North Carolina Office of Rural Health. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow NCDHHS! https://www.ncdhhs.gov/follow-ncdhhs-social-media https://www.facebook.com/ncdhhs/ https://www.instagram.com/ncdhhs/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncdhhs/ https://twitter.com/ncdhhs https://www.youtube.com/user/ncdhhs/featured Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

May 2, 2024

Episode 148: Rural Health Road Trip: The Volunteer State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations tackle issues that support their members’ ability to provide care in their rural communities. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jacy Warrell, chief executive officer of the Rural Health Association of Tennessee Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow the Rural Health Association of Tennessee! https://www.tnruralhealth.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TNRuralHealth https://twitter.com/TNRuralHealth https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnruralhealth/ https://www.instagram.com/tnruralhealth/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

April 25, 2024

Episode 147: Live from National Council on Mental Wellbeing #NatCon2024

Mental health and substance use treatment organizations are vital to hospitals across the country, especially those serving rural areas where behavioral health providers and services are more limited. These organizations often bridge the gap between a patient boarding in the ER and their safe discharge home, or an inpatient stay and post discharge follow-up care. On todays episode, hosts JJ and Rachel are live in St Louis, MO at the National Council on Mental Wellbeing with guest Annette Dubas, Executive Director, Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations (NABHO). Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

April 18, 2024

Episode 146: Strategies for National Rural Health

Understanding the challenges and opportunities in rural healthcare is necessary for healthcare leaders. Rural hospitals must develop strategies to address these issues for the benefit of their patients and communities. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Amy Elizondo, Chief Strategy Officer for the National Rural Health Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow the Missouri Rural Health Association! https://mrhassociation.org/ https://www.facebook.com/MORuralHealth https://twitter.com/MORuralHealth https://www.linkedin.com/company/missouri-rural-health-association/ https://www.instagram.com/MORuralHealth Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

April 11, 2024

Episode 145: Rural Health Road Trip: The Show-Me State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations tackle issues that support their members’ ability to provide care in their rural communities. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Heidi Lucas, Executive Director of the Missouri Rural Health Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow the Missouri Rural Health Association! https://mrhassociation.org/ https://www.facebook.com/MORuralHealth https://twitter.com/MORuralHealth https://www.linkedin.com/company/missouri-rural-health-association/ https://www.instagram.com/MORuralHealth Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

April 4, 2024

Episode 144: Rural Health Road Trip: The New England States

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations tackle issues that support their members’ ability to provide care in their rural communities. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Andy Lowe, Executive Director of the New England Rural Health Association Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow the New England Rural Health Association! https://www.nerha.org/ https://www.facebook.com/newenglandruralhealth.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-england-rural-health-association/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

March 28, 2024

Episode 143: Rural Health Road Trip: The Old Line State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations tackle issues that support their members’ ability to provide care in their rural communities. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jonathan Dayton, Executive Director of the Maryland Rural Health Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow the Maryland Rural Health Association! https://mdruralhealth.org/ https://www.facebook.com/MDRuralHealth.org https://twitter.com/MDRuralHealth https://www.linkedin.com/company/maryland-rural-health-association-inc/about/ https://www.instagram.com/mdruralhealth/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

March 21, 2024

Episode 142: Rural Health Road Trip: The Peace Garden State

Rural healthcare is much the same and also very different from state to state across the country. State rural healthcare associations tackle issues that support their members’ ability to provide care in their rural communities. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Kylie Nissen, Executive Director at the North Dakota Rural Health Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow NDRHA! https://www.ndrha.org/ https://www.facebook.com/NDRHA Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

March 14, 2024

Episode 141: Advancing Michigan’s Osteopathic Healthcare

Osteopathic medicine is a cornerstone of our national healthcare, and the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) plays a vital role in advancing the practice of osteopathic medicine in our state. The MOA contributes to rural communities by connecting doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) to rural practice opportunities, positively impacting care access for our underserved patient populations. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Kris Nicholoff, Chief Executive Officer, and Jenell Leonard, Strategic Partnership Coordinator, from the Michigan Osteopathic Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Michigan Osteopathic Association! https://www.domoa.org/ https://www.facebook.com/michiganosteopathic https://twitter.com/MichiganDOs https://www.linkedin.com/company/michigan-osteopathic-association/ https://www.instagram.com/michiganosteopathic Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

March 7, 2024

Episode 140: Leveraging Rural Healthcare Partnerships, Part 2

Access to healthcare is vital to rural communities, but as rural healthcare grows more challenging to sustain, many systems have realized they can’t do it on their own. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Andrew Daniels and Angie McConnachie, co-CEOs of Aspire Rural Health System. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Aspire Rural Health System on social media! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554234087697 https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspire-rural-health-system Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

February 29, 2024

Episode 140: Leveraging Rural Healthcare Partnerships, Part 1

Access to healthcare is vital to rural communities, but as rural healthcare grows more challenging to sustain, many hospitals have realized they can’t do it on their own. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Andrew Daniels and Angie McConnachie, co-CEOs of Aspire Rural Health System. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Aspire Rural Health System on social media! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554234087697 https://www.linkedin.com/company/aspire-rural-health-system Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

February 22, 2024

Episode 139: Shaping Rural Healthcare Policy in 2024

Michigan healthcare policy is never standing still. Thanks to rural health policy advocates, we have representation among policy makers, but every hospital needs to be actively aware of the changes in healthcare policy and how they impact hospital operations. On this weeks episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Lauren Lapine, Senior Director of Legislative and Public Policy at the Michigan Hospital Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

February 15, 2024

Episode 138: Advocating for Healthcare Across the Nation

Many rural hospitals around the nation are fighting the same battles in legislation, operations, and workforce. Advocacy and connection are essential to understanding the issues and taking necessary action to make a difference to healthcare in rural areas. On todays episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Chris Mitchell, President and CEO of the Iowa Hospital Association.

February 8, 2024

Episode 137: Michigan Rural Healthcare Legislation Update

Michigan healthcare legislation directly impacts both the day to day activity and long term sustainability of healthcare organizations. If rural hospitals want to be involved, we have to stay updated as we can and rely on connections with rural health advocates. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Adam Carlson, Senior Vice President of Advocacy at the Michigan Hospital Association.

February 1, 2024

Episode 136: Maternity Health

Maternal health is vital to a rural community's well being, especially labor and delivery care. As OB units close all over the country, the rural OB's that remain face growing challenges to keep their doors open. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Hillary Zimmerman, Hillsdale Hospital's Clinical Nurse Manager of Labor and Delivery, about the state of rural maternity health. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

January 25, 2024

Episode 135: Faith and Healing

If you've ever worked in healthcare. you know that healing goes beyond medical treatment. Spiritual well-being is a vital part of a patient's recovery and in healthcare, we have a role in fostering that healing. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Reverend Lucas Miller, Hillsdale Hospital Chaplain. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

January 18, 2024

Episode 134: Mental Health in Pediatric Services

Mental health is a rising issue in pediatric services, especially in rural areas where access to specialized psychiatric care is limited. With the growing need for qualified mental health services, the shortage of psychiatric healthcare professionals becomes all the more relevant. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brittany Brannan, Nurse Practitioner & Pediatric Mental Health Specialist at Viking Psychiatry, about mental health in pediatric services. Visit Viking Psychiatry online! https://www.vikingpsychiatry.com/home-1 Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

January 11, 2024

Episode 133: Health Literacy

As a small-town hospital, health literacy is a vital part of our community’s wellbeing. Healthcare is meant to go beyond the walls of a healthcare facility, so that patients are equipped to improve their health and maintain necessary recovery. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Lance Wells, Medical Director of Emergency Medicine, about health literacy. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

January 4, 2024

Episode 121: Emergency Care in Rural Hospitals, part 2

Emergency rooms are a lifeline for patients and for local hospitals, as they stand in the gap to care for patients who need immediate and significant intervention, while also serving as a gateway to the rest of the hospital and its services. So, how do rural hospitals ensure that their emergency rooms meet the needs of their community, in both clinical quality and patient experience? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Val Hepker, clinical nurse manager and trauma coordinator of emergency services at Hillsdale Hospital. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

December 28, 2023

Episode 131: Rural Hospital Independence & Leadership

As a regional hospital system, healthcare governance and leadership remain local. But the more successful and competitive a regional system is, the more interested larger systems become in acquiring that regional group. So, how do regional hospitals and health systems maintain their independence in an ever-consolidating market? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Bill Manns, President and Chief Executive Officer for Bronson Healthcare, about regional independence and healthcare leadership. Connect with Bronson Healthcare & Bill Manns online! https://www.bronsonhealth.com/ https://www.bronsonhealth.com/social-media/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-manns/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

December 21, 2023

Episode 130: Pharmacy Contracting & Medicine Shortages

The partnership between hospitals and pharmacies is an essential link for quality patient care. As the national healthcare industry faces a major medicine shortage, pharmacies and hospitals are both struggling to find solutions. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Joseph Dula, Executive Vice President of Clinical Services for CPS, about pharmacy contracting and medicine shortages. Visit CPS online! https://cps.com/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

December 14, 2023

Episode 129: Changes in the Mental Health Industry

Mental health services are a crucial piece of the healthcare industry, and with a combined increase in demand and decrease in supply for these services, the collective healthcare system is feeling the squeeze. So, how do rural hospitals adapt to best serve patients in need of mental healthcare? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Mark Eastburg, CEO Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services about mental health services. Follow Mark Eastburg on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-eastburg-13b0239 Follow Pine Rest on social media and online! https://www.pinerest.org/ https://www.facebook.com/PineRest https://twitter.com/PineRestGR https://www.linkedin.com/company/pine-rest-christian-mental-health-services Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

December 7, 2023

Episode 128: Change Management, Part 2: Mergers & Acquisitions

As a community-centered, rural hospital, we know the struggle of existing independently when resources are scarce. Unfortunately, sometimes hospitals have no other choice but to accept a merger or acquisition. How do rural hospitals maintain the trust of their community as they face hard choices and dramatic change? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Letitia Fecher, Vice President, Public & Community Health Systems Practice Lead, with Jarrard Inc. about change management in rural hospital merges and acquisitions. Follow Jarrard Inc. on social media and online! https://jarrardinc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/jarrard-inc https://www.facebook.com/jarrardinc/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

November 30, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are taking time off this week to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Be sure to tune in next week as we resume our weekly episodes!

November 23, 2023

Episode 127: Long COVID

Long COVID is a condition plaguing many Americans in the wake of the pandemic, and treatment for long COVID symptoms isn’t standardized and can be hard to come by. So, how do hospitals care for patients experiencing long COVID symptoms? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with James Jackson, Director of Behavioral Health at the ICU Recovery Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. about long COVID recovery. Visit ICU Recovery online! https://www.icudelirium.org/the-icu-recovery-center-at-vanderbilt Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

November 16, 2023

Episode 126: Building a Strong Hospital Culture

Hospital culture is an essential part of creating a safe and healthy workplace for team members. So, how do rural hospitals create a positive hospital culture, even in today’s challenging healthcare environment? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Stacy Feltz, Chief Administrative Officer at Hillsdale Hospital about building a strong workplace culture. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

November 9, 2023

Episode 125: The EMS Shortage: How Lack of Ambulances Impacts All Medical Transport

Access to medical and ambulance transport is important and often life saving for rural communities with a limited EMS and transport services. So, how do rural hospitals manage the challenge of limited ambulances in their service area? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Robert Dionne, Chief Executive Officer of Ultra EMS about ambulance services in a rural community. Follow Ultra EMS on social media and online! https://twitter.com/ultraemsohio https://www.facebook.com/ultraemsohio https://www.instagram.com/ultraemsohio/ http://ultraems.com/ Follow Robert Dionne on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-dionne-816750263 Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

November 2, 2023

Episode 124: Vascular Care in Rural America

Vascular care is a specialty not always accessible to rural communities, but diagnosis, treatment and surgery for vascular disease is certainly needed by rural Americans. So, how do rural hospitals attract, support and sustain visiting specialists like vascular surgeons to ensure specialty care is available to their communities? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Syed Alam, Vascular Surgeon at Hillsdale Hospital about vascular care in a rural hospital. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 26, 2023

Minisode: Litchfield Merger: Handling Major Change

On this week's minisode, hosts JJ and Rachel do a case study, unpacking the decisions and thought process behind their recent merger of two rural health clinics. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 19, 2023

Episode 123: Change Management Communications

As rural hospitals continue to struggle, facing unprecedented industry-wide challenges in addition to the rural-specific challenges they have been managing for decades, effective change management is more crucial than ever. So, how do rural hospitals develop and execute a change management strategy to support their teams through tumultuous times? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Letitia Fecher, Vice President, Public & Community Health Systems Practice Lead, with Jarrard Inc. about change management in rural hospitals. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 12, 2023

Episode 122: New Hospitals, and New Challenge

Rural hospitals are as unique as the communities they serve, with their own set of demographics, their own geography and their own local history—all of which can be a detriment or an asset to their success as an organization. So, how do rural hospitals leverage their unique positions to best serve their communities and build long-term sustainability? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk Karen Cheeseman, CEO of Mackinac Straits Health System in St. Ignace, Michigan, about meeting the needs of a unique rural community. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 5, 2023

Episode 121: Congressional Legislative Update

For rural healthcare to thrive, proactive representation and response in congress is essential. So, how should hospitals navigate the latest legislative decisions on healthcare policy and rural health budgeting. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer at the National Rural Health Association to get a legislative update on the state of rural healthcare policies. Find National Rural Health Association online! https://www.ruralhealth.us/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

September 28, 2023

Episode 120: Stepping Up to Lead in a Time of Change

Solid executive leadership is essential to the success of any hospital, but the job of a rural hospital president is unique with its own set of challenges and opportunities. So, how do rural hospital presidents set the stage for the future and lead their organizations with purpose? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Helen Johnson, president of Sparrow Eaton Hospital, about stepping into her role as a rural hospital president. Find Sparrow Eaton Hospital online! https://www.sparrow.org/our-hospitals-services/sparrow-hospitals/sparrow-eaton-hospital Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

September 21, 2023

Episode 119: Supporting Physician Assistant Education Though Rural Experiences

Physician Assistants are essential members of the healthcare team whose versatility as providers can help expand access to care in rural communities where it may be harder to recruit a physician. So, how do we prepare more physician assistants for thriving careers in rural environments? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with John McGinnity, professor and director of the Department of PA Medicine at Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine about expanding training opportunities for PAs in rural communities. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

September 14, 2023

Episode 118: The State of Healthcare in Michigan

Today’s healthcare industry is facing a staffing crisis that impacts healthcare providers, hospitals and systems of all sizes, including rural. So, how can healthcare careers be promoted to build and expand the talent pipeline for our industry? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brian Peters, president and CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), about healthcare’s staffing challenges today and how MHA is working to combat them in Michigan. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow the Michigan Health & Hospital Association on social media and online! https://www.mha.org/ https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHospitals/ https://twitter.com/MIHospitalAssoc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/michiganhospitals/ https://www.instagram.com/mihospitalassoc/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

September 7, 2023

Episode 118: Healthcare Information Technology

Electronic medical records and patient portals are becoming a necessary tool for hospitals and healthcare providers to deliver care in today’s world. But implementing, managing and maintaining a functional EMR is time-consuming, expensive and taxing on an organization. So, how do rural hospitals keep their EMRs up-to-date and build a strong foundation for the evolution of their systems in the future? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with David Winn, Vice President of Parkview Connect at Parkview Health in Fort Wayne, Indiana about EMRs in rural hospitals. Find Parkview Connect online! https://www.parkview.com/community/community-connect Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

August 31, 2023

Episode 116: Supporting Hospitals through Field Engagement

Rural hospitals today face unprecedented financial challenges, cybersecurity threats, staffing shortages and more, often feeling like they are on an island, fighting a battle on all sides. So, how do rural hospitals leverage the support of organizations like the American Hospital Association to continue moving forward? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jen Porter, Senior Vice President, Field Engagement at American Hospital Association about the various ways AHA supports hospitals across the country. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Jen Porter on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanetteporter/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

August 24, 2023

Episode 115: Obstetrics in Rural America

As obstetrics care around the country continues to disappear with more than 40% of rural communities without local access to delivery care, providing quality OB services in rural America has never been more important than it is today. So, how do rural hospitals build a robust, sustainable obstetrics program that improves and supports the wellbeing of their community? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Sarah Spencer, OB-GYN, at Hillsdale Hospital about obstetric care in rural hospitals and the challenges they face. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

August 17, 2023

Episode 114: Elder Care in Rural America, Part 3

Home health care is one of the primary ways homebound seniors in rural communities can receive the healthcare they need, but providing that care is no easy feat. So, how do rural homecare providers deliver the best care possible to elderly populations? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Kathy Coe, director of Hillsdale Home Care at Hillsdale Hospital about caring for rural America’s elderly population in their homes. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

August 10, 2023

Episode 113: Sustaining Infusion Services in Rural America

Infusion services are important for many patients—especially those who receive infusions regularly and routinely—so having access to this type of care locally can have a significant impact not only a patient’s health, but their quality of life. So, how do rural hospitals build a sustainable infusion service line to create access for their patients and community? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Randy Holland, Infection Control Officer and Director of Ancillary Services right here at Hillsdale Hospital about infusion services in rural hospitals and how to keep the service line sustainable. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

August 3, 2023

Episode 112: Cardiopulmonary Care & Building Strong Teams

A strong cardiopulmonary team is a critical piece of any hospital, including rural. From emergent to inpatient to outpatient care, they are part of it all. So, how do rural hospitals build that team and support its success long-term? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Val Boyd, cardiopulmonary and sleep lab manager right here at Hillsdale Hospital about cardiopulmonary care in rural hospitals and longevity in a healthcare career. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

July 27, 2023

Episode 111: Emergency Care in Rural Hospitals, Part 1

Emergency services are a lifeline for patients suffering immediate and urgent medical conditions, and in rural America, the local hospital emergency room can be the lifeline that ensures a patient makes it until they can get to a higher level of trauma care. So, how do rural hospitals build robust emergency services and earn the trust communities? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Lance Wells, medical director of emergency medicine, right here at Hillsdale Hospital about providing emergency care in rural communities. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

July 27, 2023

Episode 110: Rural Healthcare Advocacy

It is no secret that struggling rural hospitals and, by extension, the patients they serve need dedicated advocates to ensure long-term sustainability and access to care in rural America. So, how do rural hospitals effectively lobby their elected officials to create positive change in their environment? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Benjamin Frederick, Associate Vice President of Advocacy & Government Relations of Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, Mich. about advocating for rural hospitals. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

July 27, 2023

Episode 113: Cardiopulmonary Care & Building Strong Teams

A strong cardiopulmonary team is a critical piece of any hospital, including rural. From emergent to inpatient to outpatient care, they are part of it all. So, how do rural hospitals build that team and support its success long-term? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Val Boyd, cardiopulmonary and sleep lab manager right here at Hillsdale Hospital about cardiopulmonary care in rural hospitals and longevity in a healthcare career. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

July 27, 2023

Episode 112: Emergency Care in Rural Hospitals, Part 1

Emergency services are a lifeline for patients suffering immediate and urgent medical conditions, and in rural America, the local hospital emergency room can be the lifeline that ensures a patient makes it until they can get to a higher level of trauma care. So, how do rural hospitals build robust emergency services and earn the trust communities? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Lance Wells, medical director of emergency medicine, right here at Hillsdale Hospital about providing emergency care in rural communities. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

July 20, 2023

Episode 111: Rural Healthcare Advocacy

It is no secret that struggling rural hospitals and, by extension, the patients they serve need dedicated advocates to ensure long-term sustainability and access to care in rural America. So, how do rural hospitals effectively lobby their elected officials to create positive change in their environment? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Benjamin Frederick, Associate Vice President of Advocacy & Government Relations of Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, Mich. about advocating for rural hospitals. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

July 13, 2023

Minisode: Hillsdale Strong. Hillsdale First.

On this week's minisode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk about Hillsdale Hospital's latest campaign to connect with their team, patients, the community, and what lessons can be learned from how they connect with their own rural patients. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

July 6, 2023

Episode 109: Cyber Security in a Rural Community

Network security is an important part of any hospital including rural. But rural hospitals may be even more likely targets as bad actors assume there is less security and therefore, more susceptible to breach. How do rural hospitals defy that assumption, ensuring safe networks and secure operations? On today's episode, hosts JJ and Rachel speak with Joshua Daugherty, Network Administrator here at Hillsdale Hospital on what it takes to keep Hillsdale Hospital safe and secure from outside threats. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

June 29, 2023

Episode 108: Expanding Access to Cancer Care in Rural America

Bringing specialty care to rural communities has long been a challenge for rural hospitals, and oncology is one of the most difficult service lines to recruit. At the same time, the prevalence of cancer diagnoses in rural America demonstrates the critical nature of oncological services for those patients. So, how can rural hospitals help their patients access meaningful oncological care? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Sagar Patel, radiation oncologist at Saint Francis Healthcare System in Cape Girardeau, Missouri about access to cancer care in rural America. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

June 22, 2023

Episode 107: The Rural Hospital CNO Certification Experience

Education is the cornerstone of good healthcare, not just for clinical and medical purposes, but also in learning how to effectively manage a hospital. So, how do hospitals help their department heads advance their skills and become stronger leaders? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Meghan Campbell, Chief Nursing Officer for Hillsdale Hospital about her experience in the Rural Hospital CNO Certification program. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

June 15, 2023

Minisode: New Nursing Staff Legislation is Harmful

On today's minisode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk about nurse staffing ratio legislation in Michigan and the impact it could have on rural hospitals. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

June 8, 2023

Episode 106: Payment Transparency & Data

Price transparency has pushed hospitals to publish detailed information about what they charge for their services, including providing good faith estimates to patients. This initiative is a step forward in the effort to make healthcare costs more transparent and accessible for patients, but it may have value for rural hospitals beyond that. So, how do rural hospitals provide accurate prices to the public, while utilizing price transparency data to their advantage? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Martie Ross & Kathy Reep of PYA to discuss price transparency data and how to benefit from it. PYA https://www.pyapc.com/ https://www.pyapc.com/healthcare-transparency/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

June 1, 2023

Episode 105: USDA and Healthcare

Rural communities and rural hospitals benefit from having strong partners at the local, state and federal level, supporting their goals so they can thrive in today’s environment. So, how do agencies like USDA support rural hospitals, and promote their survival? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brandon Fewins, Rural Development State Director for USDA in Michigan about programs and initiatives to support rural healthcare. Michigan Rural Development State Office https://www.rd.usda.gov/mi Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

May 25, 2023

Episode 104: Getting Patients from the ER to the Floor

Emergency room admissions are important for any hospital, but especially rural ones as it is truly the front door of the hospital, feeding patients into other departments to receive all the care they need. But admitting from the ER to the floor is easier said than done. So, how do rural hospitals increase emergency room admissions, decrease transfers and get their patients the care they need? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Carla Wilber, about care delivery models that support ER admissions to the hospital’s inpatient care, minimizing transfers to other facilities. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Stroudwater Associates Study https://www.stroudwater.com/case-study/increasing-admissions-by-creating-a-clinical-care-delivery-spectrum/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

May 18, 2023

Episode 103: Raising Up the Next Generation of Rural Healthcare Professionals

Hospitals have been bracing for healthcare professional shortages for many years now, but those shortages were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic leaving hospitals to contract with staffing agencies at a drastically higher cost with no end in sight. So, how do rural hospitals work in tandem with higher education and workforce development initiatives to raise up the next generation of healthcare professionals? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Geoffrey Roche, Senior Vice President of National Healthcare Practice and Workforce for Core Education and Siena Heights University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreymroche/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

May 11, 2023

Episode 102: How Rural Hospital Closures Affect Cost & Quality

Rural hospital closures have an undeniable effect on local access to care and may also result in a change to the actual cost of care to that population. But, it's the relationship between cost, quality and efficiency that is not always clear. So, how do we better understand the financial access and quality impact rural hospital closures have on affected populations? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Caitlin Carroll, Assistant Professor, Division of Health Policy & Management at the University of Minnesota. Links: Impeding Access or Promoting Efficiency? Effects of Rural Hospital Closure on the Cost and Quality of Care: https://scholar.harvard.edu/ccarroll/publications/impeding-access-or-promoting-efficiency-effects-rural-hospital-closure Care Costs More in Consolidated Health Systems: https://hms.harvard.edu/news/care-costs-more-consolidated-health-systems Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

May 4, 2023

Episode 101: The State of Healthcare in Michigan

The healthcare industry today is facing a number of challenges, and state hospital associations are advocating for and supporting hospitals through it all. So, how do state associations support and engage rural hospitals in these unprecedented times? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brian Peters, president and CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), about healthcare’s challenges today and how MHA is supporting its member hospitals. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow the Michigan Health & Hospital Association on social media and online! https://www.mha.org/ https://www.facebook.com/MichiganHospitals/ https://twitter.com/MIHospitalAssoc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/michiganhospitals/ https://www.instagram.com/mihospitalassoc/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

April 27, 2023

Episode 100: 100th Episode Special

On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel celebrate 100 episodes of Rural Health Rising by looking back to when the podcast started as well as how the podcast will continue to grow in the future. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

April 20, 2023

Episode 99: Farming & Food Insecurity in Rural America

Access to fresh, nutrient-dense foods can be tough for underserved populations in rural communities. So, how do rural hospitals engage the community and support efforts to combat food insecurity? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Denise Lovinger, registered dietician, and Ezra Bertakis, owner of Chef’s Way Farm, about the partnership between the hospital and the farm to combat hunger in their community. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

April 13, 2023

Episode 98: Rural Hospital Closures & Getting the Message Out

Rural hospitals are important to smaller communities but as of now there are more than 200 rural hospitals on the brink of closure. So, how do we raise awareness on rural hospital closures and prevent them from happening? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Steve Gruber, broadcast journalist and host of the Steve Gruber Show. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

April 6, 2023

Episode 96: Why Alternative Payment Models Don’t Work?

Payment models are a hot topic for discussion, debate and development in the healthcare industry today. From consulting firms to associations and other industry influencers, various models are proposed, but they’re not always designed with financial sustainability of rural hospitals in mind. So, how do we differentiate between payment models that could actually work versus rhetoric that won’t? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Harold Miller, CEO of the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform about the variety of payment models being discussed today and which ones are actually viable. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

March 30, 2023

Episode 96: Radiology Services in a Rural Community

Radiology services are very important, but for a rural hospital it can be hard to keep large, expensive technology up-to-date. So, how do we manage cutting-edge radiology services in a rural environment? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jamie Caldwell, Manager of Radiology at Hillsdale Hospital about radiology services and the expensive technology needed to run this service. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

March 23, 2023

Episode 95: Elder Care in Rural America, Part 2

Elder care in rural America is unique—not just while the patient is in the hospital, but also after discharge. Resources in rural communities may be scarcer, access to transportation limited, and other factors that can impact a person’s health after leaving the hospital. So, how do rural hospital case management programs navigate the rural environment to ensure adequate support for elderly patients? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Nicole Kline, Manager of Case Management at Hillsdale Hospital about case management for elderly patients in rural America. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

March 16, 2023

Episode 94: The Rural Hospital “Bystander Effect”

Rural hospital closures continue to rise, leaving rural Americans without local access to healthcare. A recent study analyzed the effect this has on geographically-close hospitals, and the burden on those facilities in the years after closure. So, how do hospitals monitor and measure the potential impact of nearby closures and prevent their own closure? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Shayann Ramedani, alumnus of the Penn State College of Medicine and a transitional year resident at Bassett Network in upstate New York about the rural hospital “bystander effect.” Read about Dr. Ramedani’s Study https://pennstatehealthnews.org/2022/12/rural-hospital-closures-affect-operations-of-surrounding-hospitals/ Follow Dr. Ramedani on social media! https://twitter.com/SRamedani https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayann-ramedani-md-med-33763a99/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

March 9, 2023

Episode 93: Caring for Kids in Rural America

Pediatric care is a core part of the healthcare system in any community, including rural America. But caring for kids in a rural community poses unique challenges and requires a tailored approach to ensure the health and wellbeing of young patients. So, how do rural pediatricians take care of the youngest rural Americans? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Nicholle Ellis, pediatrician at The Pediatric Place in Hillsdale and Chief of Medical Staff for Hillsdale Hospital about caring for children in rural America. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

March 2, 2023

Minisode: Communication With Your Teams

In this week's minisode, JJ and Rachel talk about the challenges plaguing the industry right now, and strategies to keep your workforce engaged and in the loop. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

February 23, 2023

Episode 92: Leadership in Rural Health

Rural hospitals continue to face unprecedented challenges in todays environment with supply chain increases, workforce recruitment and retention, financial woes and more. And as staff burnout, leaders do too. This week, we welcome Sydney Grant, Director of Programming at the National Rural Health Association, to discuss how leaders can gain the education, support and fortitude to shepherd their organization for the years to come. Center For Rural Health Leadership https://www.crhleadership.com/ Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

February 16, 2023

Episode 91: Elder Care in Rural America

Rural communities often have a larger proportion of elderly residence compared to their urban and suburban counterparts, contributing to a larger proportion of elderly patients receiving care in rural hospitals. They are also less likely to have access to support at home, adequate resources , and other factors to take care of themselves after they leave. To help us further understand the issues of elder care in rural America, we welcome this week Dr. Ali Shukr, Director of Hospitalist Medicine here at Hillsdale Hospital. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

February 9, 2023

Episode 90: Rural Obstetrics

Rural obstetrics care is often hampered by a lack of providers, low reimbursement, and limited resources, often leading to closures of birthing centers and OB/GYN practices in rural communities. This week, we speak with a Hillsdale legend, and someone who often has been been the only or one of the only people delivering babies in the community over the past few decades. Today welcome Dr. Alfred Bediako, OB/GYN and Chief of Obstetrics here at Hillsdale Hospital. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

February 2, 2023

Minisode: Payment Reform: The Time is Now

After an illuminating conversation last week with Harold Miller, CEO Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, we talk this week about our thoughts and reactions to the interview. We also discuss ways that rural hospitals can come together to help sway both public opinion and public policy regarding sufficient payment and reimbursement. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

January 26, 2023

Episode 89: Identifying and Advocating for Data Backed Payment Reform

Nearly 30 percent of all rural hospitals in the United States are at risk of closure, including 10 percent at immediate risk of closure. Mixed payment models, fixes that made things worse, and the effect of inflation demand a new look on how rural hospitals are paid and sustained. This week, we welcome Harold Miller, CEO of the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform to talk about alternative payment models across the rural health industry. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

January 19, 2023

Episode 88: Taking Lessons from the Past to Thrive Now and in the Future

Today, we get into the history of rural health as well as taking a look to the future. This week, we welcome someone who has been leading the National Rural Health Association for more than 20 years, and was advocating for hospitals even before that. Our guest today is Alan Morgan, CEO of The National Rural Health Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

January 12, 2023

Minisode: 2023 Look Ahead

On this week's minisode, JJ and Rachel talk about how rural health closed out 2022 and what they're looking forward to in 2023 here on Rural Health Rising. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

January 5, 2023

Episode 87: How Public Health and Healthcare Work Together in Rural Communities

Public health and healthcare play different, but complementary, roles in ensuring the health and wellness of their communities and patients. This relationship was both tested and highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic unlike ever before. So, how do rural hospitals work with their local public health agencies to support their overall health and wellbeing of the people they serve? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Rebecca Burns, Health Officer for the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency (BHSJ) in Michigan about the relationship between public health and healthcare. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow BHSJ on social media and online! https://www.facebook.com/bhsjcha https://www.instagram.com/bhsj_healthagency https://www.bhsj.org/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

December 29, 2022

Episode 86: 2023 State Legislative Priorities

After election season as legislatures and executive offices begin to turnover, newly elected officials have to begin shaping their priorities and engaging with constituents to inform those priorities, often forming brand new relationships in the process. So, how do rural hospitals ensure that they are part of the conversation with newly-elected policy and rule makers from the start? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with State Sen. Elect Joe Bellino of Michigan’s 16th District about the process of engaging newly-elected officials and prioritizing legislation. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow State Sen. Bellino on social media https://twitter.com/jbellinojr https://www.facebook.com/RepJoeBellino Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

December 22, 2022

Episode 85: Rural Health in Remote Areas

Many of America’s critical access hospitals are in geographically-isolated areas, serving sparse populations far from any other hospitals or healthcare facilities. This means they are the sole healthcare provider for their communities, serving a broad range of patients with a broad range of healthcare needs. So, how do these critical access hospitals prioritize care designed for their unique community? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Hunter Nostrant, CEO of Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry, Michigan, about operating a hospital in a geographically-isolated area in Michigan's upper peninsula. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Helen Newberry Joy Hospital on social media or visit online! https://www.facebook.com/helennewberryjoy/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/helen-newberry-joy-hospital-healthcare-center/ https://www.hnjh.org/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

December 15, 2022

Episode 84: Advocating for DSH Funding

Building relationships with state and local elected officials is important for rural hospitals and healthcare providers as they work to advocate for their organizations, their patients and their communities. But accessing those individuals and developing those relationships is not always easy. So, how do rural hospitals effectively engage state and local leaders? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Bruce Caswell, former Michigan state senator, former Michigan state representative and former Hillsdale County commissioner, about the ways rural hospitals can engage with elected officials in their state and community. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

December 9, 2022

Episode 83: Telehealth and NRHA Advocacy Update

Telehealth was brought to the forefront of healthcare delivery models during the COVID-19 pandemic as patients were hesitant to leave their homes and the need for isolation and social distancing required more virtual care. During the public health emergency, telehealth has been reimbursed, but the future of that reimbursement is uncertain as the expected end of the public health emergency looms. So, how do rural hospitals understand and advocate for reimbursement to sustain telehealth as a standard care delivery option. On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Josh Jorgensen, Government Affairs and Policy Director at the National Rural Health Association, to discuss payment models that support rural healthcare's needs for their patients and their communities. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow The HCS Group on social media or visit online! https://www.facebook.com/TheHCSgroup https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehcsgroup/ https://www.hcs-group.com Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

December 1, 2022

Episode 82: Partnerships for High-Tech Imaging

As rural hospitals work to serve their patients locally, accessing state-of-the-art, cutting-edge or advanced imaging technologies can be a barrier, meaning patients either leave town for care or don’t get care at all. So, how do rural hospitals expand their offerings to give patients the care they need at home? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brian Madison, president and CEO of The HCS Group, about the need for advanced imaging in rural communities and how to meet it. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow The HCS Group on social media or visit online! https://www.facebook.com/TheHCSgroup https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehcsgroup/ https://www.hcs-group.com Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

November 24, 2022

Mini-Sode: National Rural Health Day & RHR’s Anniversary!

In celebration of National Rural Health Day and the two-year anniversary of Rural Health Rising, hosts JJ and Rachel discuss what “The Power of Rural” means to them. Celebrate National Rural Health Day using #PowerofRural and #NationalRuralHealthDay on social media! https://www.powerofrural.org Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

November 17, 2022

Episode 81: Reducing Transfers from Rural Hospitals

Rural hospitals often transfer patients for higher levels of care, both from the emergency room and their inpatient units. But sending them to another facility can be detrimental to the hospital, not to mention the hardship it creates for families and loved ones to visit during the patient’s hospitalization out of town. So, how do rural hospitals take care of their patients locally as often as possible? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Doris Whorley, Director of Risk Management, Patient Advocate and Recipient Rights Advisor, about the necessity of transfers and how to minimize them. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

November 10, 2022

Episode 80: A Legislative Legacy: Standing Up and Standing Alone for Rural Hospitals

Rural hospitals need support from their state legislatures to operate in a way that not only allows them to best serve their communities, but to survive in an increasingly challenging environment. Fighting for critical funding is often an uphill battle, especially when that means supporting programs that are unpopular in their community or with their elected officials. So, how do rural hospitals ensure that their voice is heard and their critical needs are met at the state legislative level? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Mike Shirkey, State Senate Majority Leader, about ensuring rural hospitals are heard at the state legislative level. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Sen. Mike Shirkey on social media or visit him online! https://www.facebook.com/MikeShirkeyforMichigan https://twitter.com/senmikeshirkey Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

November 3, 2022

Episode 79: Life as a CRNA in a Rural Hospital

Recruiting specialty and advanced practice providers to rural communities is a challenge for many small hospitals, especially in today’s environment. Retaining enough staff to provide needed coverage is no small feat, especially for critical services like anesthesia that keep other service lines in operation. So, how do rural hospitals recruit and keep excellent providers in their challenging and unique hospital settings? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with John Gadwood, CRNA at Hillsdale Hospital, about managing an advanced practice provider group in rural America. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Northstar Anesthesia on social media or visit them online! https://www.northstaranesthesia.com/ https://www.facebook.com/NorthStarAnes/ https://twitter.com/NorthStarAnes https://instagram.com/northstaranes Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 27, 2022

Episode 78: Making Infusion Centers Possible in Rural America

Specialty outpatient services like infusion can be a risky business for rural hospitals. Such a service requires drugs that come at a very high cost and a challenging reimbursement process that can leave hospitals holding the bag and unable to sustain infusion care for their communities. So, how do rural hospitals find a way to provide specialty services like this without facing financial woes? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jacob Dozier from Community Infusion Solutions about how partners can make specialty services possible for rural hospitals. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Community Infusion Solutions on social media or visit them online! https://www.facebook.com/communityiv/ https://twitter.com/community_ifsol https://www.linkedin.com/company/community-infusion-solutions https://www.communityiv.com Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 20, 2022

Episode 77: Rural Health Policy & Advocacy

Rural hospitals and healthcare providers are constantly facing new challenges as the healthcare industry changes and as regulations shift. At the same time, legislators and federal agencies need to hear from rural hospitals if any new action needs to be taken for their benefit or if coming changes will impact them. Our guest today is Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer for the National Rural Health Association. Make your voice heard to promote NRHA’s rural health FY 2023 Appropriations requests and priorities including extension of LVH/MDH hospitals, rural ambulance payments, 340B protections, telehealth provisions, and sequestration relief. NRHA has developed pre-prepared materials and talking points as guides for these conversations. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow the National Rural Health Association on social media! https://www.facebook.com/ruralhealth/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealth https://twitter.com/NRHA_advocacy https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-rural-health-association/ https://instagram.com/nrha_advocacy Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 13, 2022

Episode 76: Legislative Update

While much of the funding for rural hospitals comes through the federal government, state legislatures also play a key role in funding, supporting and safeguarding their rural hospitals. So, how do rural hospitals ensure their needs are prioritized in the state budget and through state law? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Michigan State Rep. Andrew Fink about funding and representation for rural hospitals. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Rep. Andrew Fink on social media! https://www.facebook.com/RepFink/ https://twitter.com/andrewfinkmi https://instagram.com/andrewfinkmi Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center https://www.instagram.com/hillsdalehospital/ Audio Engineering & Original Music by Kenji Ulmer https://www.kenjiulmer.com/

October 6, 2022

Episode 75; The De-Humanization of Medicine & How to Fix It

Rural hospitals are often praised for their personalized approach of neighbors caring for neighbors, but along with the rest of the healthcare industry, rural providers are not immune to the increasingly less human-centered care that we sometimes see today. To help us understand the importance of more personable and less mechanical care, we welcome Dr. Charles Vear, retired Chief of Staff at our very own Hillsdale Hospital.

September 29, 2022

Episode 74: How Regulations & Industry Trends Impact Rural Hospital Finances

Rural hospitals face significant financial strain to the point of closure for more than 140 hospitals since 2010. Additionally, we are seeing many others facing a high and/or immediate risk of closing in the near future. Today, we dive back into this very important topic with our guest, David Usher, Chief Financial Officer at Ray County Memorial Hospital.

September 22, 2022

Episode 74: Part 2: How the Pandemic Impacted Individuals with Disabilities

This week, JJ and Rachel continue their discussion on how the pandemic impacted individuals with disabilities with Michigan Supreme Court Justice, Richard Bernstein.

September 15, 2022

Episode 73: Part 1: How the Pandemic Impacted Individuals with Disabilities

COVID-19 has had significant impacts on all sectors of the population for the past three years, but has created particular challenges for those with disabilities who use hearing and touch as communication. To help us understand how the critical institutions in our community and state need to support those with disabilities in todays COVID-19 affected world and in case of future pandemics, we welcome Michigan Supreme Court Justice, Richard Bernstein.

September 8, 2022

Episode 72: How Hospital Associations Support & Advocate for Rural Hospitals

In rural healthcare, it is essential to have support advocating for your needs and developing policies that are helpful to rural hospitals while influencing policies that could be hurtful instead. In order to find out how rural hospitals ensure that issues important to them are addressed through effective policies, we welcome Lauren LaPine, Director of Small & Rural Hospitals & Policy Programs at the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.

September 1, 2022

Episode 71: Rural Hospital Representation & Support

Connections between rural hospitals and state wide advocacy organizations that can represent them is crucial to hospital success, and even at times, their survival. These partnerships assist hospitals in providing affordable healthcare to their community, focusing on quality initiatives and even advocating for them with their local legislatures. Our guests this week are Lindsay Peters, Senior Director at MHA, and Brian Peters, Chief Executive Officer at MHA.

August 25, 2022

Episode 70: Data Collection and Analysis in Rural Health

There are many entities that rate and evaluate hospitals for quality, safety and more. However, rural hospitals are often overshadowed or misjudged due to data collection techniques, metric designs that automatically disadvantage rural hospitals with smaller numbers, and the lack of concern for the subsequent misleading results. This week, we welcome someone who specializes in data collection and analysis for rural hospitals as we try and get an accurate picture of the challenges and successes of rural hospitals. Our guest today is Michael Topchik, National Leader of the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

August 18, 2022

Episode 69: Rules & Regs: Navigating a Complex Regulatory Environment

Healthcare is one of the most regulated industries that exist today, and the maze of regulations continues to expand. Today, we zero in on how rural hospitals can deal with the growing complexity of the regulatory environment. Our guest this week is Martie Ross, Office Managing Principal at PYA, and Director of the Center for Rural Health Advancement.

August 11, 2022

Episode 68: Fundraising Initiatives for Rural Hospitals

Gaining community support through fundraising can be difficult for rural hospitals thanks to limited time, resources, and personnel dedicated to this effort. A strong development program however, can bolster the bottom line and more importantly, build affinity towards the hospital among members of the community. Our guest this week is Lisa Alexander, President of CoxHealth Foundation.

August 4, 2022

A Mini-Sode in Two Parts: Strategic Planning, Part II

When it comes to a rural hospital becoming more financially sustainable, having a strategy is critical. This week, JJ and Rachel continue in part 2. of our discussion about the importance of strategic planning.

July 28, 2022

Minisode: Strategic Planning Part I

When it comes to a rural hospital becoming more financially sustainable, having a strategy is critical. This week in part 1, JJ and Rachel sit down to talk about the importance of strategic planning.

July 21, 2022

Episode 67: The Value Proposition in Rural Hospital Partnerships, Part 2

This week, we continue the discussion on the value rural hospitals bring when partnering with larger systems and organizations. Our guest today is Jeff Sommer, Managing Director at Stroudwater Associates.

July 14, 2022

Episode 66: The Value Proposition in Rural Hospital Partnerships

We've talked before about how healthcare partnerships are critical to rural hospitals, but these partnerships are also beneficial to the organizations that we are joining forces with. Today, we look into the value rural hospitals bring to their partner organizations, and how to use that value to leverage more relationships with increased returns. Our guest this week is Eric Shell, Chairman of Stroudwater Associates.

July 7, 2022

Episode 65: Infection Control

Infection control is a term that is now well understood even outside of healthcare thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. This week, we get into the challenges rural hospitals face as they implement their own infection control programs, and how those programs have changed and adapted in response to the pandemic as well as preparing for future outbreaks. Our guest today is Randy Holland, Director of Ancillary Services and Infection Control Officer here at Hillsdale Hospital.

June 30, 2022

Episode 64: Access to Prenatal Care in Rural Communities

Access to prenatal care in rural communities is critical to the health and well-being of mothers and their children, but its often difficult to access, limited in scope, or worse, non existent. To help us take a deeper look into this topic, we welcome Brittany Page, Registered Nurse, at the Bediako Birthing Center here at Hillsdale Hospital.

June 23, 2022

Episode 63: Navigating the Federal Landscape for Rural Hospitals

Connecting with federal government decision makers is an important t part of rural hospital advocacy efforts. But without a Washington DC base, it's not easy to cultivate those relationships. This week, we welcome someone who has partnered with Hillsdale Hospital to help cultivate political relationships. Our guest is Mark Mcintyre, Co-founder and Principal of Merchant Mcintyre Associates.

June 16, 2022

Episode 62: 340B Discount Drug Program: Making Drugs More Affordable

As rural hospitals work to provide the best quality of care for their patients, while maintaining financial solvency, programs like 340B can help make drugs more affordable. 340B and other programs can make or break a hospitals ability to remain financially solvent. But 340B is currently under threat from the pharmaceutical industry and others who would like to see it discontinued or scaled back. This week, we welcome Jeff Kauffman, Director of Pharmacy right here at Hillsdale Hospital.

June 9, 2022

Minisode: Financial Stability in the Post-Pandemic World

Last week we discussed the myriad of headlines relating to financial losses hospitals are facing across the country. Since then we've seen even more headlines on hospitals posting significant financial losses. JJ and Rachel sit down to discuss possible solutions for hospitals as well as what the public can do to advocate for their hospitals, especially rural. National Rural Health Association: ruralhealth.us

June 2, 2022

Minisode: Increase in Critical Access Hospital Closures

This week, JJ and Rachel sit down to talk about the healthcare industry's aftershocks coming on after the pandemic. We also look into some of the factors contributing to the financial situation rural hospitals find themselves in today.

May 26, 2022

Episode 61: Nurse Practitioners Filling Provider Gaps

We've talked quite a bit about provider recruitment challenges that rural hospitals face, and discussed on a previous episode developing a talent pipeline for nurse practitioners. Today, we are talking big picture about the role nurse practitioners play in our total continuum of care. Our guest today is April Kapu, President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

May 19, 2022

Episode 60: Patient Experience

The patient experience is not a new topic for healthcare, for rural hospitals or even for this podcast. But it’s so central to what we do and it’s a little unique in the rural environment. To dive deeper into this topic, we're talking this week to Lori Strahm, Director of Patient Experience and Strategic Partnerships for Parkview Health.

May 12, 2022

Minisode: Labor Market Competition & Hospital Consolidation

This week, JJ and Rachel sit down to talk about mergers, acquisitions and the consolidation of healthcare services in America. In addition, they examine recent data released by the Treasury Department's State of Labor Market Competition Report, and how it relates to rural health and healthcare. State of Labor Market Competition Report: https://home.treasury.https://drive.google.com/file/d/146qC2uLgRO8bjyxi6aZniSgdfG8sMNNi/view?usp=sharinggov/system/files/136/State-of-Labor-Market-Competition-2022.pdf

May 5, 2022

Episode 59: Health Policy at the State Level

We talk about healthcare policy often, and when we talk about long-term financial stability for rural hospitals, we’re usually talking about federal policy as it relates to reimbursements, payment structures, etc. But state-level healthcare policy also has a significant impact on rural hospitals. Our guest today is state Rep. Bronna Kahle serving Michigan’s 57th district.

April 28, 2022

Episode 58: Chronic Disease & Nutrition

We know chronic disease is a major concern in rural America, often coming on Community Health Needs Assessments as a key priority area with diabetes in particular. Is diabetes more prevalent in rural communities? What contributes to that? To help us answer these questions, we welcome Denise Lovinger, Director of Outpatient Dietician Programs here at Hillsdale Hospital.

April 21, 2022

Episode 57: The Education Ladder: From Patient Care Tech to Nurse Practitioner

Recruiting has never been a hotter topic in healthcare than it is today. Hospitals across the country are plagued with staffing shortages. In addition to recruiting new staff, advancing the staff we already have is a key strategy, particularly in rural healthcare. Our guest this week is Sarah Butler, Director of Behavioral Heath Services & Nurse Practitioner here at Hillsdale Hospital.

April 14, 2022

Minisode: What Now? Navigating the Post-Pandemic Era

This week, JJ and Rachel sit down to talk about how the rural healthcare industry will look as we start to move past the pandemic.

April 7, 2022

Episode 56: Rural Hospitals Advocating for One Another

Rural hospital leaders are more than just administrators keeping their own hospitals and healthcare services running—many of them are using their voices to be rural health advocates, speaking out on issues that affect all of us in rural healthcare. We’re speaking with someone who has worked hard in his position as a rural hospital CEO to promote the needs of rural healthcare, to the benefit of all of us. Our guest this week is Steve Barnett, President & CEO of McKenzie Health System in Sandusky, Michigan.

March 31, 2022

Episode 55: The Fight for EMRs & Tech Infrastructure

To provide the best possible patient care in today’s environment, hospitals and healthcare providers must have a strong IT infrastructure with systems to manage and support every part of patient care, which often comes at a high cost. This week, we’re speaking with someone who has a great deal of experience navigating the IT infrastructure of hospitals and helping them to establish the right platforms and processes to optimize their workflows and ultimately provide the best care possible. Our guest is Barry Mathis, Consulting Principal, PYA.

March 24, 2022

Minisode: Travel Nursing Agencies: Create Scarcity & Control Supply

This week, JJ and Rachel discuss the ever rising costs that travel nursing agencies are charging to fill staffing shortages in hospitals and the domino-effect that has on health care.

March 17, 2022

Episode 54: Rural Health Policy & Advocacy Part 2

The healthcare industry is not homogenous and rural hospitals know that better than anyone. Legislations that paint with a broad brush often leaves rural hospitals unsupported at best and disadvantaged at worst. This week, we welcome Josh Jorgensen, Government Affairs & Policy Director for the National Rural Heath Association, who engages in the important work of advocating for rural health on a daily basis.

March 10, 2022

Episode 53: Rural Health Policy & Advocacy

This week we welcome a passionate advocate for rural health who continually brings awareness to the healthcare challenges, successes and opportunities facing rural America. Our guest today is Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer for the National Rural Health Association.

March 3, 2022

Episode 52: Healthcare Industry News & Trends

There is so much in healthcare that we as leaders need to understand and keep track of to do our jobs effectively. Whether it’s trends in technology, best practices, proposed legislation or anything else, we need to know what’s going on in our industry. Our guest today is Scott Becker, Publisher of Becker’s Healthcare.

February 24, 2022

Episode 51: Nursing Recruitment, Retention and Advancement

We’ve been talked about staffing challenges for months now in healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic just accelerated a trend we were already seeing before the pandemic—we knew nursing shortages were coming and then the pandemic brought that on much earlier than anticipated. This week, we talk to someone who is in the thick of this right now. We’re happy to have back with us Meghan Campbell, Chief Nursing Officer, for Hillsdale Hospital.

February 17, 2022

Episode 50: Congressional Update

In rural healthcare, we are constantly working with our elected officials and advocating for the needs of our rural hospitals and communities. This week, we welcome back US Rep. Tim Walberg, representing Michigan's seventh congressional district for an update from our nation's capitol.

February 10, 2022

Episode 49: State Government Update

In rural healthcare, we are constantly evaluating at the landscape all around us, beyond just rural heath. This includes working with our elected officials, which plays a huge role in shaping the landscape of rural healthcare and our communities. This week, we welcome back Rep. Andrew Fink to discuss the issues that are impacting rural health and rural communities.

February 3, 2022

Episode 48: Community Needs Health Assessment

In rural health, we tend to have a very close relationship with our patients and our communities because we are always caring for our neighbors, our family, and our friends. These relationships are very close and meaningful. This week, we talk about the process in place to ensure that we are responding to the unique challenges in our own community when it comes to their important health. Our guest is John Robertson, Chief Quality, Information and Technology Officer at Hillsdale Hospital.

January 27, 2022

Episode 47: Part 2: Experience & Engagement: The State of the Caregiver

Employee engagement is a major focus of hospitals around the country, especially rural hospitals because it is central to how patients are cared for each and everyday. This week, we welcome back Josh Stafford for part two of our interview.

January 20, 2022

Episode 47: Experience & Engagement: The State of the Patient

The experience a patient and their family has with a hospital or healthcare provider can affect a multitude of things including clinical outcomes, patient loyalty, and even reimbursement for healthcare services. Success in each of these areas is critical to the survival of rural hospitals. Our guest today is Josh Stafford, Account Director at Press Ganey.

January 13, 2022

Minisode: The Eye of the Hurricane

This week JJ and Rachel give us an update on the vaccine mandate. We discuss the complex and often overlooked outcomes a mandate has on a rural hospital as well as the community it serves.

January 6, 2022

Minisode: 2021 Recap

This week, JJ and Rachel look back and reflect on an eventful 2021 as well as look forward to what the future holds for Hillsdale Hospital.

December 23, 2021

Episode 46: What Role Does Faith Play in Our Decision to Vaccinate?

This week, JJ and Rachel discuss the role faith plays in making a decision on vaccination, something that can be difficult to talk about in the effort to encourage more people to get vaccinated. To help navigate us through this complex topic, our guest today is Reverend Lucas Miller, Pastoral Care Director here at Hillsdale Hospital.

December 16, 2021

Minisode: How Safety Ratings Confuse Patients & Dog Rural Hospitals

This week, JJ and Rachel discuss hospital safety ratings and how they might not be as helpful as they sound.

December 9, 2021

Episode 45: The Opioid Crisis in Rural Communities

The opioid crisis in America is something that is impactful in each community in our nation. It affects our rural healthcare systems, communities and health outcomes. This week, we are talking with someone who is passionate about ending this epidemic. Our guest today is JJ Fontana, CRNA at the Center for Pain Management at Hillsdale Hospital.

December 2, 2021

Episode 44: The Relationship Between Quality of Place & Rural Healthcare

We've often discussed how critical rural healthcare is as a pillar of rural economies. But strong rural economies are equally important to rural healthcare. Today we are talking to someone with quite a track record of developing rural economies by making them great places to live. Our guest today is Jaime Medlock, President and CEO of Group Stellar.

November 18, 2021

Minisode: The Mandate is Here

With the arrival of the federal vaccine mandate, JJ and Rachel examine what this means for Hillsdale Hospital and how this impacts everything from personal/religious beliefs to employee recruitment and retention.

November 11, 2021

Episode 43: Population Health Research & Management with The Lincoln Project

Population health management is critically important for rural communities where health outcomes are often poorer than in non-rural communities, leaving rural Americans naturally disadvantaged when it comes to their health and all that it impacts in their lives. Our guest today is Chip Pursell, Principal Investigator of The Lincoln Project in Eastern Arkansas and Eastern North Carolina.

November 4, 2021

Episode 42: Rural Healthcare in Isolated Communities

Rural hospitals typically serve smaller populations, but today, we are talking about rural hospitals that serve geographically isolated locations. Our guest today is David Jahn, President and CEO of War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

October 28, 2021

Minisode: Vaccine Mandate

This week JJ and Rachel discuss the potential ramifications of the upcoming federal vaccine mandate, and how the mandate could affect rural hospitals and the communities they serve.

October 21, 2021

Episode 41: Favorite Moments, Behind-the-Scenes and Outtakes

With Hillsdale Hospital receiving a record number of COVID cases, it's all hands on deck at the hospital. So, we don't have a traditional episode for you this week, but instead we have a small collection of some of our favorite past moments, as well as some outtakes and behind-the-scenes audio.

October 14, 2021

Episode 40: Virtual Hospital During COVID-19

This week, we are discussing one hospital's creative solution to manage the health of their growing number of COVID-19 patients. A system implemented early in the pandemic and used ever since. Our guests today are Kathy Bailey, CEO and Dr. Anthony Frank, CMO, of UNC Health Blue Ridge.

October 7, 2021

Minisode: COVID-19 in Rural Hospitals

This week, JJ and Rachel discuss the challenges posed to rural hospitals from the pandemic as cases increase, and while some hospitals are seeing some of the worst surges their communities have experienced.

September 30, 2021

Episode 39: Bringing Specialties Back to Rural Hospitals

This week, are talking about specialty care and how rural hospitals can bring back services and service lines that may have left their communities for one reason or another. Our guest today is Nicholle Mehr, Chief Strategy Officer at Hillsdale Hospital as well as President and CEO of The Mehr Group. The Mehr Group: themehrgroup.com

September 23, 2021

Episode 38: Cultivating Talent from Floor Nurse to CNO

This week, we talk about growing and cultivating our own talent here at Hillsdale Hospital. Our guest today is Chief Nursing Office, Megan Campbell.

September 16, 2021

Episode 37: Rural Nursing Education

Today, we talk about the challenges rural hospitals face when recruiting providers to their communities. We also learn about an innovative program, designed to educate and recruit nurses to rural communities. Our guest today is Nichole Rouhana, Director of Graduate Nursing at the Decker School of Nursing at Binghamton University, in Binghamton New York.

September 9, 2021

Minisode: Partnerships for the People

This week, Rachel and JJ discuss how good partnerships with larger systems can benefit rural hospitals, and how those partnerships can ultimately benefit the patient.

September 2, 2021

Minisode: The Sinister Tactics to Swallow Rural Health

This week, JJ and Rachel take their gloves off to discuss the often sinister tactics used by large hospital systems when attempting to acquire smaller, rural hospitals.

August 26, 2021

Episode 36: Capital & Financing Strategies

Today we are talking about capital formation and debt management strategies for rural hospitals and healthcare providers. Our guest today is Shelley Aronson, President of First River Advisory

August 19, 2021

Episode 35: Pushing Through

Today we talk about leading through adversity in the rural hospital world. We know rural hospitals face significant challenges and leaders have to rise to the occasion to push through. Our guest today is Lili Petricevic, Chief Executive Officer at Sheridan Community Hospital.

August 12, 2021

Episode 34: Healthcare vs. Public Health in Rural Communities

Today we are talking about the differences between healthcare providers and public health agencies in rural communities--two groups that have been challenged more than ever before in the wake of a global pandemic. Our guest today is John Robertson, Chief Quality, Information & Technology Officer for Hillsdale Hospital.

August 5, 2021

Episode 33: The Health of Critical Access Communities

Today we are talking about critical access hospitals and how they impact the health of the communities they serve. We’ve discussed critical access hospitals before, but now we’re going to look at a recent study about the health outcomes of communities with critical access hospitals, particularly in comparison to rural communities without them. Our guest today is Dr. Tony Slonim, President & CEO of Renown Health in Reno, Nevada. Links to Dr. Slonim's Studies Latest Study: Exploring the Relationship Between Critical Access Hospitals and Rural County Health, June 2021 https://bit.ly/2VhFUrx Study Discussed in Rural Health Rising Episode 7: Challenges confronting rural hospitals accentuated during COVID-19, September 2020 https://bit.ly/3l7Clir Past Study: Critical Outcomes: Clinical & Team Performance Across Acute Illness Scenarios in Emergency Departments of Critical Access Hospitals, June 2012 https://bit.ly/3lhBSdk

July 29, 2021

Episode 32: Strategy That Lets Rural Compete

Today we talk about strategy in rural healthcare, and the specialty and supportive services that patients need. Our guest this week is Nicholle Mehr, Chief Strategy Officer at Hillsdale Hospital.

July 22, 2021

Episode 31: The Road to the Rural CEO

This week, JJ and Rachel discuss the importance of effective leadership from a CEO, and we also learn about JJ's journey to becoming Hillsdale Hospital's CEO.

July 15, 2021

Episode 30: 30th Episode Special

JJ and Rachel look back on how the podcast started and reflect on their favorite moments from the last 30 episodes, as well as where the show is going in the future.

July 8, 2021

Episode 29: Population Health & ACOs

Population health management is a major focus for healthcare organizations across the country. Our guest today is John Barnas, Executive Director of the Michigan Center for Rural Health.

July 1, 2021

Episode 28: Part 2: Rural Hospital-Based Medicine

This week, part 2 of our interview with Dr. Ali Shukr, as we continue to discuss what many consider to be traditional hospital care: inpatient, acute care.

June 24, 2021

Episode 28: Part 1: Rural Hospital-Based Medicine

This week, we dig in to what many consider to be traditional hospital care: inpatient, acute care. Our guest today is Hillsdale Hospital's very own Dr. Ali Shukr, Medical Director of Hospital Medicine.

June 17, 2021

Episode 27: Risk in the Rural Environment

Risk management is an element of running and sustaining a health care organization that often is an afterthought when discussing healthcare operations and challenges. Our guest today is Doris Whorley, Queen of Hillsdale Hospital.

June 10, 2021

Minisode: Our First Rural Health Experience

This week, Rachel and JJ reflect on their first experiences with rural health and how it impacted their lives and careers.

June 3, 2021

Episode 26: Pillars: Growth

We finish up our pillars series with part five: growth. Our guest today is Paula Autry, Senior Vice President and CEO for Henry Ford Health Systems Central Market and President and CEO of Henry Ford Allegiance Health.

May 27, 2021

Episode 25: Pillars: Finance

We continue our pillars series with part four: finance. Our guest today is Mark Gross, Chief Financial Officer at our very own Hillsdale Hospital.

May 20, 2021

Episode 24: Pillars: Quality

Today, we focus on the third part of our Pillars series: quality. Our guest is Yvonne Anderson, Accreditation and Employee Health Director at Sparrow Health System.

May 13, 2021

Episode 23: Pillars: Service

Providing an excellent standard of service has become more and more important in the healthcare world. Hospitals and health systems are finding new ways to enhance the level of service they provide their patients. Our guest today is Dr. Kurt Roecker, Medical Director of Outpatient Primary Care Clinics for Hillsdale Hospital.

May 6, 2021

Episode 22: Pillars: People

We kick off our pillars series, with people because it truly is central to everything we do. And today we’re going to learn about cultivating great relationships with and among our team. Our guest today is Mark Noon, Principal of Leadership10.

April 29, 2021

Episode 21: The Five Pillars of Healthcare

Today we kick off our series on the five healthcare pillars that we center our operations on. Each week for the next five, we’ll do a deep dive into one of these pillars.

April 22, 2021

Episode 20: Healthcare Policy

One of the most important areas of focus for us is the environment in which rural hospitals operate and how policy can directly and decisively help or hurt our ability to continue taking care of our communities. Our guest today is Samuel Chen, Principal Director of The Liddell Group

April 15, 2021

Episode 19: Recruiting & Retaining the Rural Hospital Team

This week we’re focusing in on the challenges that come with recruiting and retaining the entire workforce in a rural hospital—not just the leadership team. Our guest today is Stacy Feltz, Chief Administrative Officer right here at Hillsdale Hospital.

April 8, 2021

Episode 18: Burnout in Rural Health Leadership

The job of a rural hospital leader is a tough job to be in and it can really take its toll without the proper support, education and peer network to help get you through. Our guest today is Bill Auxier, CEO of the Center for Rural Health Leadership and host of the Rural Health Leadership Radio podcast.

April 1, 2021

Minisode: The Best Care is Local

JJ and Rachel discuss their thoughts on why the best care is local, and what it means to the communities they serve.

March 25, 2021

Episode 17: The 5Ps: Payment

The final installment of our series on the 5Ps we learned from Mark Holmes of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center. Today we’re wrapping up with the fifth P: payment. Our guest today is Opal Greenway, Director of Stroudwater Associates

March 18, 2021

Episode 16: The 5Ps: Practice

The fourth installment of our series on the 5Ps we learned from Mark Holmes of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center. Today we’re covering Practice. Our guest today is Seth Gibson, Director of Outpatient Services for Hillsdale Hospital.

March 11, 2021

Episode 15: The 5 Ps of Rural Health: Profitability

We are on part 4 of our series on the 5Ps we learned from Mark Holmes of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center. Today we’re talking about profitability. Our guest today is newly-elected state Representative Andrew Fink representing District 58 in Michigan.

March 4, 2021

Episode 14: The 5 Ps of Rural Health: Policy

We are on part 2 of our series on the 5Ps we learned from Mark Holmes of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center. We covered population in part 1 and now we’ve made it to policy.Our guest today is Representative Tim Walberg, United States Congressman representing Michigan’s seventh congressional district.

February 25, 2021

Episode 13: The 5 Ps of Rural Health: Population

Population is critical to rural hospitals, not only from a patient volumes perspective, but also when it comes to recruiting talent, retaining talent, and improving the payer mix. Our guest today is Sue Smith, Executive Director of the Hillsdale County Economic Development Partnership.

February 18, 2021

Episode 12: Rural Hospital Closures

Today we’re talking about rural hospital closures. How big is this problem? Our guest today is Mark Holmes, director of the North Carolina Rural Health Research Center at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

February 11, 2021

Episode 11: Resourcefulness & Resilience in Rural Healthcare

Today we’re talking about resourcefulness in rural healthcare. How rural hospitals and healthcare providers get creative to get things done. Our guest today is John Supplitt, Senior Director of Field Engagement for Rural Health Services at the American Hospital Association.

February 4, 2021

Episode 10: The Epidemiology of COVID-19

Today we’re talking about the epidemiology of COVID-19, how it’s affected rural America differently than urban and suburban areas, and the impact of testing in the fight against pandemic. Our guest today is Jon Baker, Director of Labs for Sparrow Health Systems in Lansing, Michigan.

January 28, 2021

Episode 9: Rural Health Finance

Today we’re talking about rural health finance. Our guest is Gregg Beeg, President & CEO of Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Michigan.

January 21, 2021

Episode 8: Independent or Interdependent?

Today we’re talking about partnerships and collaborations that help rural hospitals provide more types of care to their communities. Our guest today is Brian Long, CEO of Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, Michigan.

January 14, 2021

Episode 7: COVID-19 Spotlights Rural Health Challenges

Today we’re talking about the COVID-19 pandemic specifically, we’re going to focus on the effects it has had on rural hospitals and healthcare systems. Our guest today is Dr. Anthony Slonim, President & CEO of Renown Health in Reno, Nevada.

January 7, 2021

Episode 6: Partnerships in Specialty Care

Partnerships and affiliations help rural hospitals and healthcare providers expand and sustain access to care in their communities. Our guest today is Chris Lutes, Executive Vice President and Group Operating Officer for SCP Health.

December 31, 2020

Teaser: What’s Coming in 2021

We do not have a new episode for you this week, but we want to give you a little preview of what’s coming up in the New Year, plus ask for your help!

December 24, 2020

Episode 5: COVID-19 in Rural America

Today we’re talking about COVID-19 in rural hospitals—what are we seeing in our hospital and how we and our rural counterparts handle the challenges it brings. Our guest today is Loren Corbin, Chief Nursing Officer at Hillsdale Hospital

December 17, 2020

Rural Health Rising

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