Questions? Contact
Michigan Center for Rural Health
Administrative Assistant
517.355.7979
com.mcrhaa@msu.edu
Table of Contents
Rural Michigan Opioid and Substance Use Summit
July 17th, 2025
Treetops Resort
3962 Wilkinson Road, Gaylord, MI 49753
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.
Questions? Contact
Laura Stoddard, MHA
laura.mispelon@affiliate.msu.edu
Why Attend the Summit?
Join us for a powerful day of learning, connection, and inspiration:
- Highlighted Rural Success Stories: Learn from effective, evidence-based strategies that are making a real impact across Michigan’s rural regions.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Engage with leaders from healthcare, behavioral health, public health, education, and community organizations to explore solutions that span sectors and systems.
- Workforce Development Focus: Discover tools and initiatives that support and grow the rural workforce needed to sustain prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.
- Recovery-Centered Conversations: Hear from individuals with lived experience and explore ways to build recovery capital and strengthen recovery ecosystems in your community.
Attending the Rural Michigan Opioid and Substance Use Summit
The Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium (NMORC), a program of the Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH), proudly hosts its annual summit, bringing together rural partners and leaders dedicated to addressing substance use across Michigan. This summit serves as a vital platform for connection, learning, and collaboration, where rural partners gather to exchange best practices and explore solutions focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, and workforce development.
Who Should Attend?
- Behavioral Health Professionals
- Public Health Professionals
- Law Enforcement
- Community Mental Health Providers
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professionals
- Rural Health Clinics, FQHCs, and Hospital Staff
- Anyone Passionate About Addressing Substance Use in Rural Michigan!
Registration Deadline: June 2, 2025
One-day Summit | $70
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, full refunds will be provided for cancellations made more than 10 days prior to the event. No refunds available within 10 days of event.
Questions? Contact
Administration Assistants
com.mcrhaa@msu.edu | 517-355-7979
Rural Recovery Hero of the Year Award
The Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH) and the Northern Michigan Opioid Response Consortium (NMORC) are excited to announce the third annual Rural Recovery Hero of the Year Award.
This award recognizes outstanding individuals from grass-roots organizations, medical and mental health professionals, and various other community stakeholders who are true advocates for substance use and opioid use disorder. This award will shine a light on those who tirelessly work to reduce stigma, change cultural norms, increase access to treatment, and build a better living environment for those affected by substance use and opioid use disorder in rural Michigan.
Questions? Contact
Laura Stoddard, MHA
laura.mispelon@affiliate.msu.edu
Nomination Information
- Provide specific examples from the last three years of their work in advocating for the substance use and opioid use disorder population.
- Provide specific examples of their ability to reduce stigma and build a better living environment for those affected by substance use or opioid use disorder.
- Provide specific examples of this individual's leadership skills that promote change and inspire others to end substance use and opioid use disorder in rural Michigan.
Please submit your nominations by the end of the day on June 18, 2025. This award will be announced at the 2025 Rural Michigan Opioid and Substance Use Summit, which will be held on July 17, 2025, at Treetops in Gaylord, Michigan.
Lodging
The 2025 Rural Michigan Opioid and Substance Use Summit will take place at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan on July 17th, 2025.
Address: Treetops Resort
3962 Wilkinson Road, Gaylord MI 49753
Website: Treetops Resort | Top Ski & Golf Resort In Michigan
Questions? Contact
Laura Stoddard, MHA
laura.mispelon@affiliate.msu.edu
Room Block Information at Treetops Resort
Hotel Rooms Must be Booked by Phone
- To receive the group rate, call (866) 348-5249 and mention that you are with the Michigan Center for Rural Health.
- Room Block closes June 6th.
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.