In this episode of the Regional Hospital Voice, host Mark Craig speaks with Marc Mertz, CEO of Kaweah Health in Visalia, California.

Mertz discusses the mounting pressures facing regional hospitals, including surging emergency department volumes, nursing shortages, and the devastating financial impact of Medicaid cuts under H.R. 1, projected to cost Kaweah $40 million annually. He highlights innovative solutions like launching an in-house nursing school, reducing vacancies from 270 to under 60. Mertz also addresses unfunded state mandates, OB care deserts, and his commitment to community health, emphasizing that sustainable Medicaid reimbursement is critical to keeping regional hospitals operational.

Learn more about Marc's work at Kaweah Health HERE.

Connect with Marc on LinkedIn HERE.

Apply to be a guest on the show HERE.

In this episode of the Regional Hospital Voice podcast, your host Mark Craig sits down with healthcare advisor Nathan (N8) Kaufman, Managing Director of Kaufman Strategic Advisors, to discuss the dire state of American healthcare.

Kaufman describes the system as "designed to fail," driven by political dysfunction, insurance company abuses, and misaligned incentives. He addresses the financial struggles of independent community hospitals, the predatory practices of insurers, flawed Medicare Advantage programs, and the devastating impact of poorly informed policymakers. Kaufman offers potential solutions, including standardized reimbursement rates and contract reforms, while warning that without meaningful change, hospital closures and reduced patient access will worsen.

Learn more about Nathan's work at Kaufman Strategic Advisors HERE.

Connect with Nathan (N8) on LinkedIn HERE.

Apply to be a guest on the show HERE.

In part two of this Regional Hospital Voice episode, your host Mark Craig continues his conversation with Tracy Warner, CRHCEO, Executive Director of the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN).

As Executive Director of ICAHN, Tracy leads statewide initiatives focused on rural hospital sustainability, workforce development, innovation, and policy advocacy. She is passionate about helping rural healthcare organizations navigate change through strong governance, collaborative partnerships, and strategic leadership.

Tracy addresses key challenges facing rural hospitals, including outdated Medicare Advantage reimbursement policies, telehealth infrastructure barriers, and workforce shortages. She highlights the importance of developing local healthcare talent through early career pathways and community partnerships. Tracy also discusses her consulting firm, Board of Business, emphasizing strong hospital governance as essential for sustainability. She closes with a hopeful message: rural hospitals must not just survive, but thrive as vital economic and healthcare pillars of their communities.

Learn more about Tracy's work at Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) HERE.

Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn HERE.

Apply to be a guest on the show HERE.