Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health

10/14/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to show support for the more than 2 million women around the world who are diagnosed with the disease each year. To learn more about screenings and risk factors visit: https://www.breastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-awareness-month

10/12/2026

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association has designated October as National Dental Hygiene Month. Join us by recognizing and thanking our regional dental hygienists. It's time to shine a spotlight on the hard work our hygienists do and celebrate their dedication to creating healthier, happier smiles. To learn more about oral health tips, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/oral-health-tips-for-adults.html

10/12/2026

ATTENTION U.P. High School Seniors:

Only 2 days left to submit your essay for the National Rural Health Day Essay Contest. Please review requirements below to ensure you qualify and submit your essay by this Wednesday.

We're excited to understand your perspective on this year's topic!

NOW OPEN through Wednesday, October 14, 2026! The National Rural Health Day Essay Contest

In celebration of National Rural Health Day, recognized each year on the third Thursday of November, the Literacy Legacy Fund of Michigan, the Michigan Center for Rural Health (the State Office of Rural Health) and the NMU Center for Rural Health partner and host the National Rural Health Day Essay Contest.

The contest is open to high school seniors who reside AND attend school in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, are college/university bound the fall 2027 semester and intend to pursue a healthcare career in human medicine.

To learn more, visit: https://nmu.edu/ruralhealth/essay-contest

And...please help us spread the word about this opportunity to U.P. high school seniors who meet the above criteria. Thank you!

10/07/2026

Thanks to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the first full week of October is recognized as Mental Illness Awareness Week. Since 1990, communities across the nation have come together annually to raise awareness, fight stigma, and support mental health. To learn more about programs, services, and how to engage, visit: https://www.nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week/

10/06/2026

In the Upper Peninsula, healthcare is often defined by distance. For many patients, especially those facing complex diagnoses like cancer, that distance can mean hours on the road, time away from work and family, and added stress during an already difficult journey. At Marshfield Medical Center – Dickinson Cancer Center, the goal is simple but powerful: bring high-quality, compassionate cancer care closer to home. To learn more about their work, check out our blog story at the link: https://nmu.edu/ruralhealth/redefining-rural-cancer-care.

10/06/2026

Congratulations to the Women’s Center! Our region is fortunate to have your amazing team, your services and your support. Thank you for all you continue to provide to those in need.

Community Foundation of Marquette County announces 2026 Catalyst Award recipients

10/05/2026

Congratulations to our most recent Community Health Worker (CHW) graduates! We look forward to continuing engagement and, hopefully, seeing you at our upcoming U.P. CHW Symposium on November 10th in Marquette.

🎓 Another NCHW class has crossed the finish line!

Congratulations to our August 2026 Community Health Worker graduates through our affiliate partnership with the Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health (NMUCRH)!

We are proud to partner with organizations committed to strengthening and growing the CHW workforce. A special thank you to Anna, their instructor, for investing her time, knowledge, and experience in preparing this next group of CHWs.

To our graduates: Your training may be complete, but your impact is just beginning. We can't wait to see how you use your skills to strengthen the communities you serve!

👏 Congratulations, NCHWs!

09/30/2026

NOW OPEN through Wednesday, October 14, 2026! The National Rural Health Day Essay Contest

In celebration of National Rural Health Day, recognized each year on the third Thursday of November, the Literacy Legacy Fund of Michigan, the Michigan Center for Rural Health (the State Office of Rural Health) and the NMU Center for Rural Health partner and host the National Rural Health Day Essay Contest.

The contest is open to high school seniors who reside AND attend school in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, are college/university bound the fall 2027 semester and intend to pursue a healthcare career in human medicine.

To learn more, visit: https://nmu.edu/ruralhealth/essay-contest

And...please help us spread the word about this opportunity to U.P. high school seniors who meet the above criteria. Thank you!

09/29/2026

September 29th is World Heart Day. According to the World Heart Federation 1 in 5 people will die prematurely from heart disease. Healthy lifestyle choices and early detection saves lives. To learn more about cardiovascular disease and understanding your risk, visit: https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/

09/26/2026

Amazing things happen when people come together. There’s a greater sense of camaraderie and hope for the future. Thank you Superior Health Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, and Michigan Health Endowment Fund for your collaboration and support across the U.P.

Last year, 14 U.P. organizations received funding to support aging adults and their caregivers. On Wednesday, they met up to share updates about new initiatives for the region.