Category: MiCare Champion Cast

MHA Podcast Explores Important Role Hospitals Play in Public Health

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast during National Public Health Week to explore how hospitals are engaged in public health. Featured guests include Julie Yaroch, D.O., president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital and senior vice president of ProMedica Inpatient and Retail Pharmacy, and Frank Nagle, MBA, director of Community Impact in Michigan at ProMedica.

One of the public health issues that continues to be a priority for Michigan hospitals and health systems is food insecurity. With this in mind, Yaroch and Nagle highlight the strong impact the ProMedica Farms and Veggie Mobile are having on residents and communities by improving access to fresh, affordable produce and nutrition education.

Located on the hospital campus, ProMedica Farms includes a hoop house, outdoor garden, education center, walking trails and playground, all of which are open to the community. The Veggie Mobile, which has served 50,000 residents since 2013, is a market on wheels that travels to 17 locations throughout Lenawee County to offer residents an assortment of fresh, low-cost produce. ProMedica received a Ludwig Community Benefit award for both initiatives in 2023, which is presented annually to MHA-member organizations integrally involved in collaborative programs to improve the health and well-being of area residents.

In the episode, Yaroch and Nagle share how these efforts began while highlighting the important role hospitals play in public health alongside government agencies, educational institutions and the community.

“When you go back in history, public and medical health used to be under the same roof,” said Yaroch, who serves as current chair of the MHA Public Health Task Force. “We just need to dust things off and remember the importance of coming together preventatively rather than reactively. We need to continue to have those relationships and touch bases so that we understand each other’s role and have trust.”

Born out of a partnership with Lenawee Health Network, both the Farms and Veggie Mobile were implemented over the course of 10 years following a community health needs assessment that screens social determinants of health and identifies areas of vulnerability.

“It started small and really grew just by raising awareness, forming connections and responding to community and patient needs,” said Yaroch. As efforts expand, Nagle noted that the goal is to have these models replicated to serve communities across the country.

Both the Farms and the Veggie Mobile have had significant impact since their start. In 2011, about 5% of adults reported eating the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. In 2022, that increased to 21%. Yaroch noted that “getting outside of the four walls of your operation” is key to making public health efforts successful.

“Really take the time to ask, what can we do better?” said Nagle. “Let’s get to the root cause of these barriers and make informed and data-driven decisions with community member input that help overcome those.”

Additional results from the Farms and Veggie Mobile collected by the hospital, include:

  • 7,300 pounds (more than three tons) of produce harvested since 2018.
  • 13,626 pounds (seven tons) of produce donated and distributed to the community since 2018 from the Farm, Gus Harrison Correctional Facility and local farmers.
  • 100 gardening, nutrition and cooking workshops have served nearly 500 community members since 2018 from the Farm and Michigan State University Extension.
  • 340+ patients screened for food insecurity who received food at discharge or at their primary care provider’s office.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Those interested in learning more can visit the ProMedica Farms and Veggie Mobile websites. To get involved or learn more about the MHA Public Health Task Force, contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA. To nominate a hospital or health system for future Ludwig Community Benefit awards, visit the MHA website.

MiCare Champion Cast · National Public Health Week: Learning More About ProMedica Farms and the Veggie Mobile

Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Podcast Uplifts Importance of Submitting Adverse Event Data to Improve Patient, Staff Safety

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News
Nadine Post, MSN, RN (Left), manager of Quality and Patient Safety at MyMichigan Health, and Nicole Stefan, CNMT, MBA, CPPS, CPHRM (Right), manager of Risk Management at Trinity Health Livonia joined for the March episode of the MiCare Champion Cast.

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast during Patient Safety Awareness Week to uplift why hospitals should prioritize submitting adverse event data, in addition to what can be done to improve the culture around reporting. The episode features Nadine Post, MSN, RN, manager of Quality and Patient Safety at MyMichigan Health, and Nicole Stefan, CNMT, MBA, CPPS, CPHRM, manager of Risk Management at Trinity Health Livonia.

Data is critical for advancing healthcare safety. With this in mind, the MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) collects data every day from hospitals and health systems throughout Michigan. The team assembled in June 2023 the Adverse Events Review Committee (AERC) to review adverse events and identify the root cause of medical errors. In addition to providing guidance to hospitals on a case-by-case basis, the committee aims to establish standardized practices and proactive solutions to prevent staff and patient harm.

“Data is knowledge,” said Stefan. “It allows us to see where we’re vulnerable, benchmark and prioritize what we need to work on.”

Organizational culture can often be a barrier for incident reporting. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, studies of hospital-based healthcare workers found that those who perceived that their institution had a strong commitment to safety were much more likely to be compliant with standard precautions than those who did not.

“One of the components of building a culture of safety is having leaders at unit levels being active listeners so that frontline employees understand that they have executive support,” said Post, who serves as co-chair of the committee. “Psychological safety is so important,” Stefan added. “If they [frontline staff] feel safe, they will take the time to report – they will feel comfortable to.”

Those interested in the MHA Keystone Center PSO or the AERC should contact the MHA Keystone Center. Current PSO members are also encouraged to submit nominations for the quarterly Speak-up! Award to acknowledge the efforts of individuals or teams who are preventing harm to patients or fellow staff members.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MiCare Champion Cast · Patient Safety Awareness Week: The Important Role of Hospital Adverse Event Data

MHA Podcast Explores Impact of Medical Mistrust Among Black Americans

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast
Lynn Todman, PhD, vice president of Health Equity and Community Partnerships, Corewell Health joined for the February episode of the MiCare Champion Cast.

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring the impact medical mistrust has on health outcomes for Black Americans featuring Lynn Todman, PhD, vice president of Health Equity and Community Partnerships for Corewell Health.

As hospitals and health systems uplift Black History Month, it’s important to acknowledge the long, complex history of medical mistrust among Black Americans that is rooted in systemic racism and countless acts of medical exploitation, unethical experimentation and mistreatment. Repairing trust between Black patients and medical providers requires honest and open dialogue about the lasting impact of injustices that have spanned centuries.

With this in mind, Todman shared further insight about the influence medical mistrust has on Black communities and what action hospital leaders and healthcare teams can take to address gaps in care.

Research has found that individuals who experience medical mistrust are less likely to adhere to treatment plans, engage in routine screenings or participate in medical trials. Mistrust can also play a role in delayed diagnoses and poorer prognoses for a patient, and higher levels of stress that can exacerbate existing health conditions.

“It’s a perfectly rational, protective behavior,” said Todman when speaking about the history of patient-provider mistrust. She notes that systemic change at the organizational, local and national levels are necessary to effectively address this reality for many Black Americans.

Todman, who holds a Masters of Science in City Planning and earned a Doctor of Urban and Regional Planning from MIT, leads efforts to align health equity activities across the integrated health system in her role at Corewell. She has years of experience in leadership and research in health equity, social and structural determinants of health, health impact assessment, urban poverty and community development.

When asked what action providers can take to address mistrust, Todman noted the importance of taking the time to listen and understand the social determinants that may influence a patient’s lifestyle, health, history and access to care.

“We’re starting to hear more around structural competency as a compliment to cultural competency to close gaps [in care],” said Todman. “Understanding people’s cultural background is important, but also understanding the structural forces that make things like housing or food less available…those things are also important.”

MiCare Champion Cast · A Closer Look at Medical Mistrust Among Black Americans

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Podcast Explores Workplace Violence Resources for Michigan Hospitals

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews each month with experts in Michigan discussing key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities.

Jenifer Monzo, RN, BAS, CPHRM, director of Quality and Risk Management at McKenzie Health System and Stephen Weiler, IPEM, MEP, CPP, CPD, manager of Resiliency Services at HSS joined virtually for the January episode of the MiCare Champion Cast.

The January 2024 episode, which explores workplace violence resources for Michigan hospitals, features Jenifer Monzo, RN, BAS, CPHRM, director of Quality and Risk Management at McKenzie Health System and Stephen Weiler, IPEM, MEP, CPP, CPD, manager of Resiliency Services at HSS.

Monzo and Weiler, who share years of experience and education in healthcare safety, discuss the reality of workplace violence in hospitals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, healthcare workers are about five times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in other industries.

“What I see is that they’re getting tired, warn out, and frustrated,” said Monzo, who has a background in nursing herself. “We have a fantastic team and they’re a great support to each other…we’re doing everything we can to let them know that we’re working our best to keep them safe.”

In December 2023, Gov. Whitmer signed into law House Bills 4520 and 4521, which increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer. Now referred to as Public Acts 271 and 272 of 2023, the financial fines are doubled for those found guilty of assault towards a healthcare worker or volunteer.

To enhance workplace safety, McKenzie Health System formed a partnership with HSS through support from the MHA Keystone Center and grant funding from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. As a result, McKenzie teams are receiving tailored resources and training that address the specific needs of the system.

“Learn from your experiences and learn from your staff,” said Monzo. “Listen to what they’re concerns are and let them know what you’ve done, what you’re doing and that you’re interested in continued feedback to keep making improvements.”

Weiler details the “soup to nuts” approach taken by HSS to support hospitals like McKenzie throughout the state and country. Their offerings include in-person practical skills training and education, security and risk assessments, emergency management services and much, much more.

MHA-member hospitals interested in receiving support for safety and quality initiatives are encouraged to submit their OSHA data to the MHA Keystone Center. Members with questions about the program or consideration requirements can contact the MHA Keystone Center PSO.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MiCare Champion Cast · Addressing Workplace Violence in Michigan Hospitals

HSS, an MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP), is a leader in healthcare, airport, and government facility security – as well as emergency and aggression management training, security systems integration, and medical equipment management services. To learn more and to request to be considered to become an EBP, contact the MHA or MHA Business Development Consultant Brian Stevens at (972) 768-5755.

MHA Podcast Covers the Latest on Flu Vaccines and Pediatric Respiratory Illness in Michigan

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast
MI care matters

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews each month with experts in Michigan discussing key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities.

The December 2023 episode, released during National Influenza Vaccination Week, features Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, MPH, FIDSA, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Dr. Matthew Denenberg, MD, pediatric emergency medicine physician at Corewell Health.

The episode explores vaccine misinformation, common misconceptions and tips for patients and providers to navigate vaccine hesitancy. Bagdasarian, who serves as a cabinet member of Gov. Whitmer, kicks off the episode with a statewide look at routine childhood immunization rates in Michigan.

“In 2017, our statewide vaccination coverage rate was almost 76% for children between the ages of 19 and 35 months,” noted Bagdasarian. “Now we’re down to about 66% in that age group for things like measles, mumps, rubella…vaccines that have been around for decades.”

Denenberg, interviewed later in the episode, shares his insight on pediatric respiratory illness from the hospital perspective, recalling the 2022 ‘tripledemic’ that led to a surge in pediatric COVID-19, flu and RSV hospitalizations.

“Last year was particularly severe…the worst I’ve seen in my 30 years,” said Denenberg. “It’s important to get vaccinations not only for the health and safety of a child, but for the community around them. As providers, we need to work with our patients and families so that they trust us, trust in the science and trust in the vaccines.”

Both Bagdasarian and Denenberg noted it’s not too late in the season to get vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19 and RSV if eligible. To find more information about the 2023-2024 flu season and ensure everyone in the family is up-to-date on routine immunizations, visit the MDHHS website. To find a vaccine nearby, visit Vaccines.gov.

The December episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MiCare Champion Cast · The Latest on Flu Vaccines and Pediatric Respiratory Illness in Michigan

MHA Podcast Uplifts National Rural Health Day feat. Munson Healthcare

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast, Issues in Healthcare

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews each month with experts in Michigan discussing key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities.

The November 2023 episode, released on National Rural Health Day, features Small and Rural Hospital Council Chair Peter Marinoff, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare’s (MHC) Southern Region. Marinoff is joined by Lauren LaPine, senior director of legislative and public policy at the MHA.

Marinoff, who joined MHC in 1999, currently oversees Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital, Manistee Hospital and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in Frankfort. LaPine, in addition to overseeing the Small and Rural Hospital Council, serves as staff secretary to the MHA’s Behavioral Health Integration Council and Public Health Task Force.

Throughout the episode, Marinoff and LaPine explore the unique challenges facing Michigan’s rural hospitals; what rural issues are being prioritized at the state and federal level; how MHC is prioritizing the well-being of their workforce and communities; and how decision-makers can support rural communities.

While discussing the behavioral health needs of rural residents, Marinoff details MHC’s work with the Regional Community Health Opioid Initiative, which was featured in the MHA’s 2023 Community Benefit Report. The program improves access to Substance Use Disorder treatment and resources while addressing stigma, ensuring safe prescribing and educating patients and providers.

MHA CEO Brian Peters also released a statement for National Rural Health Day celebrating the work of Michigan’s small and rural hospitals and health systems, where teams are often tasked with caring for some of the state’s most vulnerable patients with less resources than their urban counterparts.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA. To learn more about small and rural health efforts at the MHA, visit the rural health webpage or contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA.

MHA Podcast Covers Program Year Priorities: Behavioral Health, Workforce Restoration, Health Equity and More

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast
MI care matters

headphones with heart icon in middle.The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan discussing key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities.

The October 2023 episode, hosted by MHA CEO Brian Peters, features MHA Board Chair Shannon Striebich, president and CEO of Trinity Health Michigan. Peters and Striebich explore what priorities are top of mind for the MHA Board, what workforce challenges are impacting Michigan hospitals, and what behavioral health efforts are underway at Trinity Health.

During the episode, Striebich shares details about the Western Wayne Suicide Prevention Coalition (WWSPC), a community-based program focused on preventing youth suicides that was recognized as a 2023 Ludwig Community Benefit Award winner. The initiative offers thousands of young people the opportunity to be screened for mental health concerns, recognize suicide risk in themselves and others, obtain knowledge and skills to address factors that contribute to mental health problems and receive treatment as needed.

Peters and Striebich also discuss the potential impact recent nurse staffing legislation could have on Michigan patients’ access to care, the role public policy plays in the work of hospitals, financial viability, advancements in telehealth, health equity efforts, and more.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Podcast Highlights National Recovery Month, Resources in Hospital Emergency Departments

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

headphones with heart icon in middle.The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan discussing key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities.

The episode airs during National Recovery Month. Over the last decade, opioid use disorder (OUD) has risen exponentially across the state and country, impacting people at all walks of life, across all communities, and worsening existing health disparities and inequities.

In the episode, Michelle Norcross, MSA, senior director of safety and quality at the MHA Keystone Center and Marissa Natzke, senior project manager of health and human services at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), discuss one of the tools that continues to impactful in this space: Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). This pathway to recovery involves medications that relieve withdrawal symptoms and substance cravings. In many cases, MOUD treatment is paired with interventions like counseling or peer support so that a person is able to address the social and psychological factors that influence recovery.

Throughout the episode, Norcross and Natzke share details about an innovative partnership between the MHA Keystone Center and CFSEM that brings MOUD programming to hospital emergency departments (EDs). They discuss what this path to recovery looks like specifically, along with the strong, positive impact ED MOUD programming is having on OUD patients in Michigan hospitals.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. To learn more about ED MOUD programming, visit the CFSEM website. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder, visit Michigan.gov/opioids or call the SAMSHA National Hotline, a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year, treatment referral hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

MHA Podcast Explores “Healthiest” Healthcare Jobs in Michigan

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast
Melanie Brim, president and CEO of the Michigan Health Council (MHC).

The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan discussing key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities.

On the first episode of the 2023-24 program year, Melanie Brim, president and CEO of the Michigan Health Council (MHC), discusses the Michigan Healthcare Workforce Index (MHWI) – a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive index assessing the “health” of 36 healthcare occupations in Michigan. Brim covers the methodology of the index, what healthcare jobs rank “healthiest” and how the report drives home the importance of continuing to invest in Michigan’s healthcare talent pipeline.

According to the index, nearly all healthcare occupations are projected to experience shortages in Michigan between now and 2032. The report is designed to inform healthcare workforce development across the state, including statewide workforce targets, workforce priorities, goals and strategies. Brim also shares details about the upcoming 2023 Michigan Nursing Summit Oct. 12-13, as well as an overview of Vitals, a new educational activity book that empowers students to learn about health, the body, and health careers. Those interested in bulk purchases may contact MHC.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Those interested in learning more about hospital careers – both clinical and non-clinical – are encouraged to visit MIHospitalCareers.com.

The MiCare Champion Cast is part of the statewide #MiCareMatters campaign, launched in 2017, which aims to build a network of citizens — “MiCare Champions” — who will be called upon to engage in advocacy efforts to protect access to affordable healthcare services in Michigan. Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Podcast Explores Harmful Nurse Staffing Legislation

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News
MI care matters
Kim Meeker, RN, BSN, MBA, president of the Michigan Organization for Nursing Leadership (MONL).

The MHA released another episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities.

On episode 31, MHA CEO Brian Peters and Kim Meeker, RN, BSN, MBA, president of the Michigan Organization for Nursing Leadership (MONL), discuss a recent package of bills introduced in the Michigan Legislature that could severely harm hospitals and access to patient care, if passed.

Senate Bills 334 – 336 and House Bills 4550 – 4552 propose a one-size-fits-all nurse ratio staffing mandate. In a recent joint statement, the MHA and MONL noted how this approach would limit the number of patients receiving hospital care at any one time and services hospitals can offer to their communities, prolong the time it takes for a patient to receive care and hinder many hospital’s ability to respond to a crisis in fear of violating Michigan law.

Throughout the episode, Peters and Meeker explain exactly what this could look like for Michigan nurses and patients while addressing false claims that the bills will help nursing shortages in Michigan – noting more effective solutions, including:

  • Michigan joining the national Nurse Licensure Compact to reduce barriers for out-of-state nurses to move to and practice in Michigan immediately.
  • Increasing eligibility for Michigan Reconnect by lowering the age requirement to 18 and older.
  • Expanding Michigan Reconnect availability to include 4-year institutions.
  • Increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers.

The episode is available to steam on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Those interested in learning more or connecting with local lawmakers on this issue are encouraged to visit the MHA’s Legislative Action Center.

Note: Each interview in this episode was recorded prior to the passing of the legislative fiscal year 2024 state budget. To see MHA CEO Brian Peters statement on new healthcare funding, visit the MHA Newsroom. Additional resources mentioned include the MHA Keystone Center and Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality WellB program and the MI Hospital Careers webpage.

The MiCare Champion Cast is part of the statewide #MiCareMatters campaign, launched in 2017, which aims to build a network of citizens — “MiCare Champions” — who will be called upon to engage in advocacy efforts to protect access to affordable healthcare services in Michigan. Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.