Category: MiCare Champion Cast

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.

MHA Podcast Explores Michigan Health Policy Priorities feat. Rep. Julie Rogers

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast

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.

State Representative Julie Rogers

On episode 30, State Representative Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy at the MHA, discuss current health policy priorities impacting Michigan hospitals, patients and communities. The episode is available to steam on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

Rep. Rogers is serving her second term representing Michigan’s 41st House District, which includes portions of Kalamazoo, Portage and Comstock township. She’s a practicing physical therapist and a champion of public health, previously serving on the National Association of Counties Health Steering Committee for seven years and now as chair of House Committee on Health Policy. Rogers also serves as a member of many committees within the house and co-chairs the Biosciences Legislative Caucus.

Throughout the episode, Rogers and Appel cover the impact health policy has had on issues like Michigan’s Medicaid work requirements within the Healthy Michigan Plan, preventative health, auto no-fault, ongoing workforce shortages, and more.

“We have about 208,000 people who work in our hospitals,” notes Appel. “We need another 27,000 more…nearly 8,500 nurses. We’re short over 4,000 technicians – the people who help out in the pharmacy, lab technicians, patient care techs – we also need people who contribute to operations.”

Those interested in learning more about how to get involved in healthcare advocacy or how to engage with local lawmakers on issues such as nurse staffing, 340B, auto no-fault, etc. can visit the issues and advocacy webpage and/or the MHA Legislative Action Center. Those looking to pursue a career in healthcare are encouraged to visit the Hospital Careers website.

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 How Michigan Leaders Can Collaborate to Address Gaps in Behavioral Health

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

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 29, State Representative Graham Filler and Dr. Julie Yaroch, D.O., president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital and Senior Vice President of Inpatient & Retail Pharmacy for ProMedica Health System kick off Mental Health Awareness Month discussing how lawmakers, healthcare leaders and the community can work together to address gaps in the state’s behavioral healthcare system.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

Additional state behavioral health resources can be found through the Mental Health Association of Michigan and the Children’s Hospital Association. As mentioned in the episode, the MHA issued a request for proposal for a $50 million competitive grant program for Michigan healthcare entities to expand access to pediatric inpatient behavioral health services. The funding was appropriated by the Michigan Legislature as part of the state fiscal year 2023 state budget with the goal to increase the number of beds available to care for pediatric psychiatric patients requiring inpatient hospitalization. Applications are due to the MHA by 11:59 p.m. on June 1.

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.

Hillsdale Podcast Explores Hospital Financial Viability, Workforce Restoration and More

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast
MHA CEO Brian Peters joins Jeremiah Hodshire, CEO of Hillsdale Hospital, and Rachel Lott, Chief Communications Officer at Hillsdale Hospital.

In conjunction with the MiCare Champion Cast, Hillsdale Hospital released an episode of the Rural Health Rising podcast April 27 featuring MHA CEO Brian Peters. Joining hosts Jeremiah Hodshire, CEO of Hillsdale Hospital, and Rachel Lott, Chief Communications Officer, Peters explores the state of healthcare as the MHA and member hospitals approach a new program year.

Each week, Rural Health Rising covers healthcare triumphs, challenges and opportunities facing rural America. On Episode 101: The State of Healthcare in Michigan, Peters, Hodshire and Lott cover:

  • How hospital’s financial viability impacts Michigan patients and healthcare delivery – especially in rural communities.
  • What action lawmakers can take to continue supporting Michigan hospitals and health systems.
  • Challenges and opportunities in Michigan’s behavioral healthcare system.
  • How to get involved and advocate for local hospitals and healthcare workers.

The episode, which also serves as Ep. 28 of the MiCare Champion Cast, is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

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. Each month, the podcast features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities.

Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA. Those interested in learning more about Rural Health Rising are encouraged to visit the Hillsdale Hospital website.

MHA Podcast Covers Patient Safety Awareness Week feat. The MHA Keystone Center

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality, MiCare Champion Cast
MI care matters
Adam Novak
Adam Novak, director of safety & quality at the MHA Keystone Center.

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 27, Adam Novak, director of safety & quality at the MHA Keystone Center, joins during Patient Safety Awareness Week to provide a refresh on the work of the patient safety organization (PSO) along with resources that are available to Michigan hospitals and health systems through the Keystone Center.

In the episode, Novak shares details of the upcoming Keystone Center Safe Patient Mobility and Handling Conference, a free event on April 13 that will provide participants with a better understanding of how caregiver and patient safety are connected. As he shares, participants will view live simulations demonstrating best practices for patient handling and discuss how to avoid care activities that cause caregiver injury and compromise quality of care. Risk and safety officers, physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists and worker’s compensation staff are encouraged to register.

The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

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 the Community Benefit of Rural Hospitals

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News
headphones with heart icon in middle.
Helen Johnson sitting in front of podcast microphone
Helen Johnson, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, FACHE, president at Sparrow Eaton Hospital and chair of the MHA Small & Rural Hospital Council.

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 26, Helen Johnson, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, FACHE, president at Sparrow Eaton Hospital and chair of the MHA Small & Rural Hospital Council, shares the impact rural hospitals have on their communities and local economy. 

Johnson, who began her career as an oncology nurse in Marquette, has more than 30 years of leadership experience on both the clinical and executive side of healthcare. She has received many accolades and awards, including the MHA’s 2018 Healthcare Leadership Award and the 2017 Ludwig Community Benefit Award.

In the episode, Johnson shares her personal journey to healthcare and the heart-warming experiences that have made her – and many of her staff – proud to serve rural communities. She also shares the stories of residents who have found community and connection through Sparrow’s Al!ve wellness facility, where she is currently interim executive director.

The episode is available to steam on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

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 Working Inside Michigan’s Rural Hospitals

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast

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 25, Ross M. Ramsey, MD, president and CEO of Scheurer Health, gives listeners an inside look at working in one of Michigan’s rural hospitals as both a clinician and leader. Ramsey, who grew up in the region before attending medical school at Michigan State University, explains the care model and culture that sets rural hospitals like Scheurer apart from their urban counterparts.

The episode, currently available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud, also explores the vital role healthcare plays in rural communities and why those in the medical field might consider a career in the less populated areas of the state.

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 Details Upcoming Election

Member News, MiCare Champion Cast

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 this episode, Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy at the MHA, discusses the upcoming general election which will set the stage for critical healthcare decisions for Michigan and the nation in the years ahead. Appel explains how voting directly impacts healthcare in Michigan and outlines details on this year’s candidates and ballot proposals.

The episode, currently available via Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud, also explores examples of past and present legislation that have had a lasting impact on healthcare, along with key dates to keep in mind ahead of Election Day.  

In November, Michigan voters will help elect the next governor, attorney general and secretary of state of Michigan, decide who will represent the state in all 13 Michigan seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, plus cast ballots for all 110 seats of the Michigan House of Representatives and 38 seats of the Michigan Senate, among other contests.

The MHA MI Vote Matters 2022 election webpage provides the latest information about the election. Members are encouraged to use #MIVoteMatters to join the election 2022 conversation on social media and follow along for the MHA’s Race of The Week series to learn more about candidates and ballot proposals.

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 Program Year Priorities with Michigan Medicine

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

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 this episode, MHA CEO Brian Peters is joined by T. Anthony Denton, J.D., MHSA, senior vice president and CEO of University of Michigan Health – Michigan Medicine, and 2022-2023 Chair of the MHA Board of Trustees. The two explore priorities for the new program year along with efforts underway to address workforce challenges, improve health equity and support sustainability.

Denton has a vast history working in healthcare – from human resources to administrative operations. He has worked on master program and facility planning, capital investments, workforce planning and execution, environmental sustainability, social determinants of health and programs that create positive community impact. He also serves on state, national and community boards and was recently chair of the MHA political action committee – also known as Health PAC – that raised more than $400,000 toward advocating for communities and healthcare organizations.

Part of the episode’s discussion focuses on The Pavilion at University of Michigan Health, a 12-story hospital breaking ground on their Ann Arbor campus. Denton shares insight on what led to the project, along with some key sustainability considerations as construction continues. The new adult inpatient facility is scheduled to open for patient care in the fall of 2025.

This podcast 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. It is currently available via Spotify, iTunes and SoundCloud.

For more information, visit micarematters.org. Members with questions or who would like to submit ideas for future podcasts should contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.