“It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live.” ― Dalai Lama
I recently had the privilege of joining leaders from across the state to discuss the most pressing issues for Michiganders at the annual Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference. Because our member hospitals and health systems are not only critical providers of care, but also major economic drivers, the MHA once again served as an event sponsor and had a major presence with elected officials, business leaders and the media throughout the week. As you would imagine, we focused our attention on the current Congressional debate over the future of Medicaid and advocated for our 340B legislation and other priorities.
But I was also struck by the airtime given at the conference to the ongoing housing crisis in Michigan, a critical component of health that requires collective action across sectors to address. Over the past year, this has been an issue that our hospital leaders almost always lift up during our site visits, whether in rural or urban settings. The housing issue affects not only patients but hospital employees as well. Housing, along with food insecurity and transportation challenges, make up the core “social drivers of health” that represent one of the most vexing challenges that we confront as leaders.
More than 40% of households in Michigan struggle to cover basic needs like food, healthcare and housing. We also know there is an inextricable link between food and housing insecurity and health. Research has shown that only 20% of health can be attributed to medical care, while socioeconomic factors account for 40%. Individuals with limited access to adequate food are at increased risk for chronic diseases, behavioral health issues and healthcare underuse – which can lead to higher acute care utilization long-term.
Hospital staff are not immune to these challenges. The rising cost of housing often impacts entry-level and non-clinical personnel, including environmental service workers. We need more accessible options, especially in our state’s rural counties, in order to help hospitals recruit and retain staff to care for our communities.
With all this in mind, the MHA is proud to support U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens’ (D-Birmingham) Healthy Affordable Housing Act, which seeks to create affordable housing in locations with easy access to needed services like public transportation, grocery stores and childcare.
Additionally, we’re proud of the innovative efforts underway across our member hospitals to enhance housing security for residents and staff. For example, we have members vetting opportunities to purchase housing near their facilities to provide employees with affordable rent in an accessible location.
Our members are also engaging in collaborative efforts to meet residents where they are. Here are just a few examples:
- Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital delivers free medical care to individuals experiencing homelessness in Oakland County through their Street Medicine Oakland.
- ProMedica is prioritizing public health efforts, investing in ProMedica Farms and their Veggie Mobile to improve access to fresh, affordable produce and nutrition education for the communities it serves.
- Trinity Health’s Food is Medicine program also improves nutrition security by distributing locally grown produce directly to patients at medical appointments and to the community via its farm share, farm stand and food pantry.
- Henry Ford Health is investing in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood through its campus expansion project, which is a cornerstone of a community-driven plan that will also include a state-of-the-art medical research center alongside mixed-use residential developments offering market-rate and affordable housing, retail spaces, green areas and recreational facilities.
As anchor institutions in their communities, Michigan hospitals will continue prioritizing public health and community benefit efforts. However, we must recognize this is a systemic issue that requires change and investment across industries. The MHA and our members recognize it is our shared responsibility to work alongside partners in the public and private sector to improve the socioeconomic standing of our communities. We look forward to the continued collaboration following the robust conversations on the island.
As always, I welcome your thoughts.
