Tag: Hospitals Help

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

Hospitals Help, Member News
Marina, a Healthy Futures participant, with her family and newborn son

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 Healthcare, local health departments and healthcare providers across 31 counties in the northern Michigan region.

The main goals of the program are around increasing access to care, immunization education and breastfeeding support services. The program includes newsletters and texts sent by Munson, phone calls and home visits by a public health nurse in the community.

After struggling with breastfeeding her newborn daughter, one patient enrolled in the program and accepted a home visit, which resulted in a life-saving diagnosis and treatment for postpartum preeclampsia, a condition that can be fatal if left untreated.

“Today, I’m alive, healthy, and here to enjoy my daughter, son and family because Healthy Futures stepped in at the right time,” said Marina, a Healthy Futures participant. “They helped me breastfeed, taught me how to boost my milk supply, monitored my baby’s weight, checked in on my mental health…and after almost five months, they’re still checking on me and my baby.”

To learn more about the program, visit Munson Healthcare’s website. To read more positive hospital stories, check out more Hospitals Help webpage and the 2025 Community Impact Report. Members with questions may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

Hospitals Help: Corewell Health Program Addresses Youth Vaping Prevention, Cessation

Hospitals Help, Member News

Rural schools in Newaygo County, like so many across Michigan, were seeing an increase in the number of students caught vaping. To address this community-wide concern, Corewell Health Gerber Hospital established the Corewell Health Gerber Vaping Prevention and Cessation program to reach students early on and find an upstream solution.

The program is designed to decrease youth use of tobacco and nicotine products through the implementation of early education and access to onsite quit services. With this in mind, Tobacco Treatment Specialists (TTS) are deployed into Newaygo County schools during grades 4-8 to provide hands-on, age-appropriate education. This engaging education teaches youth about the chemicals in vapes and highlights the health consequences that result from vaping.

Students have an opportunity to practice how to say no to peers and how to resist peer pressure. The program also reaches families and caregivers with this important messaging by presenting at school and community events throughout the year. The TTS team partners closely with school resource officers to identify students that have been caught with nicotine products and provide additional education and support as an alternative to suspension whenever possible. One-on-one, onsite, weekly cessation counseling is offered to each student. If students are caught again, they are referred to the juvenile court where more intensive education takes place for both youth and their parents.

During the 2024-2025 school year, 2,348 youth received nicotine prevention education and 16 were seen for tobacco cessation counseling.

“We are fortunate to collaborate with all Newaygo County Schools to provide this education and cessation support for students,” said Shelly Klochack MSN, BSN, RN, clinical program specialist, tobacco treatment specialist, Corewell Health Gerber Hospital. “Through our continued efforts, we are keeping more students in school and encouraging them to make healthier choices.”

For more information and hospital stories, check out the 2025 Community Impact Report. Members with questions may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Jan. 19, 2026

Member News, Monday Report

Michigan Legislature Resumes Session, International Medical Graduate Bills Clear House Rules

The 103rd Michigan Legislature resumed session for the 2025-26 term during the week of Jan. 12, with the MHA continuing to work with lawmakers on initiatives that prioritize patients, providers, and hospitals and improve the health of …

MHA EventsRegistration is Now Open for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference

Registration is now open for the upcoming MHA Human Resources Conference scheduled from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 24 at the Crowne Plaza, Lansing, a must-attend event for HR leaders, talent professionals and executives …

MDHHS Opens Applications for RHT Advisory Council

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is accepting applications to serve on the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Advisory Council, which will support implementation of Michigan’s RHT Program to improve rural health. The …

HHS Updates Childhood Immunization Schedule

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed Jan. 5 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to revise the U.S. child and adolescent immunization schedule, reducing the number of universally recommended …

MDHHS Seeks Proposals for Children Trust Michigan Primary Prevention Program Grants

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a grant funding opportunity to prevent child abuse and neglect. This funding opportunity aims to prevent child abuse and neglect by developing protective factors that promote healthier and resilient …

Speaking Health Care™: A Guide to Understanding Healthcare Language

Orienting new trustees extends far beyond a single session. New members usually require months to get fully up-to-speed on strategic priorities and the basic expectations for trustees. A daunting challenge is interpreting language about operations, …

Michigan State Loan Repayment Program 2026 Application Period Opens March 2

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced an updated application period for the 2026 Michigan State Loan Repayment Program (MSLRP), which will be open from March 2 through April 30, 2026. …

Hospitals Help: MyMichigan Clinics Improve Access to Timely Care

MyMichigan Health established the Continuing Care Clinics in 2023 to serve residents across its 26-county service region who lack timely access to primary care physicians. These clinics are pivotal during critical health transitions, offering responsive …

Keckley Report

JPM Health Conference 2026: The Trump Effect

“This week, 8000 healthcare operators and investors will head west to the 44th Annual JP Morgan Health Conference in San Francisco. Per JPM: “The (invitation-only) conference serves as a vital platform for networking, deal-making, and discussing the latest innovations in healthcare, attracting global industry leaders, emerging companies, and members of the investment community.” Daily media coverage will be provided by Modern Healthcare and STAT and most of the agenda will be at the St. Francis Hotel at Union Square. …

It’s populism vs. corporatization. Healthcare’s proclivity for self-praise, addiction to “Best of…” recognition, celebrity CEOs and handsome executive compensation have postured it as “Big Business” in the eyes of most. Business practices associated with corporatization are fair game to the administration’s corrective agenda: hearings in the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committees will showcase the administration’s populist grievances. The administration will lavish advantages on private organizations that demonstrate support for its policies. …

The health system’s role in making matters better or worse for consumers will be front and center alongside housing and costs of living. That context will be key to discussions between health investors and companies seeking their funds, though subordinate to term sheets.

In 2026, the Trump effect on dealmaking in healthcare will be significant.”

Paul Keckley, Jan. 11, 2026

New to KnowNews to Know

MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled Jan. 19, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

MHA in the News

MHA CEO Brian Peters joined the Michigan Association of State Universities Jan. 13 in a media roundtable to discuss the economic impact of Michigan’s public universities, which generate nearly $45 billion in net new economic …

Hospitals Help: MyMichigan Clinics Improve Access to Timely Care

Member News, Hospitals Help

MyMichigan Health established the Continuing Care Clinics in 2023 to serve residents across its 26-county service region who lack timely access to primary care physicians. These clinics are pivotal during critical health transitions, offering responsive care after hospital discharges, emergency department visits, stays in long-term care facilities or while patients await new primary care providers.

The multidisciplinary team of clinicians at MyMichigan Health create personalized care plans that help patients successfully transition home and reduce the risk of readmission.

Through the Continuing Care Clinics model, MyMichigan Health has demonstrated significant success in reducing poor health outcomes. Patients receiving care exhibit a lower risk of readmission compared to those at other, similar clinics. This achievement is credited to the multidisciplinary team of clinicians who develop personalized care plans, assisting patients in successfully transitioning home while minimizing readmission risks.

Additionally, patients receive referrals for preventive care screenings, further promoting community wellness. The Continuing Care Clinics collaborate with community partners to enhance patients’ access to essential resources including food, transportation and medication. These efforts empower patients to manage their health more effectively and improve recovery.

“Through partnerships with food centers, transportation services and pharmacies, we’ve improved patient access to essential resources like free food, transportation and medication,” said Steve Frazier, MHA, BA, RN, ACN-RN, director of quality and patient safety, MyMichigan Health. “These interventions help patients manage their health, reduce the risk of readmissions and improve overall health outcomes. Additionally, the clinics connect patients without a primary care provider to care, ensuring continuous support and reducing gaps in preventative care.”

For more information and hospital stories, check out the 2025 Community Impact Report. Additionally, this work earned MyMichigan Health a 2025 Ludwig Community Benefit Award. Members with questions may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

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.

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

Hospitals Help, Member News
The Transitions program offers case management, referral services and specially trained Transitions volunteers to provide support, friendship, practical assistance and respite breaks for family and caregivers in the thumb region.

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 bridge between healthcare and daily living, ensuring that no one has to navigate these challenges alone.

At the heart of Transitions is a dedicated coordinator who offers case management, referral services and personalized guidance. Specially trained Transitions volunteers extend this support by providing companionship, respite breaks for caregivers and practical assistance with everyday tasks such as light housekeeping, meal preparation and errands.

Families are also guided through advance healthcare directives and connected with community resources, helping them plan ahead and reduce stress during difficult times.

In 2024, the Transitions program supported more than 120 individuals and families to ensure patients received emotional and practical care in addition to medical treatment. These efforts not only improve quality of life but also strengthen community connections by fostering dignity, comfort and peace of mind.

“Transitions has been a lifeline for families in the thumb region,” said Angela McConnachie, co-chief executive officer, Aspire Health System. “By pairing compassionate care and resources for those who need them most, we’re able to provide relief, friendship and advocacy at a time when it matters most.”

For more information and hospital stories, check out the 2025 Community Impact Report. Members with questions may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

Hospitals Help: Henry Ford Health’s Hospital-Based Doula Program

Hospitals Help, Member News

To help address the alarming rate of maternal and infant mortality, Detroit-based Henry Ford Health established a hospital-based doula program in 2024 that makes a trained professional available to provide emotional, physical and educational support before, during and after pregnancy to patients with Medicaid Health Plans. The program is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

Members of the Henry Ford Health Doula Program team.
Members of the Henry Ford Health doula program team.

Studies suggest that care from a doula can make labor and delivery safer for pregnant people and babies. Through the program, eligible patients can request a doula at any time during their pregnancy. If an individual arrives at the hospital to deliver a baby and staff learn they’ve had little or no prenatal care, they can offer the services of an on-call doula, who provides an added layer of care during and after delivery. In its first year, nearly 200 pregnant people enrolled in the doula program.

Research conducted at Henry Ford Health after the implementation of the doula program found that those with greater social risk were more likely to engage in doula care when services were integrated and accessible, underscoring the importance of tailoring programs and outreach.

“Far too often individuals arrive at the hospital to give birth having had no prenatal care,” said Dr. D’Angela Pitts, maternal fetal medicine, Henry Ford Health. “These patients are most at-risk for complications during and after birth. That’s why we took the extra step of having doulas on call in the hospitals.”

For more information and hospital stories, check out the 2025 Community Impact Report. Members with questions may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

Report: Michigan Hospital Programming, Investments Improve Health and Well-being of Residents

Issues in Healthcare, Top Issues - Healthcare, News Releases
2024 MHA Community Impact Report

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) released the 2024 Community Impact Report highlighting how Michigan hospitals are strengthening the healthcare workforce, enhancing access to care and building community health and wellness. This report shares 15 hospital-led community impact programs from nearly every region of the state.2024 MHA Community Impact Report

Michigan hospitals are advancing the health of patients and communities beyond the traditional healthcare setting with a variety of community-focused programs. These efforts are a result of strategic community benefit investments, in addition to local partnerships and support from state and federal healthcare champions.

“The MHA Community Impact Report demonstrates a long-standing commitment by Michigan hospitals to advance the well-being of patients and communities beyond the traditional four walls of the hospital,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “It also showcases the strong, lasting impact of investments in health education, community outreach services, clinical research and workforce development.”

Examples of stories include Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital’s Street Medicine Oakland program that provides free medical care to patients experiencing homelessness; MyMichigan Health’s Grow Our Own initiative, which provides financial assistance to individuals who want to further their education in healthcare; and Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital’s Community Connect program that is reducing health disparities related to mental health, substance abuse and adverse childhood events.

The investments total more than $4.5 billion in community impact activities in fiscal year (FY) 2022, from education and prevention services to community outreach, research and workforce development.

“At ProMedica Health, we’re always looking for innovative ways to address the specific health needs of our patient population and reach communities where they are,” said MHA Board Chair Julie Yaroch, DO, president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital. “It’s inspiring to see the work of other hospitals featured in the report that are focused on bringing solutions to the table, especially when it comes to closing gaps in public health and enhancing access to care in rural communities.”

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

MHA CEO Report — Impacting Communities

MHA Rounds
MHA Rounds image of Brian Peters

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

MHA Rounds graphic of Brian PetersAs we turn the page on 2024 (and celebrate our success in preventing harmful government-mandated nurse staffing ratio legislation, as well as harmful changes to our medical liability system, during the lame-duck session of the legislature), it is appropriate to reflect on the fact that Michigan hospitals and health systems are there for our communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in ways that reach far beyond their four walls. What they do adheres to this simple theme: Hospitals help.

Hospitals help strengthen the healthcare workforce, enhance access to care, build healthier communities, serve as an economic driver and more. They provide essential resources and programming that help patients, hospital employees, community groups and local businesses thrive.

We highlight and summarize the impact of these activities annually. We will publish in the coming days the 2024 Community Impact Report, which reflects some of the outstanding ways Michigan hospitals are advancing the health and well-being of patients, our healthcare workforce and communities across nearly every region of the state.

These efforts are made possible through strategic investments, innovative programming, local partnerships and support from state and federal healthcare champions. The stories featured in the report paint a picture of the impact hospitals have on our everyday lives beyond traditional patient care. While there are many other efforts underway, we’re honored to uplift a handful of strong examples in this publication.

Visit our MiCareMatters website to read stories that showcase how Michigan hospitals positively impact their communities every day. And as we look forward to the new year, I invite everyone to join us and consider how you can support these vital organizations and the amazing people who work there. I promise that no matter how you engage with hospitals, it feels good to help.

As always, I welcome your thoughts.