At the close of 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic situation confronting Michigan hospitals was dire. A prolonged fourth surge drove intensive care unit occupancy rates to nearly 90 percent. Additionally, significant workforce challenges that predated the pandemic became worse and the increasing rates of violence due to the public’s impatience with longer wait times or visitor restrictions reached a breaking point.
MHA Breakthrough, scheduled for Feb. 17 and 18 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, is an opportunity for healthcare leaders to openly discuss these significant challenges with colleagues. Through conversations during advisory tables and a town hall, participants will share ideas and strategies for caring for staff who have been seriously wounded by the loss of life and civility; re-engaging patients’ family and relationships essential to decreasing hostility and improving patient outcomes; driving the message that public health is more than infectious diseases and all community stakeholders must be committed to solving health challenges; and allocating funding to assist with healthcare workforce recruitment and retention and with essential partnerships to fill the workforce pipeline.
In conjunction with the conference, an exclusive dinner limited to hospital CEOs has been scheduled to talk to MHA leaders about how the MHA can assist with the challenges facing their organizations. Seating for the dinner is limited and reservations will be secured on a first-come, first-served basis. The dinner will be held the evening prior to the conference, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 16, in the Aerie restaurant at the resort. Reservations should be made by contacting Erica Leyko at the MHA no later than Feb. 4.
Breakthrough will be in-person and vaccination will be required. Details surrounding the vaccination verification process will be available soon. Registration is open, a full agenda is online, and sponsorship is available through Jan. 12. Questions about the event should be directed to Erin Steward at the MHA.