Background & Objectives
The Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH) was awarded a Rural Communities Opioid Response Planning Grant in FY 19, funded by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The planning grant, and subsequent implementation grants, allow for the Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium (NMORC) to bring together 50 partners to address the opioid epidemic across a 25-county region in northern lower Michigan, including healthcare facilities, community mental health agencies, local public health agencies, prevention and harm organizations, counseling centers, treatment centers, recovery community resources, law enforcement, and emergency medical services.
In developing the project, the NMORC team discovered a need for coordinated activities to address prevention, treatment, and recovery across rural Michigan. To promote these coordinated activities, MCRH hosts the Rural Michigan Opioid and Substance Use Summit.
The objectives of this conference include:
1. To bring together rural programs addressing Opioid Use Disorder/Substance Use Disorder.
2. To provide relevant education on topics related to Opioid Use Disorder/Substance Use Disorder.
3. For rural programs to share their current projects and promote networking.
4. To develop collaborative program partnerships.
2025 Rural Michigan Opioid and Substance Use Summit
July 17th, 2025
Treetops Resort, Gaylord, MI
Information Coming Soon!
2024 Rural Recovery Hero Award
The Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium and the Michigan Center for Rural Health is proud to present the 2024 Rural Recovery Hero Award to Suzanne Prentice.
Suzanne Prentice, the 2024 “Recovery Hero of the Year,” was honored at the “Rural Michigan Opioid and Substance Use Summit,” hosted by the Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium (NMORC) on July 25, 2024, at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, MI. The summit, an annual event organized by the Michigan Center for Rural Health, brings together professionals and advocates focused on opioid and substance use disorder efforts, particularly in rural Michigan. Suzanne, founder and coordinator of Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition, began her journey in 2014, driven by a deep desire to help families affected by substance use disorders (SUD). Her work has been instrumental in reducing stigma, increasing access to treatment, and building community resilience. Suzanne’s dedication extends to her roles with Up North Prevention, the Grand Traverse Regional Chapter of Face Addiction Now, and other local organizations. Recognized for her compassionate approach and unwavering commitment, Suzanne is celebrated for making a meaningful difference in the lives of those impacted by SUD.