The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) convened the first Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Advisory Council meeting on April 13.
Three rural hospital leaders from MHA-member hospitals serve on the council: Julie Yaroch, DO, CEO, ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital; Jeremy Cannon, vice president, chief nursing officer, Kalkaska Memorial Hospital; and Robert Mach, MBA, FACHE, ARRT, CEO, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. Lauren LaPine-Ray, DrPH, MPH, vice president, policy & rural health, executive director, MHA Center of Rural Excellence, represents the association on the council.
The meeting opened with welcome remarks and introductions from MDHHS RHTP staff, followed by a high-level overview of the program and members’ orientation to the advisory council, including a review of its charter and governance structure to clarify roles, expectations and decision-making processes.
The remainder of the meeting focused on a facilitated virtual breakout session to define what success will look like for the advisory council in one year. The session concluded with the next steps and time for questions and reflections.
Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine-Ray at the MHA.