community impact - MHA | Michigan Health & Hospital Association

MHA Monday Report Nov. 24, 2025

November 24, 2025November 23, 2025 Member News, Monday Report

MHA Submits Comments on Proposed Medicaid Mental Health Assessment Policy

The MHA recently submitted comments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on proposed policy 2545-BH, which sets new mental health assessment requirements for Medicaid Health Plan providers caring for Comprehensive Health Care Program enrollees. Although …

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. The …

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

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) released its 2025 Community Impact Report Nov. 17 highlighting community programming and investments from Michigan hospitals that are improving access to care, addressing affordability and advancing the health of …

MHA Keystone Center PSO Hosts Virtual Care Safe Table

Registration is open for the MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) Virtual Care Safe Table in partnership with Henry Ford Health. The event will take place from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at …

MDHHS Seeks Volunteers to Support Development of New EMS Credentialing Exams

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is developing a Paramedic Exam and an Instructor Coordinator Exam and is seeking volunteers to support the process. Individuals across the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and …

MHA Keystone Board Reviews Workplace Violence Prevention and Maternal Health Efforts

The MHA Keystone Board of Directors met Nov. 12 to review ongoing work to improve safety and quality across member organizations. The meeting opened with a connect-to-purpose story shared by Keystone Board Chair Doug Dascenzo, …

Caring For Those Who Provide Care

November is National Family Caregiver Month, which recognizes the 63+ million individuals across the United States who support loved ones with health needs every day. I am one of the 63 million and provide care for both of my parents. …

Keckley Report

For Health Insurers, the Big Questions need Answers

“The federal shutdown ended Wednesday. Congress passed and the President signed a continuing resolution (CR) that extends funding and delays changes to several health programs until January 30, 2026 including community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, teaching health centers, the Acute Hospital-at-Home initiative, telehealth, disproportionate share hospital payment cuts and many others. But extension of the ACA tax credits used by 24 million to purchase coverage at a discount was not included in the deal. The Congressional Budget Office estimates more than 4 million people will lose insurance if the subsidies are not renewed at the end of the year. …

The majority of voters think the political system is not working, lending to hyper-partisanship by establishment players and lack of trust in the status quo. Misinformation is weaponized and ‘blame and shame’ tactics deployed. That’s where U.S. politics is. …

In the peer reviewed literature, health insurance coverage is strongly correlated with better health outcomes, including lower mortality, improved chronic disease management, and increased use of preventive care. But its affordability is increasingly in question.

Tax credits will be in the news until the end of the year and prominent in Campaign 2026 politics but the value proposition on which the industry has operated will be the focus beyond. Like every sector in healthcare, increased scrutiny is certain.”

Paul Keckley, Nov. 16, 2025

News to Know

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently announced 2026 premiums, deductibles and coinsurance amounts for Medicare Parts A and B.
The MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Nov. 27 and 28 in honor of Thanksgiving.
Due to the holiday, Monday Report will not be published Dec. 1 and will resume its normal schedule Dec. 8.
The American Hospital Association released the first three chapter of its 2025 National Governance Report.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage during the week of Nov. 17 covering the Rural Health Transformation Program, the MHA’s Community Impact Report and medical debt. Bridge published a story Nov. 19 on the Rural Health …

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

November 17, 2025November 17, 2025 Member News, News Releases

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 Sept. 22, 2025

September 22, 2025September 21, 2025 Member News, Monday Report

Hospital Nurses Ensure Healthcare Stays Top of Mind for State Legislators

The Michigan Organization for Nursing Leadership and the American Nurses Association of Michigan hosted more than 75 nurses from across the state for an advocacy day at the Michigan State Capitol on Sept. …

Michigan House Passes Important Medical Decisionmaker Legislation

The Michigan House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation Sept. 18 to establish next-of-kin designation, allowing certain family members of an incapacitated patient to make medical decisions on their behalf. House Bills 4418 and 4419, sponsored …

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 …

State’s Chief Medical Executive Issues Standing Recommendation for COVID-19 Vaccine Access

Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, issued a Standing Recommendation on Sept. 19 that expands eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring access for all residents six months and older. The recommendation follows Executive Directive 2025-7 from Governor …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Explores Board Culture and Workforce Strategy

The September edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), highlights the podcasts, videos, webinar and other resources available on today’s most pressing issues. The issue provides a checklist for …

Keckley Report

Healthcare: Lost but Making Record Time

‘“Lost but making record time”—that’s an apt description of where U.S. healthcare is. Attributed to Yankee’s legend Yogi Berra, it captures the absurdity of misguided efficiency and unbridled innovation without direction. The growing level of anxiety, frustration, uncertainty and even fear that grips the nation is also at play in across every organization in healthcare. The destination for the industry is unknown, but the pace is quickening. …

I am optimistic about U.S. healthcare’s future because each of the changes above is resident and ‘newer and better’ is necessary to our collective success. The big unknown is who will step forward to lead healthcare’s response. Being ‘lost but making record time’ is not a plan, it’s an excuse.’”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 14, 2025

News to Know

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications for the AHA’s 2026 Dick Davidson NOVA Award.

MHA Monday Report Sept. 15, 2025

September 15, 2025September 12, 2025 Monday Report, Member News

MHA Hosts Successful Community Impact Advocacy Day

The MHA hosted more than 110 hospital leaders from across the state for a Community Impact Advocacy Day at the Michigan State Capitol on Sept. 10. Hospital leaders spoke with lawmakers on pressing hospital and …

Registration for 2025 Communications Retreat Closes Sept. 19

Registration closes Sept. 19 for the 2025 MHA Communications Retreat, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing. This year’s …

Michigan Hospital Collaboratives Launch to Improve Community Health

Keckley Report

It’s the (Health) Economy Stupid!

“Friday’s Labor Department release of its August jobs report prompted political and media pundits to conclude the U.S. economy has entered a period of downturn.

The report showed a light uptick in the unemployment rate to 4.3% and anemic job growth for the month—+22,000 new jobs added offset by adjustments for June and July (-21,000). Those numbers that prompted headlines like these: …

For healthcare, this picture is extremely problematic. Here’s why:

In the 12^th paragraph of BLS news release, it noted: “In August, health care added 31,000 jobs, below the average monthly gain of 42,000 over the prior 12 months. Employment continued to trend up over the month in ambulatory health care services (+13,000), nursing and residential care facilities (+9,000), and hospitals (+9,000).” It’s not a new trend: over the last 10 years, healthcare has accounted for a disproportionate share of job growth …

Healthcare is the economy’s most important industry. Modernizing its workforce is the industry’s more urgent challenge. This puts enormous pressure on organizations to re-think “human resources” and modify compensation and performance expectations for every employee.”

Paul Keckley, Sept. 7, 2025

News to Know

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

September 9, 2025September 9, 2025 Member News, Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare, News Releases

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.

News to Know – March 24, 2025

March 22, 2025March 21, 2025 Member News

In order to continue sharing with key stakeholders the important impact hospitals make to their communities, the MHA invites members to share examples of strong community impact programming through a brief survey. Submissions can include efforts big or small that are improving the overall health, wellness and quality of life of patients and communities. Throughout the year, these programs will be featured on the MiCareMatters website and shared across MHA digital platforms. For more information, members may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.
The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM) is offering regional training sessions April 23 for inpatient maternal health providers focused on implementing the hypertension safety bundle and addressing common challenges with implementation. The one-hour sessions will include time for discussion and collaboration among regional hospital teams following the presentation. Nurses, physicians and other maternal health inpatient clinicians are encouraged to attend and may choose from either a morning session from 8 to 9 a.m.or an evening session from 5 to 6 p.m.. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required with the links provided. Members may contact the MHA Keystone Center for registration questions. Dominique Abram and Meagan Chuey at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are available for event related questions.

MHA Monday Report March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025March 13, 2025 Member News, Monday Report

Legislative Policy Panel Acts on Opioid Treatment Policies

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually March 12 to develop recommendations on legislative and policy issues impacting Michigan hospitals. The MHA advocacy team provided important updates to the panel on healthcare activities at both …

MHA Member Supply Chain Leaders Share Insights and Resources

MHA staff recently attended the Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in the Current Healthcare Environment event hosted March 4 by the Great Lakes Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. This participation represents the MHA’s …

MHA Upcoming PFE Webinars Focus on Advancing Patient-Centered Care

The MHA, in conjunction with its statewide Person & Family Engagement (PFE) Advisory Council, is excited to offer the PFE Improvement Sprints, a webinar series designed to help hospitals and health systems amplify PFE efforts. …

Applications Open for 2025-2026 Excellence in Governance Fellowship

Applications for the 2025-2026 Excellence in Governance Fellowship are now open for healthcare board members seeking innovative and effective ways to lead their organizations as hospitals and health systems navigate financial strain and labor challenges. …

Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets

MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare will host the webinar Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET April 10. Speakers John Higgins, vice president of Essentia Health, a …

Keckley Report

DOGE Healthcare Targets prompt Uncomfortable Questions

In the President’s 99-minute address to Congress last Tuesday, not a mention of healthcare. None. Nada. Go figure.

It’s not surprising but totally regrettable. Politicians on both sides of the aisle know it’s a vital industry to the population’s well-being and the economy’s overall stability. It accounts for a fourth of all job gains in monthly Bureau of Labor jobs reports. It also represents 28% of total federal spending (includes HHS + Veterans Health) with the CBO forecasting 5.5% annual growth through 2032. Thus, it’s not surprising it’s a target of ongoing DOGE federal spending cuts and prominent in this week’s budget reconciliation vote by Congress to avoid a shut down.

Two programs are initial targets: Medicaid and Veterans Affairs. Each is big and serves unique populations …

The impact of proposed Medicaid and VA cuts will draw attention to the overall health system, prompting its critics to argue its wastefulness and its defenders to blame inadequate funding or unfair regulation.”

Paul Keckley, March 10, 2025

News to Know

Registration is open for the highly anticipated MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 and 29, 2025, at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing.
Lenise Freeman, a current Government Relations and Public Policy Fellow, was recently selected to participate in The Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT) at the University of Michigan Health Policy Fellowship.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 10 on the 340B program and potential federal Medicaid funding cuts with outlets including MichMash, Crain’s Grand Rapids Business and 9&10 News. MHA CEO Brian Peters appeared on the March 14 episode …

MHA Monday Report March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025March 7, 2025 Member News, Monday Report

Senate Passes 340B Hospital Protections & IMLC Clears House

The Michigan Senate passed legislation that protects 340B hospitals with bipartisan support while the Michigan House of Representations voted through legislation that removes the sunset on the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) during the week …

Hospital Medicaid Communications Toolkit Available

The MHA recently released a toolkit of communications resources to support hospitals in advocating against potential Medicaid funding cuts in their local communities. The toolkit includes: Talking points Template letter-to-the-editor Template press release Social media …

HHS Rescinds Richardson Waiver Policy on Public Participation

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced the rescinding of the Public Participation in Rule Making (Richardson Waiver), which invited public participation in rulemaking related to federal rules and regulations. HHS Secretary …

MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual Available April 1

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently completed the April 2025 update to the MDHHS Medicaid Provider Manual, which will be available online April 1, 2025. This update aims to clarify coverage …

MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium Approved for CE Credits

Registration is open for the highly anticipated MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 & 29, 2025, at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing. The symposium, offering continuing education …

Regional Training April 23 for Maternal Health Providers on Hypertension Safety

The Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health is offering regional training sessions for inpatient maternal health providers focused on implementing the hypertension safety bundle and addressing common challenges with implementation. The one-hour …

Keckley Report

The Four Unwritten Rules for Engaging the Nashville Healthcare Industry

“This year, the Nashville Heath Care Council is celebrating its 30^th anniversary. Its 900 members employ 333,000 and contribute $68 billion to the local economy. It hosts global conferences (VIVE, Sessions) among its 80+ events annually and promotes Nashville as the healthcare innovation hub of the planet. It is dominated by publicly traded health services companies and the armies of advisors, lawyers, accountants and analysts they employ. …

The Nashville healthcare community will not attempt to transform the industry: that’s for others. It will engage on industry challenges that require technology-enabled solutions, private capital and experienced operators. It is not paralyzed by regulation, industry norms, trade association affiliations or tradition. It is prone to think of healthcare as a opportunistic market, celebrate its profitability and leave systemic issues for others to fix.

The Nashville healthcare community is a fast follower: the bleeding edge is for others. But in following fast, it has emerged as a key influencer in Trump healthcare policies and their execution.”

Paul Keckley, March 3, 2025

News to Know

The MHA Human Resources Conference is quickly approaching on March 25, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Lansing.
In order to continue sharing with key stakeholders the important impact hospitals make to their communities, the MHA invites members to share examples of strong community impact programming through a brief survey.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of March 3 on the Michigan Senate passing legislation that protects the 340B program, the potential impact of tariffs on hospitals and healthcare costs, as well as a …

News to Know – March 10, 2025

March 8, 2025March 7, 2025 Member News

The MHA Human Resources Conference is quickly approaching on March 25, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Lansing. Members must register by March 14 to network with colleagues, learn best practices and earn 5.25 credit hours for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. Members with questions about registration may contact Brenda Carr at the MHA. Questions regarding the conference should be directed to Erica Leyko at the MHA.
In order to continue sharing with key stakeholders the important impact hospitals make to their communities, the MHA invites members to share examples of strong community impact programming through a brief survey. Submissions can include efforts big or small that are improving the overall health, wellness and quality of life of patients and communities. Throughout the year, these programs will be featured on the MiCareMatters website and shared across MHA digital platforms. For more information, members may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025February 28, 2025 Member News, Monday Report

340B Protections Pass Senate Committee & Governor Delivers State of the State Address

Legislation that would implement 340B program protections advanced in the Senate Oversight Committee and Gov. Whitmer delivered her seventh annual State of the State address to the Michigan Legislature during the week of Feb. 24. …

State of Michigan Launches $10 Million Employer-Assisted Housing Fund

The State of Michigan recently launched the $10 million Employer-Assisted Housing Fund to help address workforce housing shortages and improve employee retention across the state. The pilot program, in partnership with the Michigan State Housing …

A Guide to Preparing, Preventing and Responding to Violence in a Healthcare Setting

The following article was written by MHA Endorsed Business Partner Tarian (formerly HSS) and outlines essential strategies and best practices to create a safer environment for all. Workplace violence in healthcare settings is an …

Hospitals Help: Learning More About Street Medicine Oakland

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast featuring Laura Ortiz, MD, Emergency Medicine Provider at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, exploring a collaborative effort that’s enhancing access to care for vulnerable communities. …

MHA CEO Report — Protecting Medicaid Protects Michigan

Accessible and affordable healthcare is essential for communities to thrive, yet recent proposals to slash Medicaid funding threaten to destabilize this foundation for nearly three million Michiganders, including 961,000 children whose health and future depend on access to these services. …

Keckley Report

The Perfect Storm facing the Healthcare Workforce: Eight Current Issues frame the Challenge

“The healthcare workforce is unsteady: while stress and burnout are associated with doctors and nurses primarily, they cut across every workgroup and setting. …

These eight combine to make life miserable most days in health human resource management. DOGE will complicate matters more. It’s a concern in every sector of healthcare, and particularly serious in hospitals, medical practices, long-term and home care settings.

‘Modernizing the healthcare workforce’ sounds appealing, but for now, navigating these issues requires full attention. They require Board understanding and creative problem-solving by managers. And they merit a dignified and respectful approach to interactions with workers displaced by these circumstances: they’re not expendables, they’re individuals like you and me.”

Paul Keckley, Feb. 24, 2025

News to Know

Registration is open for the 2025 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Lansing.
Registration is open for the highly anticipated re-designed MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 and 29 at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing.

MHA in the News

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel appeared on Detroit’s WJR 760 AM’s ‘JR Morning with Guy Gordon, Llyod Jackson and Jamie Edmonds’s “Live from Lansing” broadcast Feb. 26 as part of the station’s annual coverage …

Keckley Report

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Michigan Health & Hospital Association

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