The MHA received media coverage on the approval of COVID-19 vaccines for babies and toddlers, and staffing solutions being implemented by hospitals and health systems to address workforce challenges.
The Detroit News published a story June 18 following the approval of COVID-19 vaccines for children under five years old by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The story includes portions of a statement from MHA CEO Brian Peters on the importance of the decision.
“Widespread vaccination of children will go a long way towards reducing the number of pediatric patients hospitalized in Michigan’s hospitals with COVID-19, which over the last two years has led to over 8,000 pediatric hospitalizations in the state,” said Peters.
Crain’s Detroit Business also published an article June 20 looking at healthcare workforce sustainability in Michigan and the tactics being implemented by health systems throughout the state. Included is a quote from Peters on the demographic and talent pipeline issues that have contributed to workforce challenges.
“The reality is we knew even before the pandemic that we would have many people leaving the field,” said Peters. “Demographics aren’t on our side, and we’re simply not training enough nurses, doctors, pharmacists, whatever to replace all those retiring in the coming years.”