SHF CEO Appointed to Statewide Council Shaping Michigan's Rural Health Future

‍Rural communities across Michigan are receiving a significant federal investment in health transformative initiatives and the Upper Peninsula has dedicated voices helping shape how those resources are used.

‍Superior Health Foundation CEO Megan Murphy has been selected as one of 20 statewide members of Michigan's newly established Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Advisory Council. The council advises the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) on rural health priorities, program progress, and strategic direction as the state implements the funding.

‍The RHTP is part of a $50 billion national commitment to rural health, with $10 billion disbursed annually from 2026 through 2030. 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. Michigan received $173 million for fiscal year 2026.

‍"Being part of this advisory council is an opportunity to make sure Upper Peninsula communities have a seat at the table as Michigan shapes how these resources are used," says Murphy. "The U.P. has unique health challenges that don't always fit neatly into statewide conversations, and that's exactly why this seat matters."

‍Elise Bur, Director of the NMU Center for Rural Health and a member of SHF's board of directors was also appointed to the council. Together, they are two of five Upper Peninsula representatives selected. The presence of both SHF's CEO and a board member on the council reflects the foundation's commitment to advancing U.P. health priorities in statewide policy conversations.

‍ Advisory council members were selected through a structured, rubric-driven process and will help shape how those resources are directed to the communities that need them most. The council's responsibilities include supporting collaboration between state and local health partners, providing feedback to inform program implementation and evaluation, and serving as a bridge between MDHHS leadership and rural communities.

‍For Superior Health Foundation, the appointment builds on years of grantmaking focused on advancing health across all 15 U.P. counties. The RHTP is one of the largest rural health investments in recent history, giving SHF a voice in shaping funding strategies that reflect the U.P.’s needs.

‍Learn more about Michigan's Rural Health Transformation Program at michigan.gov/mdhhs.