Rural Health Initiative (RHI)

In recognizing the special health care needs of the residents in Michigan’s rural areas, the legislature identified Rural Health Initiatives as a priority within the Department of Community Health’s fiscal year 2000 budget.  $5 million dollars from the State’s General Fund were appropriated for this purpose with the understanding that a plan, reflecting the needs and values of Michigan’s rural residents would be developed and implemented.  Rural Health Initiatives continued to be a priority for fiscal year 2001 as well.  For 2001, the legislature appropriated an additional $10 million dollars to the RHI program.