Tag: Community Benefit

MHA Monday Report Feb. 2, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

State Legislative Weekly Recap: House Appropriations Committee Continues RHTP Testimony

The Michigan House Appropriations Committee continued testimony during the week of Jan. 26 on federal funding awarded through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and on legislation related to the 340B program and next-of-kin designations. …

MHA Events2026 MHA Human Resources Conference Registration Open

The 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 24 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing, will convene human resources leaders and professionals who are shaping the future of the healthcare workforce. In an evolving healthcare …

MHA Shares Recent Medicare and Medicaid Enrollment Analysis

The MHA recently updated its analysis of Medicaid and Medicare enrollment based on December 2025 data. The analysis includes program enrollment as a percentage of each county’s total population and the split between fee-for-service …

New MHA Infographic Provides Overview of RHTP Program in Michigan

The MHA recently released a new infographic that provides an overview of the RHTP in Michigan. This infographic highlights the scope of the program, Michigan’s rural health landscape and the $173 million awarded to the …

Pediatric Vaccination Guidance: What Michigan Providers Need to Know

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published its 2026 immunization schedule for children and adolescents, recommending protection against 18 diseases including polio, measles, respiratory syncytial virus and meningococcal disease. This comprehensive schedule draws …

Deadline Approaching for MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy

The enrollment deadline for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy is Feb. 6. The cohort meets Feb. 25-27 and May 7-8 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos. The Healthcare Leadership Academy, in partnership with Executive Core, has …

Hospitals Help: Munson Healthcare, Community Partners Offer Free Family Support Program

Healthy Futures is a free family support program that helps answer questions and assists families in finding services and resources in the community. The program, which has no eligibility requirements, is a collaboration between Munson …

MHA Rounds graphic of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — The Reality Behind a Hospital Ribbon-Cutting

Hospital ribbon-cutting ceremonies tend to spotlight the new and modern elements of a hospital expansion: bright windows, sleek patient rooms or advanced diagnostic technology. But what you don’t see is often more important than what …

New to Know

News to Know

  • The MHA recently created a dedicated newsroom webpage #HospitalsHelp, highlighting stories from member hospitals across Michigan and their community benefit efforts.
  • Stay connected with the MHA for the latest healthcare updates in Michigan across its social media platforms, including Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky and Threads.

MHA in the News

The Detroit News published a story Jan. 29 on two recent House Appropriations Committee hearings on the distribution of RHTP funds. The article details concern from House lawmakers and rural providers …

MHA Monday Report Dec. 22, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Healthcare Bills Advance During Final State Legislative Session Week of 2025

Enforcement of hospital price transparency measures, removal of mental health questions on health professionals’ license applications, and the creation of a palliative care advisory task force were among the healthcare-related bills that advanced in the …

State’s Chief Medical Executive Shares Standing Recommendation Regarding Children’s Vaccines

Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian, MD, issued a standing recommendation Dec. 18, encouraging healthcare providers to follow the children’s immunization schedules developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American Academy of …

CMS Announces MAHA ELEVATE Model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is inviting healthcare organizations nationwide to apply for the Make America Healthy Again: Enhancing Lifestyle and Evaluating Value-Based Approaches Through Evidence (MAHA ELEVATE) model, a new initiative scheduled …

AHA Releases 2025 National Governance Report

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has released its 2025 National Governance Report. The report, based on data collected from August to December 2024, continues to develop a comprehensive picture of the state of healthcare…

Hospitals Help: Aspire Rural Health System Offers Lifeline to Families in the Thumb

Transitions, offered through Aspire Rural Health System, is a free community-based program dedicated to supporting individuals with chronic or life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families, across Michigan’s thumb region. The program provides a compassionate …

Mid-Program Year Highlights: Resources & Reports

Below is a compilation of resources shared during the first half of the 2025-26 program year to provide members with relevant tools, updates and insights.

Michigan Hospital Collaboratives Launch to Improve Community Health

More than 50 Michigan hospitals are coming together to improve outcomes in maternal health, behavioral health and chronic disease across the state through new community benefit collaboratives launched by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association …

MHA Keystone Center Annual Report Highlights Safety and Quality Initiatives

The MHA Keystone Center recently released its 2024-25 annual report, which demonstrates Michigan hospitals’ commitment to improving outcomes and advancing care. The report highlights MHA Keystone Center-led safety and quality initiatives, including: A five-year collaboration with …

Report: Access, Affordability & Community Health Improved by Hospital Programming, Investments

The MHA released its 2025 Community Impact Report highlighting community programming and investments from Michigan hospitals that are improving access to care, addressing affordability and advancing the health of …

New MHA Infographic Showcases Rural Michigan Healthcare Impact

The MHA recently released the infographic Healthcare Impact in Rural Michigan, which highlights how critical access hospitals, sole community hospitals, rural emergency hospitals and birthing hospitals support communities across the state. The infographic highlights the …

2025 Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit Available

In alignment with National Caregiver Month, the MHA Keystone Center recently created the 2025 Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit to support hospitals in their efforts to initiate and enhance caregiver support programming across the state. …

News to Know

  • The MHA will offer the Healthcare Leadership Academy in 2026, with cohorts meeting Feb. 25–27 and May 7–8 at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CyberForce|Q is hosting the Proactive Cyber Risk Measures Webinar on Jan. 29 with speakers from Trinity Health, the Michigan State Cyber Command Center and other organizations.
  • The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Dec. 24, 2025–Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Due to the holidays, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 29 and Jan. 5 and will resume its normal schedule Jan. 12.

Report: Access, Affordability & Community Health Improved by Hospital Programming, Investments

Member News, News Releases
2025 MHA Community Impact Report

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) released today its 2025 Community Impact Report highlighting community programming and investments from Michigan hospitals that are improving access to care, addressing affordability and advancing the health of communities across every region of the state.

The report showcases 12 hospital-led programs that go beyond the traditional care setting to address community health needs across the state. It also outlines investments totaling more than $4.5 billion in community benefit activities in fiscal year (FY) 2023, from education and prevention services to clinical research, healthcare workforce support and more.

“Michigan hospitals continue to redefine care delivery and create new, innovative access points across the state,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “The MHA Community Impact Report is a strong reminder that our hospitals are committed to listening – and responding – to the needs of their communities.”

Programs featured in the report include University of Michigan Health-Sparrow’s mobile health clinic; Henry Ford Health’s hospital-based doula program; Corewell Health Gerber Hospital’s vaping cessation initiative; Mackinac Straits Health System’s retail pharmacy; and efforts by Bronson Battle Creek Hospital to address food insecurity; among many others. This work is a result of strategic investments, local partnerships and support from state and federal healthcare champions.

“Improving community health goes beyond the bedside,” said MHA Board Chair Bill Manns, president and CEO, Bronson Healthcare. “When we invest in programs that address socioeconomic challenges like food insecurity, we’re helping people overcome the barriers that stand between them and a healthier life.”

The full report and community impact stories from hospitals across the state can be accessed on the MHA website.

Based in Greater Lansing, the MHA is the statewide leader representing all community hospitals in Michigan. Established in 1919, the MHA represents the interests of its member hospitals and health systems in both the legislative and regulatory arenas on key issues and supports their efforts to provide quality, cost-effective and accessible care. The MHA’s mission is to advance the health of individuals and communities.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 13, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Healthcare Funding Protected in New State Budget Signed by Gov. Whitmer

The Michigan Legislature’s newly passed state budget, which protects all existing healthcare funding, was signed into law Oct. 7 by Gov. Whitmer. Public Act 22 of 2025, sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), passed by both …

Community Benefit Collaborative Members Gather for Kickoff Event

The MHA brought together the Community Benefit Collaborative members for a daylong kickoff event on Oct. 2 to network and learn from peers across the state conducting community benefit work in chronic disease, behavioral health …

CDC Updates Guidance for COVID-19 and Chickenpox Vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guidance for the COVID-19 and varicella (chickenpox) vaccines. The CDC’s decision uses an individual-based decision-making framework, referring to vaccination decisions made through shared clinical …

Strengthening Rural Healthcare Through Smarter Physician Recruitment

MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare recently released the Rural Physician Recruiting Challenges and Solutions white paper, produced by its Physician Solutions division (formerly Merritt Hawkins). The resource identifies several approaches to address these challenges: Recruiting physicians …

Investing in Rural Hospitals Means Investing in Rural Michigan

When the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law in July, it created the Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year, $50 billion investment in rural healthcare. The MHA Board of Trustees took swift action empowering an MHA board-appointed task force charged with creating …

Keckley Report

Shutdown Impact: The Affordable Care Act 2.0 Takes Center Stage

“In 2009, I facilitated discussions with key health industry trade associations and the White House Office of Health Reform focused on reforms to reduce costs, increase insurance coverage and improve quality by 2019. It was the Obama administration’s aim to use the health system’s bulk as a lever to stimulate recovery from the 2008-2009 recession and simultaneously increase coverage through Medicaid expansion and marketplace subsidies that for lower-income households. …

The current federal government shutdown is a tipping point for healthcare in the U.S. It’s about more than extended subsidies per Dem’s and holding the line on spending per Republicans. It’s about a growing sense of helplessness among the majority and resentment among many that institutions like the federal government, higher education, big business and healthcare are no longer motivated to serve interests beyond themselves. …

Some will harken back to the Affordable Care Act in 2010 when coverage was also the issue. We’re there again. But the bigger issue is this: extending subsidies and maintaining coverage will not lower spending or transform U.S. healthcare to an affordable, accessible, appropriately structured system of health.

The moral high ground for healthcare is in jeopardy and its direction unclear. Perhaps PPACA 2.0 is an answer. Doing nothing isn’t.”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 5, 2025

MHA Monday Report Oct. 6, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

Michigan Legislature Passes State Budget, Preserves Healthcare Funding

The Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate passed a state budget protecting all existing healthcare funding on Oct. 3. House Bill 4706, sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), passed by both chambers, includes …

CMS Shares Updates for Medicare Operations During Federal Shutdown

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently directed Medicare Administrative Contractors to hold Medicare fee-for-service claims for ten business days due to the expiration of several Medicare payment provisions and the Oct. …

Hospital Communicators Gather at MHA Communications Retreat

The 2025 MHA Communications Retreat brought together about 100 communications, marketing and public relations professionals from MHA-member facilities Oct. 1 to network and learn from peers across the state. The agenda featured sessions on reputation management …

CE Credits Available for Maternal Health Quality Improvement Modules

Continuing education (CE) credits are now available for obstetric teams that complete the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) virtual modules. The approximately three-hour series consists of the following modules: MI AIM …

MDHHS Introduces New Provider Updates Under Michigan’s Mental Health Framework

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently introduced new requirements under the state’s Mental Health Framework to strengthen assessments, referrals and care coordination for Medicaid enrollees. These changes take effect beginning October …

MHA Rounds image of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Launching Collaboratives to Improve Community Health

In the healthcare community, we know that a person’s health is shaped outside the four walls of a hospital and our support must expand beyond acute care. The MHA recently launched community benefit collaboratives with …

Keckley Report

Who Owns the Public’s Health?

“September 2025 marks a significant shift in U.S. health policy, especially its approach to the public’s health. …

Public health is a vital part of the U.S. health system but a stepchild to its major players. In reality, the U.S. operates a dual system: one that serves those with insurance (public and private) and another for those without. Public health programs like SNAP, HeadStart, Federally Qualified Health Centers et. al., serve lower income and under-insured populations and integrate with local delivery systems emergency services and during mass-events like pandemics, mass-casualties and disease outbreaks. Funding for public health programs is 2-5% of total health spending shared between local, state and federal governments.

Studies show food, housing and income insecurity—areas targeted by public health– correlate to chronic disease prevalence and health costs. Unlike most developed systems of the world which operate at a lower cost and produce better population-health outcomes, our system perpetuates a structural divide between healthcare and public health. Integrating the two is a necessary strategy for system transformation, but a difficult task given entrenched animosity toward “the system” held by public health leaders and funding pressures.  The bridge between public health and the healthcare delivery systems is a two-lane road with lots of potholes at the federal level, and sometimes better in local communities. But funding seems to be an afterthought unless local communities deem it vital.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 28, 2025

New to Know

News to Know

  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) SunRx is hosting a 340B Regulatory Brief webinar Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. EDT with Bharath Krishnamurthy, health policy & analytics, American Hospital Association.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the AHA’s 2026 Dick Davidson NOVA Award.

 

MHA Monday Report Sept. 29, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

House Health Policy Hears Testimony on 340B Legislation

The House Health Policy Committee took up recently introduced legislation addressing 340B contract pharmacy arrangements during the week of Sept. 22. House Bill 4878, sponsored by Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington), was recently introduced and …

U.S. Senate Approves SUPPORT Act Reauthorization to Address Opioid and Mental Health Crisis

The U.S. Senate passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 on Sept. 18. The bill would provide more resources for preventing and treating addiction and mental illness. It passed the U.S. …

Vault Verify’s Role in HR Automation Featured in Podcast

MHA Endorsed Business Partner Vault Verify was recently featured on the RPI Tech Connect podcast episode “From Manual to Measurable: How UMMS Streamlined HR with RPI and Vault Verify.” Rebecca Hielke from the University of …

MHA Keystone Center PSO Hosts Human Errors and Design Thinking Safe Table

Registration is open for the MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) Human Errors and Design Thinking Safe Table. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 1 at the …

Catching Up on All Things Healthcare with Tina Freese Decker

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring state and federal healthcare priorities with Tina Freese Decker, MHA, MSIE, FACHE, president & CEO, Corewell Health and 2025 chair of the American …

Keckley Report

Responding to Trump Healthcare 2.0: Key Takeaways after 8 Months

“The Trump 2.0 administration is 8-months into its MAGA agenda. Summer has passed. Schools are open. Congress is in session. Campaign 2026 is underway. The economy is slowing and public sentiment is dropping.

For U.S. healthcare, it’s more bad news than good. The challenges are unprecedented. Most organizations—hospitals, medical groups, drug and device makers, infomediaries and solution providers, insurers, et al—are defaulting to lower risk bets since the long-term for the health system is unclear.

The good news is that the health system in the U.S. is big, fragmented, complex, expensive (5% CAGR spending increases thru 2034) and slow to change. It is highly regulated at local, state and federal levels, labor intense (20 million) and capital-dependent (government funding, private investment)—a trifecta nightmare for operators and goldmine for private investors who time the system for shareholders effectively. And it operates opaquely: business practices are hidden from everyday users and bona-fide measures of its effectiveness not widely applied or accepted. …

Trump Healthcare 2.0 is not transformational: it is transactional. It aims to simplify the system and facilitate changes certain to disrupt the status quo. Its locus of control, is Main Street USA. not Pennsylvania Ave, in DC.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 21, 2025

New to Know

News to Know

  • More than 50 Michigan hospitals are coming together to improve outcomes in maternal health, behavioral health and chronic disease through new community benefit collaboratives.
  • The MHA Human Resources (HR) & Workforce Council met Sept. 25 to discuss current HR priorities and review its role in advancing the mission of the MHA and the role of human resource leaders.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) SunRx is hosting a 340B Regulatory Brief webinar Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. EDT with Bharath Krishnamurthy, health policy & analytics, American Hospital Association.
  • The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the AHA’s 2026 Dick Davidson NOVA Award.

 

Michigan Hospital Collaboratives Launch to Improve Community Health

Top Issues - Healthcare, News Releases, Member News, Issues in Healthcare

More than 50 Michigan hospitals are coming together to improve outcomes in maternal health, behavioral health and chronic disease across the state through new community benefit collaboratives launched by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA). The goal is to leverage community impact programming to maximize statewide improvements in these three areas.

The MHA will lead participating hospitals in implementing multi-year, scalable projects focused on enhancing group prenatal care, improving perinatal mood disorder screening and support, preventing postpartum depression and expanding food access and nutrition education. The collaborative topics were selected based on a review of all Community Health Needs Assessments completed by Michigan hospitals. Each collaborative is modeled after existing programs at Michigan hospitals and healthcare organizations designed to address healthcare barriers and improve health outcomes.

“This work reflects Michigan hospitals’ commitment to investing in their communities far beyond their four walls to improve population health,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “These collaboratives are designed to scale local success into making a statewide impact that advances the health and well-being of Michiganders where they live, work and grow.”

Each collaborative has various components that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of a hospital, depending on size, available resources and patient populations. The implementation of the collaboratives is supported by funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Public Policy Associates will facilitate program evaluations.

The list of participating hospitals for each collaborative is available below.

Behavioral Health Collaborative  

  • Henry Ford Health
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Alma
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Clare
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Gladwin
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Midland
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Mt. Pleasant
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Sault
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Standish
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas
  • MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch
  • ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital
  • ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital
  • Trinity Health Ann Arbor
  • University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing
  • University of Michigan Health-West

Chronic Disease Collaborative

  • Aspirus Iron River Hospital & Clinics
  • Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital & Clinics
  • Aspire Rural Health System Deckerville Community Hospital
  • Aspire Rural Health System Hills & Dales Healthcare
  • Aspire Rural Health System
  • Beacon Kalamazoo (formerly Borgess Hospital)
  • Bronson Battle Creek Hospital
  • Henry Ford Health
  • Kalkaska Memorial Health Center
  • Munson Medical Center
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Alma
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Clare
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Gladwin
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Midland
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Mt. Pleasant
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Sault
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Standish
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas
  • MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch
  • Scheurer Health
  • Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital

Maternal Health Collaborative  

  • Bronson Methodist Hospital
  • Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals – St. Joseph Hospital
  • Henry Ford Health
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Alma
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Clare
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Gladwin
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Midland
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Mt. Pleasant
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Sault
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Standish
  • MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas
  • MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch
  • Three Rivers Health Hospital (Beacon Health System)

To learn more about community benefit efforts across the state, visit the MHA Community Benefit webpage.

Based in Greater Lansing, the MHA is the statewide leader representing all community hospitals in Michigan. Established in 1919, the MHA represents the interests of its member hospitals and health systems in both the legislative and regulatory arenas on key issues and supports their efforts to provide quality, cost-effective and accessible care. The MHA’s mission is to advance the health of individuals and communities.

MHA Pushes Back Against Lown Institute Report in Crain’s

MHA In The News

MHA CEO Brian Peters was quoted in a Crain’s Grand Rapids article pushing back against the release of a Lown Institute report about Michigan nonprofit hospital community benefit spending.

The report intentionally omits IRS Form 990 categories, including Medicaid payment shortfall and health professional education, which significantly reduces a hospital’s community benefit contributions. Peter’s statement provided to Crain’s criticized the Lown Institute methodology, while highlighting the impact that providing care to those with Medicaid coverage has on a community. Peters also uplifted the importance of health professional education in increasing the numbers of providers while the country continues to experience a shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural Michigan.

“The latest version of the Lown Institute’s report on community benefit activities of nonprofit hospitals remains flawed, shortsighted and fails to highlight all the important programs and services hospitals and health systems provide to their communities and patients,” said Peters. “It is irresponsible to intentionally ignore these categories that make a significant difference in Michigan’s communities and the viability of hospitals.”

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel also joined state officials and leaders at Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital April 18 to discuss the negative impacts of potential cuts to Medicaid funding on patient care and the financial health of rural hospitals and their local communities. Speakers included Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Director Susan Corbin and Munson Healthcare President and CEO Ed Ness. LEO published a press release, while media outlets including Cadillac News, UpNorthLive and WWMT News 3 published stories that day on the subject.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.