NCHW Training
Northern Michigan University's Center for Rural Health offers several opportunities for a virtual, Nationally Aligned Community Health Worker (NCHW) Core Competency Training Program each year. Check our website frequently for the most up-to-date training schedule.
U.P. CHW Quarterly Network Call
Join us for our next U.P. CHW Quarterly Network Call on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST. These network calls serve as an opportunity to make connections, share resources, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions, all with the goal of empowering and uniting Upper Peninsula Community Health Workers.
U.P. Future Health Leaders Camp
A camp dedicated to health education and health career exploration for 9th and 10th graders across the U.P! Join us from Sunday, July 20th to Friday, July 25th for a fun week of camp to learn about various aspects of health, meet health professionals, explore simulation labs, learn hands-on techniques and get a glimpse into healthcare careers and life on campus. Campers may choose to stay overnight in the residence halls or come to camp for the day. Registration is open now and will close on Friday, June 27th.
Mission & Vision
Mission: The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health seeks to improve the health and well-being of Upper Peninsula residents and communities by developing collaborative partnerships that improve the access and availability of affordable, quality healthcare services.
Vision: The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health will be recognized as the regional collaborating Center committed to strengthening the rural healthcare system
Values
Integrity: We are transparent, honest, ethical and fair and conduct business with the highest standards of professional behavior.
Agility: We respond rapidly to changes in the internal and external environment without losing momentum or vision.
Teamwork and Collaboration: We achieve common goals through open and honest communication and are supportive of each other’s efforts.
Respect and Compassion: We believe each person is worthy of respect and we share the responsibility to safeguard personal dignity.
Empowerment: We strive to provide education, tools and resources to empower individuals to make healthy and responsible choices.
Innovation & Creativity: We encourage innovative and creative ideas in problem solving.
Recent News
The Bridge
Michigan dentist shortage leaves some in lurch
Northern Today
NMU Center for Rural Health is UPEDA's 'Nonprofit of the Year'
My UP Now
National Rural Health Day: A look at NMU's Center for Rural Health
Northern Today
Rural Health Essay Contest for H.S. Seniors; Deadline Nov. 12
MyUP Mornings
NMU Center for Rural Health Encourages High School Seniors to Participate in Essay Contest
WLUC-TV6
Submissions open for National Rural Health Day Essay Contest
The Daily News
Rural Health Essay Contest for students has Tuesday deadline
Dental Times
NMU receives grant to study feasibility of dental hygiene program
DrBicuspid.com
NMU to explore the creation of a hygiene program
Radio Results Network
NMU Looking at Adding Dental Hygiene Program
WLUC-TV6
NMU receives grant to study feasibility of dental hygiene program
Northern Today
NMU Studies Feasibility of Dental Hygiene Program
Network Statement from the NMU Center for Rural Health
The environmental conditions where we are raised, educated, work, and live impact our quality of life and health outcomes. Here in the U. P. of Michigan, our remote location and sparse population often result in challenges for achieving and maintaining good health. In addition to a dearth of primary and specialty health care services, the region has a large low-income population, poor health status indicators, inadequate social support, and major transportation barriers that affect access to health care services.
Partners of the Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health Network have joined forces to take action through the engagement of a wide variety of public, private, and volunteer sectors. We understand that basic needs must be addressed before individuals are empowered to plan ahead and be proactive about their health. Until this is done, efforts to encourage and support preventative and routine healthcare will remain ineffective, and the progression of chronic diseases will persist.
As our network continues to grow, we will be guided by our passion and determination to cultivate a sustainable healthcare workforce and create healthy and resilient communities throughout our region.
"As the development of the Center continues, I look forward to embracing new partnerships, strengthening current alliances and facilitating introductions and connections when possible. Through collaboration, we have the ability to leverage each other's strengths, collectively approach challenges and identify and implement solutions that improve health. Understanding current initiatives, appropriately contributing (when possible), and linking people together in homes of strengthening and building upon efforts sets our region up to model what may work in other rural communities throughout the nation".
Elise Bur
Director, NMU Center for Rural Health