East Lansing, MI November 16, 2023 – Michigan Center for Rural Health – Mariah Hesse, Chief Nursing Officer at Sparrow Clinton Hospital in St. John’s Michigan & Sparrow Carson Hospital in Carson City, MI has been named Michigan’s 2023 “Community Star” by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH).
On the third Thursday of November, NOSORH leads National Rural Health Day (NRHD), an annual celebration that shines a light on those who serve the vital health needs of the nearly 61 million people living in rural America. Mariah is featured prominently on the official NRHD website, PowerOfRural.org, on November 16, 2023, alongside other Community Stars from across the nation. This platform showcases each Star’s remarkable dedication and contributions to rural healthcare.
The Michigan Center for Rural Health is proud to join NOSORH in honoring Mariah as Michigan's Community Star. Mariah, a lifelong rural resident, has not only made significant contributions to Sparrow Clinton Hospital but has made significant contributions to Michigan’s rural health infrastructure through her role as President of the Michigan Critical Access Hospital Quality Network (MICAH QN), a position she has held since 2018. In addition, her contributions extend beyond the State of Michigan, with Mariah serving on numerous National committees that help shape the patient safety and quality landscape for Critical Access Hospitals across the Nation.
Mariah has made many contributions to Sparrow Clinton Hospital in her tenure, with some highlights including leading a journey to ACCN Pathway to Excellence and increasing access to care by leading the implementation of many new specialty services.
As MICAH QN President, Mariah has grown the Network into a Nationally recognized Quality Network, with Michigan being recognized by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) as a Top 10 State for Quality Reporting and Performance since 2015.
Crystal Barter, Director of Programs & Services at the MCRH, noted that “while Mariah’s professional accolades are impressive, it’s her personal commitment to supporting others by always being the first to raise her hand to share, mentor, and learn alongside other CAH leaders that make her the epitome of what we recognize as our nominee for the NOSORH Community Star award in 2023”.
In 2015, the Community Star Recognition Program was established in conjunction with NRHD to tell the stories of the people and organizations who make a difference in rural communities. Since then, over 300 inspiring rural stars have been honored nationwide on NRHD.
Additional information about National Rural Health Day can be found at PowerOfRural.org. To learn more about the Michigan Center for Rural Health, visit www.mcrh.msu.edu