The Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH) has hosted the Michigan Rural Health Conference since 1997. The conference is of interest to a broad range of rural stakeholder 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, stakeholders from local public health, community mental health, substance use disorder treatment centers, and organizations working to positively impact social drivers of health are targeted.
Continuing education certificates are provided for social work, and community health workers.
The objectives of this conference include:
1. Provide an opportunity for rural health stakeholders to share and learn from each other.
2. Provide a networking and collaboration opportunity for rural health stakeholders.
3. Provide current and relevant information to rural health stakeholders
Hotel Block Information
Visit the Soaring Eagle website to make your hotel reservation until April 7th.
Room Block Code: MCRH042523
Please use the drop down menu and select "GROUP" code
Guestroom Rates (subject to availability)
- First Class Room: $125
Rates are applicable from Tuesday April 25th, through Friday April 28th.
Check-In: after 4:00pm
Check-out: 11:00am
2023 Rural Health Professional of the Year
This award is presented to an individual deserving of recognition for their efforts in rural health in Michigan in honor of Loren O. Gettel.
Though many are worthy, MCRH will announce the winner at our Michigan Rural Health Conference, on April 27th, 2023 at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort.
The deadline to nominate is April 6, 2023, at 11:45 pm
Rural Health Professionals of Years Past
In Honor of Loren O. Gettel
Previous Award Winners:
2022 Emily Bergquist, MDHHS Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness & Sam Watson, Michigan Health & Hospital Association & Julie Novak, Michigan State Medical Society & Philip Bergquist, Michigan Primary Care Association & Keisha Sexton, Michigan Rural Health Clinic Network & Kris Nicholoff, Michigan Osteopathic Association & Norm Hess, Michigan Association of Local Public Health
2021- No Award
2020 Duke Anderson, President, CEO, Hillsdale Community Health Center
2019 Mark Hamed, MD, MBA, MPH, Medical Director of McKenzie Health System’s ED/Hospitalist program, Medical Director for Public Health in Sanilac, Tuscola, Huron and Lapeer counties
2018 Andrea Wendling, M.D., Director of Rural Community Health, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University
2017 John Barnas, Executive Director, Michigan Center for Rural Health
2016 Brian Brasser, President, Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Hospitals.
2015 Steve Barnett, President & CEO, McKenzie Health System
2014 Donna Kubic, Managing Director, Beaver Island Rural Health Clinic
2013 Colleen Johnson, Practice Administrator, Lakeshore Medical Centers