National Rural Health Association Funding Opportunities Available

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) recently announced two new funding opportunities to support initiatives that will improve healthcare access in rural communities.

The Rural Utilities Service, a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), will accept applications for the USDA Rural eConnectivty Program starting March 22 until April 22. This program offers loans and grants to support the construction, improvement or acquisition of facilities and equipment that are necessary to expand broadband internet service in rural areas. Funding opportunities for eligible applicants will vary based on the needs of each Proposed Funded Service Area.

Additionally, the HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response (RCORP) Funding Program is currently accepting applications through May 6 to expand access to treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) in rural communities. Throughout this four-year project, grantees are eligible to receive up to $750,000 per year. Funding is intended to support the establishment or expansion of the SUD workforce, collaboration with social services for long term recovery support, and sustainability of programming beyond the grant period. Public, private, non-profit, for-profit groups, tribal government, educational institutions and faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be a part of a network involving at least four entities, with at least two located in HRSA-designated rural service areas.

Eligible MHA members are encouraged to consider applying for these funding opportunities to expand and enhance healthcare services in rural communities.

Members with questions may contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Jan. 22, 2024

MHA Monday Report

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule last week intended to expedite the prior authorization process for those covered by Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans. …


Register Now for MHA Human Resources Conference

Registration is now open for the 2024 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 5, 2024 at the ACH Hotel Marriott University Area, Lansing. Attending the conference provides human resource professionals with an opportunity …


MDHHS Issues RFP to Expand Child Adolescent Health Center Programs

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to expand Child and Adolescent Health Center programs, focusing on school-based or school-linked health services. This initiative will support …


Now Accepting Nominations for the 2024 MHA Ludwig Community Benefit Award

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OAC Provides Recommendations and Hosts Panel Discussion

The Michigan Opioid Advisory Commission (OAC) provides recommendations to the legislature about initiatives that will bolster education, prevention, treatment and services of substance use disorders and mental health conditions. The Commission aims to equip local …


SAMHSA Rural EMS Training Grant Program Pre-Application Webinar

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Outpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule Includes Behavioral Health Additions

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently finalized several policies in the 2024 Medicare fee-for-service final rules for the outpatient prospective payment system and physician fee schedule final rule. These provisions, effective …


MHA Podcast Explores Workplace Violence Resources for Michigan Hospitals

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews each month with experts in Michigan discussing key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities. The January 2024 episode, …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyEconomic Indigestion for U.S. Healthcare is Reality: Here’s What it Means in 2024

“By the end of this week, we’ll know a lot more about the economic trajectory for U.S. healthcare in 2024: it may cause indigestion. …

So, the conclusion that can be deduced from the four events this week is this: economic indigestion in U.S. healthcare will persist this year and beyond because there is no political will nor industry appetite to fix it.  Darwinism aka ‘survival of the fittest’ is its destiny unless….???”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 15, 2024


News to Know

  • MHA-member physician residents are encouraged to save the date for GME Capitol Day, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center.
  • MHA-member communications professionals are encouraged to save the date for this year’s MHA Communications Retreat, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing.

Register Now for MHA Rural Advocacy Day

Registration is currently open for Rural Advocacy Day as the MHA facilitates connections between rural hospital leaders throughout Michigan with legislators to discuss the vital role these hospitals and organizations play in their communities. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center located in downtown Lansing.

Small or rural members will have the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with lawmakers, engage with legislative leadership, learn how to host lawmakers for hospital tours and more.

Registration is available online and required by Friday, Sept. 16. Questions about the event and further details may be directed to Lauren LaPine at the MHA; contact Meghan Protz-Sanders at the MHA for assistance with registration.