Michigan Advance Column Highlights Healthcare As Economic Driver

Michigan Advance “Micheconomy” columnist Rick Haglund published a column April 7 that focuses on the large role education and healthcare have in Michigan’s economy. It specifically references the Michigan Health & Hospital Association’s annual Economic Impact of Healthcare Report, which is published in conjunction with the Michigan State Medical Society and Michigan Osteopathic Association.

“A study last year by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association claimed that nearly 20% of all payroll jobs in the state in 2021 were in health care and health care-related positions. Health care employers paid out $46 billion in wages and benefits to 567,957 workers in 2021, or an average $80,992 per employee, according to the study.”

The column also references multiple community investment projects being driven by hospitals and health systems throughout Michigan.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Headline Roundup: New Healthcare Violence Prevention Law and More

Gov. Whitmer signs House Bills 4520 and 4521 that increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer.
Gov. Whitmer signs House Bills 4520 and 4521 that increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer.
Gov. Whitmer signs House Bills 4520 and 4521 that increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer.

The MHA received media coverage the week of Dec. 4 on a new law signed by Gov. Whitmer that increase the penalties for assaulting a healthcare worker or volunteer, as well as stories on expanded nursing education opportunities and proposed Medicaid rate increases. The coverage includes quotes from MHA CEO Brian Peters and MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel.

Below is a collection of headlines from around the state.

Thursday, Dec. 7

Wednesday, Dec. 6

Tuesday, Dec. 5

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Headline Roundup: New Auto No-Fault Legislation & Hospital Staffing

Brian Peters

The MHA received media coverage the week of Sept. 25 regarding new auto no-fault legislation introduced in the Michigan Legislature and hospital staffing issues.

The MHA issued a media statement Sept. 26 from MHA CEO Brian Peters in support of Senate Bills 530 and 531, which would reform specific aspects of Michigan’s current auto no-fault insurance law.

Below is a collection of headlines from around the state.

Wednesday, Sept. 27

Tuesday, Sept. 26

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Media Recap: MHA Joins Health Officials to Stress Importance of Immunizations

The MHA received media coverage the week of Aug. 14 following a press conference Aug. 17 where Michigan health officials urged families to get kids up-to-date on routine vaccines ahead of the new school year.

Ruthanne Sudderth speaks on vaccination importance during the press conference. 

Ruthanne Sudderth, senior vice president and chief strategy officer at the MHA, joined representatives from the MHA, I Vaccinate, the Franny Strong Foundation, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Ascension Michigan and Pontiac Middle School to encourage families get the safe and effective vaccines that are available to help protect children and the community. Below is a collection of headlines from around the state.

Saturday, Aug. 19

Friday, Aug. 18

Thursday, Aug. 17

Tuesday, Aug. 15

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Headline Roundup: Andary No-Fault Decision

Brian Peters

Brian PetersThe MHA received media coverage the week of July 31 regarding Michigan Supreme Court decision in Andary v. USAA, which the MHA published a media statement on following the opinion release. The MHA is also mentioned in several stories regarding price transparency and healthcare workforce shortages.

MHA CEO Brian Peters is quoted in multiple stories. Below is a collection of headlines from around the state.

Thursday, August 3

Wednesday, August 2

Monday, July 31

Friday, July 28

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Headline Roundup: Healthy Michigan Plan & Healthcare Workforce

Brian Peters

Brian PetersThe MHA received media coverage the week of July 17 regarding the healthcare workforce, federal legislation to address drug shortages and bills signed by Gov. Whitmer eliminating burdensome provisions in the Healthy Michigan Plan and making changes to help ensure the program’s long-term success.

MHA CEO Brian Peters is quoted in multiple stories. Below is a collection of headlines from around the state.

Thursday, June 20

Wednesday, July 19

Tuesday, July 18

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.

Carlson Discusses State Budget with Michigan Advance

Adam Carlson

Adam CarlsonMichigan Advance published a story July 9 on the healthcare priorities included in the fiscal year 2024 state budget. Adam Carlson, senior vice president, advocacy, MHA, is quoted multiple times in the story regarding funding specific to hospitals and health systems.

Topics covered by Carlson include hospital security, behavioral health and health equity. The budget included both new funding to support trauma center and inpatient psychiatric services, as well as continued support for long-standing programs crucial to access to healthcare services throughout Michigan.

“We’re in the middle of a behavioral health crisis,” said Carlson regarding the $33 million towards increased Medicaid rates for inpatient psychiatric facilities. “Given the size of the problem, it’s not going to solve it. We’ll still have a shortage of beds, but ideally it will lead to better patient outcomes.”

The MHA Behavioral Health Boarding Survey was also mentioned in an article from Bridge published July 13 which focuses on a new behavioral health unit in northern Michigan as it seeks to address the need for more behavioral health services in the region.