The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

150. Dakota Conference on Rural Health: When Innovation Meets Reality

In this episode, Jason shares insights from the Dakota Conference on Rural Health in North Dakota, reflecting on conference trends, healthcare innovation, and the realities of implementing system change in rural communities. From discussions about award banquets and conference logistics to promising presentations on care coordination, shared technology infrastructure, and emergency department transfers, Jason and Renee explore the gap between ambitious healthcare solutions and the hard work required to make them successful. They highlight lessons from the Rough Rider Network, the importance of honest reporting in healthcare improvement efforts, and why process, patient safety, and continuous improvement matter more than flashy presentations. In this episode, you will be able to: * Why conference presentations that sound too good to be true often deserve a closer look. * How North Dakota’s Rough Rider Network is advancing shared healthcare technology and care coordination. * What rising emergency department utilization means for rural hospitals and healthcare systems. * The role of the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Program (MBQIP) in improving care within Critical Access Hospitals. * Why effective emergency department transfers depend on strong processes, standardized documentation, and staff education. * How transparency and realistic expectations help build trust during healthcare transformation efforts. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:09 - Introduction & Summer Travel Stories 00:01:40 - Overview of the Dakota Conference on Rural Health 00:04:28 - The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Conference Award Banquets 00:09:35 - Sessions That Sound Too Good to Be True 00:13:20 - The Rough Rider Network & Shared Healthcare Technology 00:16:32 - Care Coordination, Data Sharing & Rural Innovation 00:19:55 - Emergency Department Challenges in Rural Healthcare 00:20:34 - Emergency Department Transfers & Patient Safety 00:21:24 - The Eight Essential Elements of a Successful Transfer 00:23:01 - Why Process Improvement Requires Honesty & Trust 00:25:15 - Clinical Pathways, Staff Education & Continuous Improvement 00:27:00 - Closing Reflections & Takeaways from the Conference Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ [https://ruralpolicypartners.com/]  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ [https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/]  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners [https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners] https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners [https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G1KDGgFBXBQ [https://youtu.be/G1KDGgFBXBQ]

149. On the Road Again: Lessons, Innovations, and Acronym Soup from the Arizona Rural Health Conference

In this episode, Renee Schulte reports from the Arizona Rural Health Conference in Flagstaff, sharing key insights from conversations happening across rural healthcare systems. Renee and Jason explore the challenges facing Medicaid programs, the impact of new federal work requirements, and the financial pressures rural providers are navigating. They also highlight innovative initiatives focused on substance use treatment, housing as healthcare, whole-person care, and preventative health strategies. Along the way, they unpack Arizona’s famous “acronym soup,” discuss what rural communities can learn from emerging models of care, and reflect on the importance of collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions in strengthening rural health systems. In this episode, you will be able to: * How Arizona is preparing for major Medicaid and workforce-related policy changes. * Why rural healthcare leaders are focused on collaboration, efficiency, and whole-person care. * What innovative programs like Building a Bridge, H2O, and Whole Person Care are doing to improve outcomes. * How housing, substance use treatment, and healthcare access are becoming increasingly interconnected. * Why rural communities must balance short-term funding opportunities with long-term sustainability. * How data, innovation, and community partnerships are shaping the future of rural healthcare. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:16 – Arizona Rural Health Conference Overview 00:06:33 – Medicaid Funding & Policy Challenges 00:13:17 – Work Requirements and Rural Workforce Concerns 00:19:00 – Innovative Programs Improving Rural Health 00:22:58 – Addressing Housing, Behavioral Health, and Reentry 00:23:39 – Data, Innovation, and Future Opportunities 00:26:12 – Final Reflections and Takeaways Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ [https://ruralpolicypartners.com/]  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ [https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/]  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners [https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners] https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners [https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v53moe-HaWc [https://youtu.be/v53moe-HaWc]

148. Building Belonging: Designing Spaces for Connection and Care

In this episode, we dig into how physical spaces can foster emotional wellbeing, strengthen communities, and serve as true social hubs—not just buildings. From healthcare clinics tucked along the interstate to state hospitals undergoing transformation, we explore how intentional design can either isolate or invite connection. Join us as we talk with Zach from MKM in Indianapolis and Todd from JLG in Fargo about trauma-informed architecture, sunlight and color’s impact on mood, and the growing need for spaces that promote interaction in a world where more people than ever are living—and dining—alone. Plus, we revisit the “barbershop model” and how communities can flourish in the most unexpected places. In this episode, you will be able to: * Master strategies to navigate behavioral health system challenges. * Uncover the keys to improving access to vital mental health services. * Design healthcare facilities tailored to meet the unique needs of your community. * Understand the profound impact of social isolation on mental health. * Break down barriers within the healthcare system to enhance community wellness. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:15 - Navigating Behavioral Health Systems 00:04:14 - Designing Behavioral Health Buildings 00:08:00 - Challenges in Rural Behavioral Health Projects 00:10:53 - Building Social Hubs for Community Well-being 00:12:03 - Importance of Location in Healthcare 00:15:33 - Effects of Social Isolation 00:18:26 - Designing Hospitals as Community Hubs 00:20:07 - Inclusivity in Healthcare Design 00:21:12 - Creating Community-Centered Healthcare Spaces 00:23:51 - Importance of Community Planning for Health 00:24:57 - Role of Environment in Health 00:25:20 - Importance of Socialization in Fitness Activities 00:26:36 - Embracing Community Activities for Health 00:27:56 - Designing Community for Social Connection  Links: * https://traumainformedhousing.poah.org/sites/default/files/rkdl/files/What_is_Trauma-Informed_Design.pdf [https://traumainformedhousing.poah.org/sites/default/files/rkdl/files/What_is_Trauma-Informed_Design.pdf] * http://bowlingalone.com/ [http://bowlingalone.com/] * https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/31/business/solo-dining-restaurants-reservations [https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/31/business/solo-dining-restaurants-reservations] * https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf [https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf] * https://www.healthpopuli.com/2025/03/25/from-bowling-alone-to-eating-alone-what-the-shift-to-take-out-food-means-for-our-social-well-being-and-mental-health/ [https://www.healthpopuli.com/2025/03/25/from-bowling-alone-to-eating-alone-what-the-shift-to-take-out-food-means-for-our-social-well-being-and-mental-health/] Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ [https://ruralpolicypartners.com/]  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ [https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/]  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners [https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners] https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners [https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ozI3B3KXiUk [https://youtu.be/ozI3B3KXiUk]

147. From Farm Policy to Mental Health: How a Legislative Ag Summit Bridges the Gap

What does a Legislative Agricultural Summit have to do with rural mental health? In this episode, we share insights from the State Agriculture and Rural Leadership (SARL) summit, where the intersection of agricultural policy and rural well-being took center stage. Kicking off with a whiny farmer intro (featuring a custom crustbuster bin tool), we explore the summit’s key events—from the World Food Prize to enlightening sessions on trade and rural issues. With highlights from Senator Annette Sweeney’s leadership and a lively Canadian contingent, we reflect on the relationships built, lessons learned, and the unexpected ways this summit connects to rural mental health advocacy. Tune in for this unique crossover discussion! In this episode, you will be able to: Discover effective strategies for navigating behavioral health systems. Explore ways to improve access to mental health resources in rural areas. Unlock the benefits of attending agricultural conferences for industry professionals. Understand the challenges facing agribusiness technology and potential solutions. Gain insights into the impact of tariffs on agriculture trade and how it affects the industry. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast 00:00:44 - Discussion on the Legislative Agricultural Summit 00:02:22 - Challenges on the Farm 00:03:24 - Purpose of SARL 00:10:58 - Tour of John Deere Factory 00:13:05 - Impact of Low Cotton Prices on Manufacturing 00:14:35 - Global Economy and Manufacturing 00:16:21 - Kemen Industries and Product Impact 00:17:20 - Corporate Culture at Kemen Industries 00:20:05 - Legislative Power to Convene Change 00:25:48 - International Unity and Collaboration 00:26:33 - Empowering Conversations 00:27:41 - Diverse Health Challenges 00:29:06 - Impact of Cell Phone Use on Mental Health 00:30:03 - Purpose of Conferences and Relationship Building Links: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/legislator?ga=90&personID=6585 Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Qjsy9mRdiY

146. Rural Realities Series: Culture of Resilience: From the NARMH Conference (Anchorage)

In this special on-the-ground episode, we’re coming to you live from Anchorage, Alaska at the National Association of Rural Mental Health Conference—moose sightings, state fair stories, and all. From the icy beauty of Chickaloon overlooking the Matanuska Glacier to villages with no roads along the Bering Strait, rural takes on a whole new meaning here. We unpack what true community orientation looks like in some of the most remote areas of the country, where resilience is culture and connection is survival. We’ll explore the difference between research done on versus with Indigenous communities, reflect on alarming youth mental health data, and share powerful insights from the Alaska Native Collaborative Hub on protective factors that actually work. Don’t miss this rich conversation on what it really means to build systems with rural communities, not just for them. In this episode, you will be able to: * Discover effective strategies for navigating behavioral health systems to better support your community. * Overcome challenges in rural mental health access by learning innovative solutions and approaches. * Explore the resilience of indigenous communities and gain insights into effective suicide prevention methods. * Understand the profound impact of community and culture on mental health and well-being. * Learn how to implement mobile crisis services in remote areas to provide timely support and intervention. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:44 - Introduction to the Behavioral Health System 00:03:23 - Understanding Rural and Frontier Communities 00:09:34 - Youth Suicide and Mental Health Services 00:12:44 - Building Resilience in Indigenous Communities 00:13:06 - Challenges of Telehealth in Remote Areas 00:15:24 - Community-Centered Research 00:18:27 - Protective Factors for Youth 00:19:41 - Focus on Positive Protective Factors 00:23:34 - Community Orientation and Workforce Integration 00:25:19 - The Importance of Community in Workplaces 00:25:49 - Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills 00:26:40 - Self Care and Travel Challenges 00:27:32 - Insight from Alaska's Rural Mental Health Conference 00:28:31 - Call to Action and Conclusion  Links:  * Book-Research is Ceremony-Indigenous research methods  [https://www.amazon.com/Research-Ceremony-Indigenous-Methods/dp/1552662810/ref=asc_df_1552662810?mcid=47d5f4576b1c3a4eac70579c8ad0a3e0&hvocijid=16694958771668528379-1552662810-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16694958771668528379&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033838&hvtargid=pla-2281435178618&psc=1] * https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2025/05/01/providence-to-close-alaskas-only-short-term-adolescent-mental-health-crisis-center/ [https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2025/05/01/providence-to-close-alaskas-only-short-term-adolescent-mental-health-crisis-center/] * https://health.alaska.gov/en/education/suicide-facts/ [https://health.alaska.gov/en/education/suicide-facts/] * https://www.anchrr.org [https://www.anchrr.org/] Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ [https://ruralpolicypartners.com/]  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ [https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/]  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners [https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners] https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners [https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8CxEXqzyD78 [https://youtu.be/8CxEXqzyD78]