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8 - Workforce Innovation: How Rural Hospitals Are Tackling Nursing Shortages with Marc Mertz
24th September 2026 • The Regional Hospital Voice Podcast • Mark Craig
00:00:00 00:54:30

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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.

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