Health disparities affect individuals in rural communities and are often deeply rooted in economic, social, racial, ethnic, and geographic factors. Disparities occur across a broad range of dimensions, including socioeconomic status, age, geography, language, gender, disability status, and citizenship status.
Addressing disparities in health and health care promotes health equity but also improves the nation’s overall health and economic prosperity. The resources below will highlight disproportionally impacted rural populations and promote various programs, reports, and educational resources to reduce health disparities.
Please reach out to MCRH if you need additional support or resources!Maternal/Infant Health Resources
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The Maternal Infant Health Program through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is Michigan’s statewide evidence-based home visitation program for Medicaid-eligible pregnant people and infants up to 12 months of age.
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Safe sleep resources for professionals from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
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The Michigan Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Program through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provides better outcomes for Michigan newborns and young children with hearing loss and their families through early screening and intervention.
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The March of Dimes Report Card highlights the latest key indicators to describe and improve maternal and infant health. The report provides updated measures on preterm birth, infant mortality, low-risk Cesarean births, inadequate prenatal care, and Maternal Vulnerability Index (MVI).
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March of Dimes report on maternity care deserts, or counties where there is a lack of maternity care resources, across the United States.
Social Drivers of Health Manager Contact
Laura Mispelon, MHA
Social Drivers of Health Manager
Michigan Center for Rural Health
laura.mispelon@affiliate.msu.edu