The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
On behalf of Michigan hospitals and health systems, we commend the Michigan House Appropriations Committee for introducing House Bill 5523 that includes vital funding for healthcare workers who have spent the past 21 months responding to a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic. A healthcare workforce shortage existed prior to the pandemic and the pandemic has only made it worse. Today’s funding appropriation is a crucial step towards recognizing existing healthcare workers and providing hospitals with resources to improve recruitment and retention.
We also appreciate the additional funding priorities, including the creation of regional monoclonal antibody clinics, COVID-19 testing for schools and COVID-19 vaccine distribution. In particular, the infusion sites will improve accessibility for residents while reducing the burden placed on hospitals and their staff.
As this bill moves through the legislative process, we will continue to work with elected officials to express the importance of this funding to the healthcare workforce, who go to work every day to ensure our communities have access to care. Considering the current COVID-19 surge, this funding can’t come soon enough.