The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast featuring Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations & public policy, MHA, exploring why voting in the 2024 General Election is critical to Michigan’s healthcare future.
Appel kicked off the conversation sharing what health policy issues are top of mind at the MHA and what role the association plays when it comes to advocating for Michigan hospitals, health systems, patients and communities. She noted current priorities include a continued focus on strengthening the healthcare workforce, opposing harmful nurse staffing legislation and protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program.
Later, Appel spoke about how voting directly influences healthcare at the local level and why eligible voters should get to the polls and engage with elected officials before, during and after the election cycle.
“Regardless of who’s in control, there are always healthcare champions on both sides of the aisle,” said Appel. “Those are the people who carry our message. Those are the people who help us get funding for rural labor and delivery services, those are the folks who help us get the Medicaid budget done every year.”
In addition to choosing our country’s next president, voters in Michigan will have a unique opportunity to decide on seats for the following political contests come Nov. 5, 2024:
- One member of the U.S. Senate.
- 13 Michigan members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- All 110 seats of the Michigan House of Representatives.
- Two Michigan Supreme Court seats.
“Michigan is important,” Appel emphasized. “Michigan has a very strong voice…see if you can remove yourself from the hyper-partisan headlines. Your role is electing people who pay attention to healthcare, who care about healthcare, who care about hospitals having the resources that are necessary to take care of folks.”
The MHA is offering election communication materials geared toward hospital staff, volunteers, patients and visitors to encourage voter participation in the 2024 general election. Additionally, the MHA elections webpage offers relevant announcements and Race of the Week spotlights leading up to Election Day. Additional information regarding the 2024 General Election can be found on the Department of the State website.
The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube.
Those interested in learning more about the MiCare Champion Cast can contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA. For more information or to request 2024 Election materials, visit the MHA Election webpage or contact the MHA.