Michigan Rural Health Conference
The Michigan Center for Rural Health has hosted the Michigan Rural Health Conference since 1997. The conference is of interest to a broad range of rural stakeholders and aims to provide engaging education on relevant topics for rural health providers. The conference is targeted towards those working in rural health, including rural health clinics and hospital settings. In addition, the conference also targets individuals and organizations from local public health, community mental health, substance use disorder treatment centers, and those working to positively impact social drivers of health.
2025 Rural Health Professional of the Year
Kari Granz, Program and Communication Specialist for the Thumb Community Health Partnership, was honored with the 2025 Rural Health Professional of the Year Award at the Michigan Rural Health Conference. Known for her collaboration, innovation, and deep commitment to rural communities, Kari has led impactful initiatives in mental health, workforce development, and access to care - including the Man Therapy campaign, local health career pipelines, and the creation of ThumbCares.org. Her leadership continues to strengthen health outcomes across Michigan’s Thumb region.
Rural Michigan Opioid and Substance Use Summit
The Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium (NMORC), a program of MCRH, hosts its annual summit to unite rural partners across Michigan in addressing substance use. The event features panel discussions, voices of lived experience, and opportunities to share best practices in prevention, treatment, recovery, and workforce development.
2025 Rural Recovery Hero Award
During the Rural Michigan Opioid and Substance Use Summit, Madeleine McConnell, CEO of Sunrise Centre, was recognized as the 2025 Rural Recovery Hero of the Year for her exceptional leadership and advocacy in advancing recovery services across northern Michigan. Known for expanding access to treatment, strengthening partnerships, and championing person-centered care, Madeleine has led impactful efforts including expanding MAT services, launching the Family Recovery Care Team, integrating peer recovery coaches across multiple settings, and guiding Sunrise Centre through significant growth. Her work continues to transform recovery support for rural communities across the region.
Michigan Critical Access Hospital Conference
MCRH hosts the annual Critical Access Hospital Conference to bring together CAH leaders from across the state. This event is invite-only and provides a platform to share best practices, explore innovative strategies, and strengthen Michigan’s CAH community through collaboration and education.
MCRH supports Michigan’s Critical Access Hospitals through the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Grant Program (FLEX Program). FLEX helps strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure by focusing on quality reporting and improvement, financial and operational performance, emergency medical service integration, and population health management.
The CAH Conference is specifically designed for hospital leaders, including CEOs, CFOs, CNOs, and Directors of Patient Safety and Quality, to engage in peer-to-peer learning, build connections, and exchange strategies that improve the sustainability and performance of rural hospitals.
Questions? Contact:
Michigan Center for Rural Health
Administrative Assistant
517.355.7979
com.mcrhaa@msu.edu