MHA Chief Nursing Officer Amy Brown joined CBS Detroit to discuss new federal student loan borrowing limits that took effect July 1, warning how they could create additional barriers for nurses pursuing advanced degrees to become nurse practitioners and certified registered nurse anesthetists. Brown noted that many graduate nursing programs exceed the new borrowing caps, potentially worsening existing healthcare workforce shortages.
A Bridge Michigan story on the closure of Sturgis Hospital highlighted growing concerns about the financial challenges facing rural healthcare providers. The article included MHA perspectives on the pressures of rising costs, workforce shortages and regulatory shortfalls that could put more rural hospitals at risk. 
Lauren LaPine-Ray, DrPH, MPH, vice president, policy & rural health, MHA, and executive director, MHA Center of Rural Excellence, was quoted, emphasizing the need for Rural Emergency Hospitals to retain access to financial stability tools such as the 340B program and swing beds in order to continue serving their communities.
Members with questions regarding media requests should contact Elise Gonzales at the MHA.
Phone: (517) 703-8601
Fax: (517) 703-0628
