MHA has released a new episode of MiCare Champion Cast, featuring monthly interviews with Michigan experts who discuss key issues affecting health care and the health of communities.
The November 2023 episode, released on National Rural Health Day featured Small and Rural Hospital Council Chair Peter Marin off, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare’s (MHC) Southern Region. Marinoff was joined by Lauren LaPine, MHA’s senior director of legislative and public policy.
Marinoff, who joined MHC in 1999, currently oversees Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital, Manistee Hospital and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in Frankfort. LaPine, in addition to overseeing the Small and Rural Hospital Council, serves as staff secretary of MHA’s behavioral health integration council and public health task force.
Throughout the episode, Marinoff and LaPine explore the unique challenges facing Michigan’s rural hospitals; what rural issues are prioritized at the state and federal levels; how MHC prioritizes the well-being of its workforce and community; and how decision makers can support rural communities.
While discussing the behavioral health needs of rural residents, Marin off detailed MHC’s work with Regional Community Health Opioid Initiative, which is shown in the 2023 Community Benefit Report of the MHA. The program improves access to Substance Use Disorder treatment and resources while addressing stigma, ensuring safe prescribing and educating patients and providers.
MHA CEO Brian Peters also released a statement for National Rural Health Day celebrating the work of Michigan’s small and rural hospitals and health systems, where teams are often tasked with caring for some which are the most vulnerable patients in the state with fewer resources than their urban counterparts.
The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Sound Cloud. Questions or idea submissions for future episodes of MiCare Champion Cast can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at MHA. To learn more about MHA’s small and rural health efforts, visit the rural health webpage or contact Lauren LaPine at MHA.
