By Ross Ramsey, MD, president & CEO, Scheurer Health and MHA Small and Rural Hospital Council Chair
As a healthcare leader, physician and someone born and raised in the Thumb of Michigan, National Rural Health Day is very personal to me, my colleagues and the communities we serve every day at Scheurer Health.
When I think about what defines the “power of rural,” the first thing that comes to mind is our deep roots in the community. As it’s been said before, working in a rural hospital means that you’re likely to cross paths with a neighbor, friend or loved one – whether it’s in patient rooms or passing in the halls. That alone fosters a remarkable sense of trust and compassion that inspires me every day.
Beyond the unique connection between patients, providers and staff, the power of rural also lies in our resilience. We’re weathering financial pressures, policy changes and workforce demands that are exacerbated across rural settings. Yet, time and time again, we find innovative ways to deliver exceptional care.
At Scheurer, we strive to improve the health of our communities through the vision: “Better Health. Better Life.” Part of making this vision a reality is providing community members with the right information and resources to live healthier – because when that happens, we all benefit. We also find value in recognizing that a health system is strongest when it evolves alongside its community.
So, how are hospitals like ours evolving to meet patients where they are?
The first step is listening. Our annual Community Health Needs Assessment informs how we deliver care, where to allocate resources and how to best support our community within our four walls and beyond. Some of the key findings from our 2025 assessment include:
- Mental health is a top concern across rural communities, exacerbated by service desserts, stigma, transportation barriers and medication costs. Moreover, the shortage of mental health providers may contribute to a workforce that has a lower level of certification and is susceptible to burnout. Substance use, which is often a co-morbidity with mental health, was the fourth highest concern among those we surveyed.
- Recent trends show that suicide mortality remains a pressing concern across our region, with some counties experiencing rates above the state average. While a few areas are seeing slight improvements, others are facing upward trends that highlight the growing need for mental health support. These patterns drive home the importance of early intervention, access to care and reducing the stigma around seeking help.
- Chronic diseases were among the top health issues in the community and has a major impact on the well-being of residents in Huron County. Of the 690 survey respondents, 30% indicated chronic disease was a major concern and 37% indicated it was a concern. Obesity was selected as a high priority issue, with connections to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
While this is only a snapshot of the data, it tells an important story that reflects what many rural communities are experiencing across the state and country. We also know that rural hospitals often face challenges associated with an aging population and keeping vital maternal and infant service lines open.
In recognizing these challenges comes the next step: action. Rural hospitals are focused on solutions that enhance access to care, strengthen the workforce and improve outcomes for all. This is often possible through innovative partnerships and community-based programming, as demonstrated at Scheurer through efforts like our school-based clinics and mental health workshops.
Another way we advocate for rural communities is by continuing to call on our state and federal leaders for support. I’d be remiss not to mention the Rural Health Transformation Program, an important federal funding opportunity that has the potential to serve as a lifeline for rural hospitals to continue addressing essential workforce gaps, technology needs and more.
Being a champion of rural hospitals and healthcare is about being a part of something bigger than yourself – and for that, I’m incredibly proud to celebrate those who stand beside me on National Rural Health Day. Regardless of what lies ahead, you can count on Michigan’s rural hospitals to remain focused on people, service and quality. That’s a promise we’ll always keep.