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CMU Rural Health Equity Institute is driving positive change in health care access in rural areas
At the February Board of Directors meeting, Rural Health Equity Institute (RHEI) Executive Director Alison Arnold, editor-in-chief, said CMU and RHEI are proactive about health care access in rural and underserved areas. We provided an update on how we are helping to bring about change. .
RHEI works to bridge innovation and impact to improve the health and well-being of rural communities. The initiative will be centered around four core pillars: Improving access to care, promoting community partnerships, rural health equity data, and promoting education and training. Arnold provided the board with an update on her RHEI efforts under each pillar.
Since its founding in 2023, RHEI has built coalitions, organizations, and coalitions with people who have experienced marginalization to promote the well-being and quality of life and improve health outcomes for rural populations. They have developed strong community partnerships with academic institutions, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), local health districts, and other local, state, and national health care organizations. RHEI also includes training and materials on the impact of the post-COVID-19 public health emergency, mental health services in schools, and innovative strategies for use by schools and community health service providers. We also offer professional education opportunities.
To improve access to care and resources and advance local health equity data, RHEI will help rural communities compile broadband data and receive federal funding to improve access to high-speed internet. We are involved in several telehealth projects, including a broadband pilot project to help build the evidence base. . They will work with healthcare providers, FQHCs, clinics, and schools to provide telehealth services, equipment, and related IT to support and expand telemental health services in central and northern Michigan. We are working on this. RHEI is also partnering with Preventing Suicide in Men of Michigan (PRiSMM), which uses telehealth capabilities to provide toolkits for health care providers and additional resources for men struggling with mental health issues. PRiSMM has a goal of reducing the male suicide rate by 10% by 2025.
The foundation of RHEI is that promoting rural health equity with justice and belonging requires that all people living in rural areas live as healthy lives as possible and are free from discrimination. , the knowledge that we all have to work together. Access to health care and social services. Live in safe housing and neighborhoods. Access reliable transportation, healthy food, work wages that support basic needs, and participate in communities that are fair to all.
