Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health Director Elise Bur has been selected as one of 20 statewide members of the newly established Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Advisory Council. The group will provide insight on rural health priorities, review program progress and offer recommendations to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) leadership.
"The NMU Center for Rural Health is well-positioned to provide guidance regarding our rural region's health needs,” said Bur, one of four U.P. representatives on the council. “The collaborative partnerships we continue to develop often lead to leveraging funding opportunities that increase awareness, provide education and coordinate efforts to strengthen and grow our regional healthcare system. As Rural Health Transformation Program funding for our region is solidified, I look forward to providing MDHHS insight and feedback regarding developments and, over time, impact."
Bur recently attended the RHTP Advisory Council's first meeting, where members learned more about the vision for its role and responsibilities. The council has been established to:
-Support the development and implementation of an engagement strategy to strengthen collaboration with rural health partners, community leaders, and residents throughout the program lifecycle.
-Provide insight and feedback to improve partner participation during implementation and evaluation, ensuring that community and stakeholder perspectives inform ongoing refinement of initiatives.
-Offer actionable recommendations to MDHHS to inform strategic direction and policy decisions across the Rural Health Transformation initiatives.
-Serve as a bridge between state leadership, local stakeholders, and rural communities to ensure transparent communication and shared understanding of program priorities and outcomes.
The advisory council members were selected through a structured, rubric-driven process to ensure transparency, objectivity and alignment with rural health priorities.
According to the Michigan government website, the Rural Health Transformation Program is a $50 billion national commitment ($10 billion each year from 2026-2030) to improve the health and well-being of rural communities across the country. With this funding, states will implement comprehensive strategies to improve care delivery, support providers and advance new approaches to coordinating health care services across rural communities.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) was awarded $173,128,201 for FY 2026 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Read the press release with more information about the award.
Through the RHTP, Michigan is investing in local and regional partners to design and implement solutions that address the unique needs of rural communities. To promote transparency and highlight the impact of these investments, MDHHS is maintaining a dedicated page featuring all RHTP subrecipients. Learn more here.
For more information on the NMU Center for Rural Health, visit nmu.edu/ruralhealth.