The Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Rural Palliative Care Advisory Council, which held its inaugural meeting on August 20th, 2024. This council, comprised of palliative care experts and rural health stakeholders, is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural populations in accessing quality palliative care.
Rural communities, which often have higher rates of chronic illnesses and limited healthcare resources, stand to benefit significantly from enhanced palliative care services. Palliative care provides relief from symptoms, pain, and stress associated with serious illnesses and can be administered alongside curative treatments. It is suitable for patients of any age or illness stage.
During the first meeting, council members began assessing the current palliative care landscape in Michigan and discussing strategies for implementing these services in rural areas. Funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, this initiative reflects MCRH’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality in rural Michigan.
The Advisory Council will focus on developing recommendations that address structural barriers and resources for rural communities, including workforce training, technology support, payment systems, and relevant legislation. Melanie Brim, former President & CEO of the Michigan Health Council and Chair of the Rural Palliative Care Advisory Council, remarked, “I'm honored to work with such a diverse group of experts dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses. Together, we're creating a collaborative platform for innovation, driving meaningful improvements in care delivery, and ensuring that patients and their families receive the compassionate, comprehensive support they need during the most challenging times.”
Please click here for the Rural Palliative Care Advisory Council Roster.
If you are interested in learning more about this programming or getting involved, please reach out to Amanda St. Martin, Hospital Programs Manager, at Amanda.saintmartin@affiliate.msu.edu.