The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health today announced a talent survey for Upper Peninsula healthcare providers. The objective of the project is to better understand regional healthcare talent needs as a means to improve NMU's strategic alignment across various university academic programs and build stronger partnerships with regional healthcare providers.
"Access to care for residents in rural areas continues to be a challenge due to the continuing decline in the healthcare workforce,” said Elise Bur, Director of the NMU Center for Rural Health. “By identifying current and future staffing needs in the Upper Peninsula's healthcare sector, we can investigate creative solutions that will strengthen and expand our region's healthcare workforce.”
The project is a collaboration with InvestUP and the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, combining shared objectives to advance career opportunity for students and alumni in Upper Peninsula and improve health outcomes on a regional scale.
“As an organization, InvestUP has been focused on cultivating data to help inform regional decisions," said Marty Fittante, CEO. "This partnership with the NMU Center for Rural Health and MHA is another important component of that effort as healthcare is the backbone of a healthy community. So, understanding the regional needs of healthcare providers and helping providers address training and staffing needs through a versatile approach with higher education is critical.”
“Workforce development, support and innovation remain the top priority for the MHA and our member hospitals and health systems across Michigan – including right here in the Upper Peninsula,” said Michigan Health & Hospital Association CEO Brian Peters. “We can't do this work alone. That's why we're excited to partner with the NMU Center for Rural Health and InvestUP to better understand the healthcare talent needs of our U.P. members, and work collaboratively across sectors to both support U.P. residents and build a strong healthcare workforce pipeline of the future for this region.”
The survey is available at nmu.edu/ruralhealth/survey and will remain open through Dec. 15. Once completed, NMU will publish a summary of findings that will be shared with respondents. The results will be used to inform opportunities for improved career design and talent partnerships between NMU and Upper Peninsula healthcare providers.