Tag: Advocacy Day

Expanding Advocacy Roots with the Next Generation

Member News
SciPol-Detroit in front of the Capitol.

The MHA collaborated with Wayne State University for the first-ever student-led advocacy day March 22. Science Policy Network-Detroit (SciPol- Detroit) is a student organization at Wayne State that aims to advocate for science-related issues in Detroit. Over 20 undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty with science-based backgrounds visited Lansing to discuss evidence-based ideas for future legislation. SciPol-Detroit members, including doctoral and nursing students, met with lawmakers from their local communities and key health policy committee leadership. Students advocated for legislation surrounding air pollution, lead testing and behavioral health.

MHA and Michigan State Medical Society staff members shared career development opportunities with the students. Staff members emphasized the importance of developing meaningful connections with local lawmakers and associations to kickstart career goals and help shape laws that will impact their profession.

The MHA is working towards establishing a pipeline program with Wayne State University, beginning with the Government Relations and Health Policy Fellowship. The MHA hopes to introduce more students with science-based backgrounds to the realm of health policy. For some students, this event was their first exposure to advocacy.

Members with questions about future advocacy days may contact Sean Sorenson-Abbott at the MHA.

MHA Visits Capitol Hill with Member Hospitals for AHA Advocacy Day

Member News
MHA and Michigan hospital representatives pictured with Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Midland).
MHA and Michigan hospital representatives pictured with Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Midland).
MHA and Michigan hospital representatives pictured with Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Midland).

The MHA visited Capitol Hill in Washington DC last week to emphasize year-end priorities to Michigan’s congressional delegation.

The MHA and several hospital representatives met with House members and with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow to deliver the message that pending Medicare cuts are unsustainable and unacceptable. Memorial Healthcare CEO Brian Long joined the group to request prompt action to prevent the forthcoming 4% Statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) sequester and extend or make permanent the low-volume adjustment and the Medicare-dependent hospital programs. Without an extension, these critical rural programs expire Dec. 16 and will reduce reimbursement to Michigan hospitals by more than $12 million annually. The MHA also pushed for making permanent the expansion of telehealth services and extending the hospital-at-home program. The members of the Michigan congressional delegation were receptive to these requests and generally expressed optimism that the pending Medicare reductions would be paused or even repealed.

The MHA also took part in both the American Hospital Association and Children’s Hospital Association advocacy briefings, which concurrently took place in DC. Both associations discussed their central priorities as the lame duck session nears its end and a new Congress prepares to enter Capitol Hill.

Members with questions about end of year priorities or future advocacy days on Capitol Hill may contact Laura Appel at the MHA.