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 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.
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
Where: Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
When: April 24-25th, 2025
**Please note: This registration is for attendees only. Exhibitor and sponsorship registration is now closed.
To book an overnight room, use the group code for the event pricing:
Using the Soaring Eagle Website, go to SoaringEagleCasino.com and choose Book Now
Or by Phone: (877) 232-4532
Contact: Jeanne Marriott, jeanne.marriott@afilliate.msu.edu, for additional information.
Please note: Organizations and potential partners should not register as general attendees.
We encourage you to explore our other upcoming events here: Events | Michigan State University.
Since 1994, the Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH) has celebrated an outstanding rural health professional for achievements they have directed to advance Michigan’s rural health initiatives. The recipient is chosen through a nomination process and is celebrated with a special award during the Annual Michigan Rural Health Conference.
The award is granted to an individual who has carried out exemplary work promoting health in rural areas, shown excellent leadership in improving health care services in rural Michigan, and made worthy contributions to improving the health of the people in rural Michigan.
Previous Award Winners:
2024 Laura Glenn, COO, of Munson Healthcare
2023 Mariah Hesse, CNO, of Sparrow Clinton Hospital
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
Michigan Center for Rural Health
Administrative Assistant
517.355.7979
com.mcrhaa@msu.edu