Michigan Hospitals Invested $784 Million in Community and Voluntary-based Activities to Improve Health, Well-being of Residents

New report outlines hospital community health efforts in FY 2021 

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) released today the Making a Difference in Our Communities report that highlights how hospitals invested more than $784 million in community and voluntary-based activities in fiscal year (FY) 2021, from education and prevention services to community outreach, research and workforce development.

Data in the report shows investments made throughout the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating that despite the workforce challenges and financial burdens Michigan hospitals and health systems face, they continue to offer a wide range of services and resources to their communities beyond the traditional healthcare setting that improve the overall health, wellness and quality of life of residents.

“This report uplifts the profound impact Michigan hospitals, health systems and healthcare teams have on their communities,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “In addition to outlining the latest community benefit data, it provides specific examples showing how these investments are improving health outcomes, building community and supporting efforts around workforce restoration.”

The report features examples and testimonials from patients who benefit from the programs implemented by hospitals throughout Michigan, as well as providers. Many of these programs expand access to care, address healthcare workforce needs and improve the health of vulnerable populations.

“Our care teams at Trinity Health are driven by a mission of service and improving access to resources that help individuals and communities thrive,” said Shannon Striebich, MHA Board Chair and President and CEO of the Trinity Health Michigan Market. “Investing in behavioral health programming is just one example of what we do; I’m proud to see the work of our Western Wayne Suicide Prevention Coalition featured in the report among many other impactful community benefit stories.”

The full report and stories from hospitals across the state that exhibiting community benefit can be accessed online here.

MHA Podcast Covers Program Year Priorities: Behavioral Health, Workforce Restoration, Health Equity and More

MI care matters

headphones with heart icon in middle.The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, which features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan discussing key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities.

The October 2023 episode, hosted by MHA CEO Brian Peters, features MHA Board Chair Shannon Striebich, president and CEO of Trinity Health Michigan. Peters and Striebich explore what priorities are top of mind for the MHA Board, what workforce challenges are impacting Michigan hospitals, and what behavioral health efforts are underway at Trinity Health.

During the episode, Striebich shares details about the Western Wayne Suicide Prevention Coalition (WWSPC), a community-based program focused on preventing youth suicides that was recognized as a 2023 Ludwig Community Benefit Award winner. The initiative offers thousands of young people the opportunity to be screened for mental health concerns, recognize suicide risk in themselves and others, obtain knowledge and skills to address factors that contribute to mental health problems and receive treatment as needed.

Peters and Striebich also discuss the potential impact recent nurse staffing legislation could have on Michigan patients’ access to care, the role public policy plays in the work of hospitals, financial viability, advancements in telehealth, health equity efforts, and more.

The episode is available to stream on SpotifyYouTubeApple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 9, 2023

MHA Monday Report

capitol buildingHealthcare Legislative Activity Includes Hearings on Auto No-Fault

Healthcare legislative activity in the Michigan Legislature included hearings on auto no-fault and several other bills during the week of Oct. 2. The Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee held their first hearing on Senate Bills (SBs) 530 and …


Michigan Reconnect logoMichigan Reconnect Scholarship Eligibility Expands

The temporary expansion of the Michigan Reconnect program to individuals between the ages of 21 and 24 occurred the week of Oct. 2. Funding passed in the fiscal year 2024 state budget allowed for the program to temporarily expand eligibility …


BSC Implements New Electronic Document Sharing Program: Egress

The Bureau of Survey and Certification (BSC) serves as the state survey agency for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, conducting federal certifications and investigating specific complaints at Michigan healthcare facilities. During surveys, BSC …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleyFor Healthcare, the Debt Limit and Possible Shutdown Further a Shift away from its Status Quo

“What’s clear is that every sector in healthcare will be subject to scrutiny through an uncomfortable lens—the consumer. Prices matter. Service matters. Integrity matters. Transparency matters. Ownership matters. Purpose matters. And whether accurate or not, fair or not, comfortable or not, information accessible to consumers is readily accessible.

The shutdown over the debt limit might happen or be diverted. What will not be diverted is growing discontent with the medical system that the majority of consumers believe wasteful, expensive and self-serving. How the status quo is impacted is anyone’s guess, but it’s a good bet its future is not a cut-and-paste version of its past. …”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 2, 2023


News to Know

New MHA associate member VativoRx has been a leader in the rebate management space for over eight years, specializing in providing innovative drug rebate management solutions and uncovering new revenue sources for medications administered within healthcare facilities.


MHA CEO Brian Peters speaks with the Michigan Business Network.

MHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of Oct. 2 regarding auto no-fault legislation introduced in the Michigan Legislature and nurse staffing ratio legislation. The coverage is based on interviews conducted with MHA CEO Brian …