A Programming Note: This episode was recorded in February of 2025. As it drops on March 13, 2025, it's important to note that topics and issues raised about Medicaid funding, Congressional Appropriations, a potential Government shutdown, regulatory matters, and funding for key rural health programs have likely changed. In the second of our two-part health policy "Rural Impact on the Road" episode, we continue delving into urgent priorities and then expand the conversation to explore strategies for meaningful community-level engagement that focuses on building relationships and coalitions that help to build "civic muscle."
Michelle's first conversation began at the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Policy Institute in mid-February, where she sat down with Brock Slabach, Chief Operations Officer of the NRHA. The two discussed current challenges and priorities for rural healthcare, focusing on regulatory relief, securing key health programs, addressing the infrastructure needs of aging facilities, the importance of modernizing healthcare infrastructure, and the significant impact of cybersecurity threats on rural health facilities.
Next, Michelle meets with Mark Holmes, PhD, Center Director of The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research. The two discuss the importance of training healthcare providers in rural areas, the impact of research on policy, the need for advocacy to ensure continued funding for rural health research, and the necessity of informed policy-making to improve health outcomes in rural communities.
From there, Michelle met with the Chief Revenue Officer of Mission Mobile Medical Group, Brad Watson. Brad met with Michelle at the NACHC P&I Forum and discussed the impact of public health outreach, particularly in underserved areas. The challenges community health centers face in accessing grant funding. They examine innovative financial models that can support mobile health initiatives without solely relying on grants, aiming to enhance healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
We end this episode with a conversation between Michelle and Becky Payne, President & CEO of The Rippel Foundation, and discuss vital conditions for health and wellbeing, the importance of belonging and civic muscle as central elements of community health, the need for transformational change through shared stewardship, and the role of policy in enabling these conditions.
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