Pine Rest’s Pediatric Psychiatric Urgent Care is located in Grand Rapids, MI.
Hospitals are there in life’s most critical moments, supporting people at all walks of life and expanding access to care beyond the bedside. For children and families experiencing behavioral health crises, timely care can make a lifesaving difference.
The center, which is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., provides same-day assessments and short-term stabilization for children and teens ages 6-17 who are experiencing acute behavioral health crises. The Pine Rest team also connect families with the appropriate resources to avoid emergency room visits.
“Behavioral health challenges among children and teens have increased dramatically in recent years, and families across Michigan are struggling to find timely access to appropriate care,” said Mark Eastburg, PhD, president and CEO, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. “The Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health represents a significant step forward in addressing that need. By bringing together inpatient care, urgent psychiatric services and specialized programming in one location, we are helping ensure that children and families can get the support they need when they need it most.”
Since opening in early 2026, the center has supported an average of 12 children and families each day, providing immediate access to care for those experiencing urgent behavioral health needs. It’s projected that approximately 5,000 kids will be treated per year.
The building was intentionally designed to meet the unique needs of children and adolescents, with specialized programming and spaces for young patients and their families. By bringing together urgent psychiatric services, inpatient care and outpatient support in one location, Pine Rest is helping families navigate behavioral health challenges with faster access to coordinated, age-appropriate care.
Pine Rest is also working to expand specialized care for children experiencing eating disorders, substance use disorder and neurodevelopmental conditions while enhancing access to telepsychiatry services for rural and underserved communities across Michigan.
Visit the Pine Rest website to learn more about how their teams are helping children and families across Michigan access timely, specialized behavioral healthcare services.
The Michigan House passed legislation related to third-party litigation financing, Medicaid prescription requirements and surgical smoke plume evacuation during the week of May 11. Lawmakers also introduced legislation related to behavioral health transportation services and …
State House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) addressed the MHA Legislative Policy Panel May 13 at the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center, providing the panel with a legislative and political update and sharing his commitment to …
In partnership with Executive Core, the MHA recently celebrated the successful completion of the 2026 Healthcare Leadership Academy, which supports the development of emerging healthcare leaders across Michigan. Through two in-person modules, participants developed skills …
Kristy Shafer, senior manager, MHA Keystone Center, and senior lead quality improvement advisor for Superior Health, presented the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services quality improvement program at the Michigan Critical Access Hospital Quality …
The National Alliance for Caregiving will host the webinar “Practical Methods for Integrating Caregivers into Care Delivery” from 1 to 2 p.m. ET May 27, highlighting how hospitals and health systems are embedding caregivers into care models …
Michigan hospitals have long prioritized infection control and prevention, investing in resources that strengthen safety and quality measures for their patients and staff. The MHA Keystone Center is committed to supporting these efforts. Healthcare teams …
The MHA Person & Family Engagement Advisory Council met May 14 to examine patient journey mapping, a method used to document and visualize the patient experience across healthcare touchpoints, from recognizing a health need through treatment and ongoing care.
Hospitals paid under the Medicare inpatient prospective payment system must submit a calendar year 2025 occupational mix survey to the Medicare Administrative Contractor by June 30.
Applicable laboratories, including hospital outreach laboratories, must report private payer data under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2025, during the reporting window open through July 31, 2026.
The MHA received coverage in a May 12 Crain’s Detroit Business story examining insurance contract negotiations with hospitals. In the article, MHA CEO Brian Peters emphasized that reimbursement contracts between hospitals and insurance companies often …
Budget proposals from the House and Senate advanced in their respective chambers, while MHA-supported legislation saw action during the week of April 20. House Bill 5619, sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), passed the …
The MHA Keystone Center Board of Directors met April 8 to discuss safety and quality priorities, review governance actions and plan for the upcoming program year. Brook Watts, MD, chief quality officer, Michigan Medicine, shared …
The MHA has been working with the Michigan HomeCare & Hospice Association to raise awareness of upcoming enforcement by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) related to background check and fingerprinting requirements. …
The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 24-26 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding lineup of experts discussing key topics, …
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Survey and Certification is organizing a Continuum of Care Consortium. This group is designed to bring together hospital and long-term care providers …
The MHA Keystone Center, in partnership with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, released findings from a two-year pilot since implementing the Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit in acute care settings. Results show reductions in caregiver strain and …
Hospitals are improving the health and well-being of communities through a care model that fosters collaboration between clinicians, patients and their support systems. Person- and Family-Centered Care — often referred to as Patient and …
“Per AHA President and CEO: “The timing of our presence and voice in Washington is especially important this year. Health care affordability remains in the spotlight. Congress is discussing the prospects of one or two more reconciliation packages this year, even as we are asking them to examine the overreach and mitigate certain health care provisions from last year’s package. And we are 199 days from the midterm elections…” (AHA Today April 17, 2026)
The reality is this: hospitals have lost much of the good will they earned during the pandemic. Pushback by AHA against hospital price transparency, site neutral payments, 340B changes et al. have been successful. But heightened visibility about executive compensation, profitability, tax exemptions, private equity ownership concerns and for-profit venture-development has eroded Congressional favor, exacerbated nurse and physician burnout and lessened community support. AHA is aware. …
I do not think the future of the U.S. health system will be a repeat of its past. That’s good news and bad news for hospitals.”
Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, joined JJ Hodshire, president and chief executive officer, Hillsdale Hospital, for a press conference April 17 to discuss how proposed cuts to Medicaid will further destabilize hospitals …
Several healthcare bills, including mandatory nurse overtime, medical debt collections, prescribed pediatric extended care facilities and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget, saw action in the legislature during the week of April 13. The Michigan Senate voted in support …
The MHA Unemployment Compensation Program was recognized by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies April 17 for its continued commitment to using the State Information Data Exchange System to receive new claims and respond to …
The MHA Keystone Center recognized Camryn Smith and Alicia Evans, medical assistants at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, as its quarterly MHA Keystone Center Speak-up! Award recipients. The Speak-up! Award …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) convened the first Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Advisory Council meeting on April 13. Three rural hospital leaders from MHA-member hospitals serve on the council: Julie …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed rule to update the Medicare fee-for-service inpatient prospective payment system for fiscal year (FY) 2027. Highlights of the proposed rule include: …
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), through its Bureau of Community Health Systems, will host a webinar from 3 to 3:30 p.m., May 7, to review proposed updates to administrative rules …
The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking feedback from members to help shape upcoming guardianship training. Members are encouraged to complete a brief survey to share input on what is needed, how it should …
As MHA CEO Brian Peters stated in his April CEO Report, it’s critical – especially during Workplace Violence Prevention Month – to prioritize the safety and well-being of healthcare workers. The MHA Keystone Center and …
From prenatal care and labor and delivery to neonatal intensive care and postpartum follow-up, Bronson Healthcare plays a critical role in influencing health outcomes for mothers and babies across Southwest Michigan. In celebrating a historic …
“This weekend, the American Hospital Association will convene its 2026 Annual Membership Meeting in DC. Its purpose is to equip leaders to engage with lawmakers and government officials on issues of consequence to hospitals.
The agenda includes panels on age-friendly health systems, post-acute services, AI and more, interspersed with punditry from members of Congress and political commentators. It’s a federally-focused meeting at a time when the current administration has signaled distaste for healthcare and frustrations with hospitals. …
Key questions for hospitals: What does value mean in our organization? To whom is our value focus directed? Is quality in our organization an end in itself or a means to a financial result? Is participation in VBC projects helpful to our organization or is watchful waiting prudent?
The American Hospital Association, its state affiliates and its members face unprecedented challenges in 2026 and beyond. While attention is focused on short-term rules and regulations that protect hospital revenues (340B, site neutral payments, Medicaid cuts, et al), equal consideration is needed to the long-term role and scope of hospitals in emergent systems of health. That makes the AHA Board’s selection of retiring CEO Rick Pollock’s successor and the deliberation of the AHA Board about the long-term future for hospitals even more consequential.”
Recent coverage of the Michigan Senate’s April 15 action on mandatory nurse overtime highlighted the MHA’s active engagement in ensuring hospital concerns were reflected in the final package. MHA Chief Nursing Officer Amy Brown was …
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) announced April 10 the establishment of the MHA Center of Rural Excellence, a 501(c)(6) organization created to formalize and strengthen the collective voice of rural hospitals through support tailored …
The MHA Board of Trustees welcomed Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) as a guest speaker at its April 8 board meeting at the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center in downtown Lansing. Sen. Brinks shared …
CMS Releases FY 2027 Proposed Rules Across Care Settings
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released several proposed rules for fiscal year (FY) 2027 that update Medicare payment systems and quality reporting requirements.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recommending early measles vaccination for infants in select southeast Michigan counties and extending the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization season through April 30, in …
The MHA Keystone Center recently rolled out its Quality and Safety Dashboard, a resource that helps Michigan hospitals monitor performance, identify improvement opportunities and reduce patient harm. The dashboard provides an at-a-glance view of performance …
The MHA recently submitted comments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on proposed policy 2553-BH, which addresses reimbursement for specialty behavioral health services based on service location. While the policy largely reflects …
The MHA Council on Health Access and Community Impact, established in June 2024, brings together voices from across the MHA membership to advance a shared commitment to improving healthcare and health outcomes. Over the past …
The MDHHS is accepting applications through April 30 for the Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Loan Repayment Program, which supports providers who offer or expand access to opioid addiction …
The MHA continues to support the YesRx statewide cancer medication donation drive, taking place April 20-24, to help expand access to treatment and reduce medication waste across Michigan. YesRx is a statewide cancer drug repository …
Rural hospitals are the heart of their communities, providing care close to home in addition to jobs, stability and reassurance that help is nearby in life’s most pivotal moments. Despite their essential role, rural providers …
“In 1970 before there was ESPN Sports Center, there was ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” and its iconic montage opening featuring a disastrous ski jump attempt by Yugoslavia’s Vinko Bogataj and Jim Kay’s voice-over “the thrill of victory and agony of defeat.” It’s an apt framework for consideration of current affairs in the U.S. today and an appropriate juxtaposition for consideration the winners and losers in the White House Office of Management and Budget FY2027 released Friday. …
In its current form, this budget is unlikely to be enacted October 1, 2026: it’s best viewed as a signal from the White House about priorities it deems most important to the MAGA faithful in Congress, 28 state legislatures and 26 Governors’ offices controlled by Republicans. Though its explosive growth in of War Department funding to $1.5 trillion is eye-popping, cuts to healthcare are equally notable. Both are calculated bets as the mid-term election draws near (six months) and clearly OMB is betting healthcare cuts will be acceptable to its base. …
This budget proposal clearly illustrates why state legislators and Governors will play a bigger role in its future at home and abroad. And it means consumer (voter) awareness and understanding on key issues will be key to the system’s future, lest it is remembered for the agony of its defeat than the thrill of its victory.”
Elizabeth Kutter, vice president and deputy general counsel, MHA, joined Paul W. Smith for a WJR Spotlight interview April 9 about the value the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program brings to Michigan communities. The conversation …
The MHA welcomed human resources leaders from across the state for the 2026 MHA Human Resources Conference March 24 in Lansing. Attendees gathered for a day of learning, networking and discussions focused on the workforce …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a Quality & Safety Special Alert Memo reminding critical access hospital providers of their responsibilities for patient food and nutrition services under existing …
The MHA Annual Membership Meeting will be held June 24-26 on Mackinac Island. It will include education sessions that deliver tactics and perspectives to shape the future, recognition of prestigious individuals leading transformation and numerous …
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026-27 cohort of the MHA Excellence in Governance Fellowship, a rigorous and comprehensive program delivering tools and knowledge in effective governance. Hospital and health system governing board members …
Patients often feel most vulnerable during the transition from hospital to home – especially if questions linger, follow-up care is extensive or there’s any risk of complications. Knowing this, hospitals are finding ways to ensure …
Healthcare workers accept extraordinary responsibility in their role as caregivers for their community, but fearing for their own safety is never something they should have to accept as part of the job. …
March Recap
March was marked by a strong focus on National Nutrition Month, highlighting how hospitals are advancing Food as Medicine efforts across Michigan. The following articles recap key conversations and initiatives supporting improved health outcomes through nutrition.
Food is Medicine. Health by Food. ProduceRx. The integration of healthy food into healthcare is gaining attention under many names, but the message remains the same: access to healthy foods as a part of care. …
The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council convened virtually March 5 to discuss strategies to improve health outcomes through stronger integration of social and clinical care. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, members also explored …
As many observe National Nutrition Month, hospitals across the state are implementing programs to address chronic disease through nutrition education and expanded food access. This work is being done through the MHA Community Benefit Collaboratives, which support efforts to improve Michiganders’ health outcomes in …
“Last week, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert Kennedy and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Director Mehmet Oz announced appointments to the new Healthcare Advisory Committee (HAC).
Its 18 members were selected from 400 nominees and will serve two-year terms. The group includes 4 health system executives, 5 physician leaders, 4 policy analysts, 3 ‘others’ (including motivational speaker Tony Robbins) and 2 Ex Officio (Non‑Voting) Members (Kimberly Brandt, JD — CMS Deputy Administrator & COO Stephanie Carlton, CMS Chief of Staff). …
The U.S. health system is in chaos. Its long-term destination is unknown. It’s near-term is mired in political brinksmanship and discontent about its costs and affordability. It is unhealthy. Majorities in both parties, and independent voters think the system is broken but few know what a viable alternative might be. Lost but making record time!!!”
The MHA received media coverage during the week of March 30 following Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy Laura Appel’s participation in two panels focused on key healthcare challenges and opportunities. WZMQ …
Gov. Whitmer signed House Bill 5455, now Public Act 6 of 2026, into law March 26. This came ahead of the deadline for the state to continue participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact without …
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, signed into law Feb. 3, includes updates to the Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act. These updates include a data …
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently finalized Medicaid policy updates to the Michigan Mental Health Framework. It reflects several changes from the proposed version related to assessment use, timing and provider eligibility. …
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Survey and Certification is organizing a Continuum of Care Consortium. This group is designed to bring together hospital and long-term care providers …
Following a recent cyberattack at Stryker Corporation, the company issued a Stryker Cyber Incident Response Certification Letter on March 16 to update its customers on the ongoing situation. The letter includes information on product safety, communication with Stryker sales …
Michigan hospitals are finding innovative ways to improve patient outcomes and remove barriers to timely care. One example of this comes from McLaren Health Care and its McLaren Heart & Vascular Institute, who recently launched …
“Hospitals represent 31% of total health spending in the U.S. They directly employ 52% of the nation’s 1.1 million physicians and 44% of the 18 million in the healthcare workforce. Many operate ‘related’ businesses including insurance companies, nursing home and long-term care services, fitness facilities and some are investors in private equity funds and joint ventures pursuing innovations in care delivery and more. …
For hospitals, this is March Madness! Strategies to manage demand, reduce costs and leverage favorable operating margins (enjoyed by some) need refreshing because the environment has fundamentally changed. Governing boards and C suites in hospitals face some tough questions about how, and how fast their environment will change. The Big C’s (Costs, Corporatization, Competition, Compliance, Capital, Coverage) are a useful place to start…
These are not comprehensive but they’re directionally accurate: the future for hospitals is not a repeat of the past. The market has fundamentally changed.
The blame and shame game played by the industry’s major sectors—hospitals, insurers, drug companies—has not made life better for the citizens it serves. The public’s asking for something better, and elected officials are on their side.
March Madness is reality for hospitals. It requires fresh thinking and uncomfortable adjustments. It’s not optional.”
The MHA membership will convene in person for the MHA Annual Membership Meeting June 24–26. The annual meeting will feature an outstanding lineup of experts discussing key topics, including public perception and affordability. Members are encouraged to register by …
The MHA received media coverage during the week of March 23 on key issues affecting access to care and the healthcare workforce. MLive, Gongwer and the Michigan Advance reported on the bipartisan agreement to extend …
Michigan hospitals are finding innovative ways to improve patient outcomes and remove barriers to timely care. One example of this comes from McLaren Health Care and its McLaren Heart & Vascular Institute, who recently launched a first-of-its-kind cardiovascular screening program to help better detect patients’ risk for heart disease.
Launched in partnership with Bunkerhill Health and its AI-powered Carebricks platform, the tool’s FDA-cleared clinical algorithm detects indicators for coronary heart disease and aortic stenosis – two common forms of heart disease that worsen over time if left untreated.
“This is a very important way of finding the disease before it causes any problems for the patient long-term or short-term,” said Dr. Samar Kazziha, chief medical director, McLaren Heart & Vascular Institute, McLaren Health Care.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in Michigan and the U.S. In addition to heeding controllable risk factors, early intervention can significantly reduce the odds of a life-threatening cardiovascular event.
McLaren’s new technology has alleviated the need for time-consuming tests and imaging that traditionally have been performed to detect the presence and risk of heart disease. Now, clinicians can spot signals much sooner – even during routine testing for other, non-heart related conditions.
Launching a screening program of this size and scope would have normally placed added strain on clinical teams, including time spent reviewing charts, checking guidelines and coordinating follow-up care. Bunkerhill Health’s Carebricks makes the process easier by enabling AI-powered workflows that analyze patients’ records already on file, clinical guidelines and McLaren’s own care protocols. As a result, McLaren can expand access to early cardiovascular screening while minimizing added workload for clinicians.
“By using the clinical information already available to us, this program enables us to identify patients who may benefit from earlier follow-up, often before symptoms appear, and ensures they are connected to the right care at the right time — helping to close critical gaps in detection, improving those patients’ long-term outcomes and overall quality of life,” said Kazziha.
To learn more about cardiac care services, visit the McLaren Health Care website. Those with questions or content ideas for the Hospitals Help series may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.
Healthcare remains the state’s largest employer of direct, private-sector jobs. With this in mind, hospitals are finding innovative ways to give Michigan students the opportunity to gain real-world exposure to clinical and non-clinical healthcare roles. Some examples of these efforts are outlined below.
McKenzie Health System Hosts Healthcare Career Exploration Tours for Local Students
McKenzie Health System hosts an immersive hospital tour for local ninth and tenth grade students.
The eight-week program provides hands-on exploration of health and human service careers across the Thumb region. During their visit to McKenzie, students gained a behind-the-scenes look at how a rural hospital operates and the many career paths available within healthcare.
The tour itself involved rotating through several departments – pharmacy, dietary, nursing, diagnostic imaging, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation – and participating in interactive learning experiences designed to bring healthcare careers to life.
“These tours give students a meaningful look at the many career opportunities available in healthcare, right here in their own community,” said Nina Barnett, Public Relations. “We are proud to support the exploration of healthcare careers for local youth and to partner with the Thumb Community Health Partnership in building a strong future workforce.”
By partnering with the Thumb Community Health Partnership and local school districts, McKenzie continues to invest in programs that encourage students to explore rewarding careers in healthcare close to home.
Trinity Health Muskegon Hosts Schools for a “A Day in the Life of an Injured Student”
Educators and students from Muskegon High School and Spring Lake High School recently visited Trinity Health Muskegon to participate in an interactive activity titled, “A Day in the Life of an Injured Student,” where they followed the medical journey of a student athlete hurt during a football game.
From the initial scene with paramedics to the operating room alongside surgical technicians, students observed each step of care and were introduced to roughly 40 different medical and health-related professions along the way.
Trinity Health Muskegon colleagues shared more about their roles, required education, career pathways and practical advice. Representatives from healthcare colleges and Trinity Health Muskegon’s Talent Acquisition team were also present to serve as resources for the students.
“Many of these students have no idea how many career options exist within various healthcare settings,” said Jerry Evans, MD, emergency medicine provider, Lake Michigan Emergency Specialists and immediate past chief of staff, Trinity Health Muskegon. “Athletic trainers, paramedics, physicians, nurses, radiology and lab technicians, emergency department teams, operating room staff, computer support, dietary services, facilities personnel and so many others. Trinity Health Muskegon is devoted to strengthening our community and inspiring our youth to consider careers in healthcare.”
Covenant HealthCare Invites Recent Grads to Explore Hospital Careers
Covenant HealthCare created “Discover Covenant” in 2024 to expand knowledge of hospital jobs, grow local talent and help future generations make informed career decisions.
The summer program is a paid opportunity designed for recent high school graduates interested in healthcare. It runs from early June to late August, giving participants the opportunity to explore areas of interest along with those they’re unfamiliar with. Exploration periods are done in three-week rotations from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday.
“As I worked through Discover Covenant, my love of helping people and feeling a sense of accomplishment was ignited during the nursing rotation,” said one participant. “I have now willingly changed my college major to nursing, and I am grateful for the time and money saved due to my experience with Discover Covenant.”
Since 2024, hospital employees and volunteers have hosted approximately 30 students – a handful of which have since sought employment or additional learning at Covenant. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to contact the Covenant team.
“This program has given young adults from our community the opportunity to learn more about healthcare careers and engage with our organization,” said Jill Jarvis, BSN, RN, manager, clinical development & education, Covenant HealthCare. “It has been a win-win for both participants seeking knowledge and guidance about their futures and for our organization, which is working to build pipelines for future employees.”
Hillsdale Hospital Awards Up to $50,000 in Educational Support to High School Seniors Pursuing Nursing Careers
Hillsdale Hospital’sDoris Whorley Nursing Scholarship allows eligible high school seniors to apply for tuition assistance of up to $10,000 per year for up to five years for an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
“Our hospital depends on nurses across every point of care and our mission with this scholarship program is to support their education, on-the-job training and long-term career development,” said Randy Holland, chief nursing and infection control officer.
The scholarship was named after Doris Whorley, Hillsdale’s longest working nurse who has been in the profession for nearly 58 years.
“Doris Whorley has made such an incredible and enduring impact on our hospital’s staff and patients,” added Holland. “On behalf of Hillsdale Hospital’s nursing staff, we are honored to carry her legacy forward as we train and guide future nurses.”
Program application announcements can be found on Hillsdale Hospital’s website.
Eaton Rapids Medical Center Hosts Themed Hospital Tour
The team at Eaton Rapids Medical Center recently hosted a two-day hospital tour for local second graders. To keep things engaging, the event was pirate-themed and included exploring the “Emergency Deck,” emergency department, a visit to ”Clean Hands Island” to learn more about the importance of handwashing and a trip to “X-Ray Bay” to see the hospital’s radiology equipment.
The tours are designed not only to ease fears associated with medical care, but also educate students on healthy habits and see members of the hospital team in action.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with our local schools to bring this experience to our second graders every year,” said Eleni Danford, MSN, RN, clinical education, Eaton Rapids Medical Center. “By opening our doors and giving students the chance to explore our departments, meet our care team and have a genuinely fun and memorable experience, we hope to build a sense of familiarity and trust between our hospital and the community we serve.”
Pine Rest Charts Careers in Mental Health
Through personal narratives, reenactments and hands-on activities, more than 200 Kent County students explored career opportunities in the mental health field at an event recently hosted by Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.
“Pine Rest Beyond the Books — The High School Edition,” was an immersive program designed to introduce teens to behavioral health careers. Students from Kent Career Tech Center and several local high schools, including Byron Center, Kenowa Hills, Kelloggsville, Kentwood, Lowell and Northview, attended the event.
Amy Pierce-Danders, Pine Rest workforce development manager, said many students entering the medical field focus on traditional roles, such as nurse or doctor, without realizing the breadth of opportunities available. Other behavioral health job options include counselor, social worker, psychiatric technician, behavioral analyst and recreational therapist, she said.
“The goal is to get the students on campus where they can learn about behavioral health issues and discover these healthcare pathways,” Pierce-Danders said.
MI Hospital Careers Campaign
As a complement to the local efforts of Michigan hospitals, the MHA’s MI Hospital Careers campaign launched in June 2023 to expand interest in Michigan health careers. The campaign targets high school and college students, as well as working professionals looking for a rewarding career. To learn more, contact Katelin Wiersma at the MHA.
The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Council convened virtually on March 5 to discuss strategies to improve health outcomes through stronger integration of social and clinical care. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, members also explored how Food as Medicine initiatives are being implemented across Michigan health systems.
Nutrition plays an essential role in improving health and preventing chronic disease, yet many communities continue to face barriers to accessing healthy food. Council members discussed how hospitals and community partners are working to address nutrition insecurity and expand Food as Medicine programs.
The meeting opened with organizational storyboards highlighting how health systems are working to improve health outcomes, expand access and strengthen community partnerships. Members shared examples of strategies integrating social care into clinical practice, including embedding social needs data into dashboards, expanding community-informed approaches and using geographic insights to better understand barriers such as transportation, behavioral health access and financial strain.
Hospitals are also piloting innovative models, including food support programs and virtual care, to better serve rural and underserved communities.
The discussion also included insights from a cross‑sector community development initiative, highlighting how coordinated work across healthcare, economic opportunity and community design can improve conditions in under-resourced communities. Members emphasized that strong internal leadership alignment is essential to sustain community-focused progress.
The council received a legislative update, highlighting potential coverage disruptions, Medicaid redetermination challenges, physician licensure risks and evolving hospital finance pressures. Council members were encouraged to use the MHA Action Center to engage lawmakers in protecting healthcare funding.
During the meeting, Lucy Ciaramitaro, director, communications, MHA, shared more about the Hospitals Help statewide storytelling campaign that elevates high-impact hospital stories to support public awareness and trust.
Dawn Opel, JD, PhD, chief innovation officer and general counsel, Food Bank Council of Michigan, delivered an in‑depth overview of Michigan’s Food as Medicine landscape, including the Medicaid In Lieu of Services benefit. While Michigan is a national leader in this space, program uptake remains low due to clinical integration barriers, unclear workflows, inconsistent referral pathways and limited data sharing between health and food systems. Food insecurity in Michigan continues to increase, placing additional pressure on hospitals and community partners and underscoring the need for aligned strategies.
The meeting concluded with a discussion of council subgroups developing guidebooks and recommendations for scalable community health strategies related to quality improvement, patient experience, community partnerships and clinical social care integration.
Members are encouraged to map current Food as Medicine partnerships to identify gaps in referrals, data sharing or workflows. Hospitals may also engage patients and staff to assess social-needs screening workflows, focusing on timing, roles and follow-up capacity.
House Passes Multiple Healthcare Bills
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Hospitals Help: Memorial Healthcare Prioritizes Infection Control for Long-Term Care Residents
