Tag: Rob Wood

Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets

Member News

MHA Endorsed Business Partner AMN Healthcare will host the webinar Balancing the Complexities of the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Markets from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET April 10.

Speakers John Higgins, vice president of talent management at Essentia Health, a hospital system in Wisconsin, North Dakota and Minnesota, and Steven Endsley, vice president of workforce solutions at AMN Healthcare, will provide valuable insights on solving workforce challenges and innovative talent strategies, including in rural healthcare settings. The webinar will highlight effective approaches to talent acquisition, retention and workforce transformation.

Key takeaways will include:

  • Insights on rural and urban healthcare workforce market dynamics.
  • Shaping adaptive workforces with development and flexible workforce pools.
  • Having union labor partners to drive innovation and implement workforce development activities.
  • Best practices and specific-use cases at Essentia Health, including retention strategies and talent acquisition innovations, such as artificial intelligence.

The webinar is free of charge and members are encouraged to register.

For additional information, visit the AMN Healthcare page or contact Steven Endsley, vice president of workforce solutions at AMN Healthcare. Members with questions may visit the MHA Business Services page or contact Rob Wood at the MHA.

MHA Member Supply Chain Leaders Share Insights and Resources

Member News

MHA staff recently attended the Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in the Current Healthcare Environment event hosted March 4 by the Great Lakes Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. This participation represents the MHA’s continued efforts to advocate for member supply chain issues, which also includes supporting the priorities listed in an American Hospital Association letter issued Feb. 5 to the administration.

Chris Giese, senior vice president of AES-MS, the MHA Service Corporation Supply Chain Program Partner, served as moderator during the event. Panelists included MHA Service Corporation board member Andrea Poulopoulos, senior vice president of supply chain, Corewell Health; Christy Nguyen, supply chain manager, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital; and Luke Aurner, coordinator, Region 6 Healthcare Coalition.

Insights were shared on innovations to address workforce shortages and improve productivity. Corewell Health currently operates two distribution centers and are in the process of building a 300,000 square foot distribution center with automation in Wyoming, MI to mitigate these issues.

The panelists discussed cyber risks associated with automation, prompting participants to reflect upon and plan for what happens when there is a cyberattack or grid outage. Panelists also shared about creating resilient supply committees that can convene at a moment’s notice to evaluate suitable alternatives, early warning system algorithms and participation in the Healthcare Industry Resilience Collaborative. In addition, speakers covered how having a designated individual on the supply chain team dedicated to environmental sustainability, as well as the challenges and rewards of maintaining a resilient and diverse group of vendors amid cost reductions and changing federal policies.

Other issues addressed by the panelists included how to mitigate potential impacts of the new tariffs, inflation and the rapidly rising costs of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. One strategy shared was to focus on supply chain resilience with high-cost, low-volume items that are not conducive to traditional group purchasing organization negotiations, such as physician preference items, specialty drugs and capital equipment. Addressing this requires intentional focus on medical staff and organizational culture.

The MHA recently launched the Supply Chain Collaborative, which provides members with a complimentary cost analysis in collaboration with AES-MS, with no cost or committment required.

Members with questions or seeking more information may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report March 3, 2025

Monday Report, Member News

340B Protections Pass Senate Committee & Governor Delivers State of the State Address

Legislation that would implement 340B program protections advanced in the Senate Oversight Committee and Gov. Whitmer delivered her seventh annual State of the State address to the Michigan Legislature during the week of Feb. 24. …

State of Michigan Launches $10 Million Employer-Assisted Housing Fund

The State of Michigan recently launched the $10 million Employer-Assisted Housing Fund to help address workforce housing shortages and improve employee retention across the state. The pilot program, in partnership with the Michigan State Housing …

A Guide to Preparing, Preventing and Responding to Violence in a Healthcare Setting

The following article was written by MHA Endorsed Business Partner Tarian (formerly HSS) and outlines essential strategies and best practices to create a safer environment for all. Workplace violence in healthcare settings is an …

Hospitals Help: Learning More About Street Medicine Oakland

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast featuring Laura Ortiz, MD, Emergency Medicine Provider at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, exploring a collaborative effort that’s enhancing access to care for vulnerable communities. …

MHA Rounds graphic of Brian PetersMHA CEO Report — Protecting Medicaid Protects Michigan

Accessible and affordable healthcare is essential for communities to thrive, yet recent proposals to slash Medicaid funding threaten to destabilize this foundation for nearly three million Michiganders, including 961,000 children whose health and future depend on access to these services. …

Keckley Report

The Perfect Storm facing the Healthcare Workforce: Eight Current Issues frame the Challenge

“The healthcare workforce is unsteady: while stress and burnout are associated with doctors and nurses primarily, they cut across every workgroup and setting. …

These eight combine to make life miserable most days in health human resource management. DOGE will complicate matters more. It’s a concern in every sector of healthcare, and particularly serious in hospitals, medical practices, long-term and home care settings.

‘Modernizing the healthcare workforce’ sounds appealing, but for now, navigating these issues requires full attention. They require Board understanding and creative problem-solving by managers. And they merit a dignified and respectful approach to interactions with workers displaced by these circumstances: they’re not expendables, they’re individuals like you and me.”

Paul Keckley, Feb. 24, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • Registration is open for the 2025 MHA Human Resources Conference, scheduled for March 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Lansing.
  • Registration is open for the highly anticipated re-designed MHA Keystone Center Safety & Quality Symposium, scheduled for April 28 and 29 at the Kellogg Conference Center & Hotel, East Lansing.

MHA EVP Laura Appel with WJR's Guy Gordon and Lloyd Jackson.

MHA in the News

MHA Executive Vice President Laura Appel appeared on Detroit’s WJR 760 AM’s ‘JR Morning with Guy Gordon, Llyod Jackson and Jamie Edmonds’s “Live from Lansing” broadcast Feb. 26 as part of the station’s annual coverage …

News to Know – Feb. 17, 2025

Member News
New to Know
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner CorroHealth and the American Hospital Association will host the webinar Strategies to Strengthen Hospital Financial Health Amid Payer Pressures 2 p.m. ET Feb. 20 to share proven strategies and real world insights into combating payer denial tactics and how to protect hospitals. Speakers will review a case study with Mercy Health to explore effective payer strategies. There is no cost to register. Members with questions may contact Laura Penton at CorroHealth or Rob Wood at the MHA.
  • In order to continue sharing with key stakeholders the important impact hospitals make to their communities, the MHA invites members to share examples of strong community impact programming through a brief survey. Submissions can include efforts big or small that are improving the overall health, wellness and quality of life of patients and communities. Throughout the year, these programs will be featured on the MiCareMatters website and shared across MHA digital platforms. For more information, members may contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA.
  • MHA offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 17 in observance of President’s Day.

Healthcare Finance Trends for 2025

Member News

MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) CommerceHealthcare® recently released its 2025 Healthcare Trends Report, a comprehensive analysis of critical themes shaping the healthcare industry.

This in-depth report was developed in collaboration with business line leaders, customers and prospects while also incorporating insights from industry events and conferences. The report explores the four pivotal themes below:

  • Financial resilience and strategies.
  • Enhancing the patient financial experience.
  • New technological innovations.
  • Emerging paradigms in the industry.

While primarily designed for healthcare leaders, this report offers valuable insights for vendors, contractors and financial institutions. It provides a high-level perspective on developing trends and challenges, equipping readers with the knowledge to navigate an uncertain economic climate.

“This yearly report is incredibly well-researched and well-organized, designed to benefit our readers across all the major healthcare focal areas,” said Sue Martin, director of specialty healthcare services, CommerceHealthcare®. “The insights and talking points hit home in the spaces where our customers are focused and demonstrates how Commerce is aligned with the pulse of the market and the healthcare space.”

Members with questions may contact Dan VandenBosch, vice president, Michigan healthcare banking. To learn more about the EBP program, contact Rob Wood at the MHA.

Workforce Support and Growth Addressed by MHASC Board and HR Council

Member News

The MHA Service Corporation (MHASC) board focused its Feb. 5 meeting on supporting the MHA Strategic Action Plan priorities to address workforce support, protecting access, mental and behavioral health, creating healthy communities, strengthening cybercrime/cybersecurity policy and more. The board was joined by Pat McCall, chief growth officer, and Steven Endsley, senior vice president workforce solutions, AMN Healthcare, an MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP). McCall and Endsley provided insights into how the healthcare workforce is transforming through innovative technologies and partnerships. AMN provides a “total talent” approach, customized and tailored to meet organizations’ holistic workforce goals. AMN highlighted industry thought leadership resources including:

The MHASC is enhancing its Endorsed Business Partner program with innovative solutions including a strategic supply chain partnership and more.

The MHA Human Resources (HR) & Workforce Council met Jan. 30 to discuss current HR priorities and review its role in advancing the mission of the MHA and the role of human resource leaders. Members provided feedback on current workforce-related legislative efforts and shared valuable insights with colleagues during a round-table session addressing 2025 priorities, innovative ideas, lessons learned and more. Members of the HR Council will be in attendance at the upcoming MHA HR Conference March 25.

The MHASC provides critical support to the MHA in the form of non-dues revenue through its Data Services, Unemployment Compensation Program and EBP programs. The MHASC’s mission is to deliver innovative solutions that help improve value and performance. For more information about AMN Healthcare, members may contact Alex Herbison at AMN Healthcare. Members are encouraged to visit the MHA Business Services webpage to learn more about the resources available. Questions regarding the MHASC Board should be directed to Ruthanne Sudderth at the MHA.

News to Know – Jan. 27, 2025

Member News
New to Know

The MHA will host the webinar How Federal Grant Funding Covers IT Department Costs Feb. 7 with Endorsed Business Partner Scaled Data Health to share how government funding, along with their innovative programs, can save hospitals significant dollars. Speakers will cover the brief grant submission process and timeline ahead of the April 1 deadline. There is no cost to attend and members can register online. Members with questions may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.

Workforce Webinars Available for MHA Members

Member News

The MHA is pleased to announce a series of upcoming free webinars addressing healthcare workforce issues that leverage the expertise of MHA Endorsed Business Partners (EBPs) to provide guidance and thought leadership for members.

  • Registration is open for a webinar from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET Jan. 29 to review Employee Data Stewardship for Healthcare HR. Hear from Brad Kelso, managing partner/co-founder of Privageo, and Donny Phillips, director of partnerships at Vault Verify, as they provide an overview of the U.S. data security landscape and the measures your HR team should consider to maintain appropriate employee data stewardship. In addition, the MHA Unemployment Compensation Program partnered with Vault Verify starting in 2024 to enhance operational efficiency.
  • The MHA will host a Michigan Workforce Webinar 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET Feb. 6 with experts from Salary.com to provide an open forum discussing the most pressing workforce needs including recruitment and retention of permanent employees. Topics include:
    • Healthcare HR landscape and worker burnout.
    • Best practices for benchmarking jobs and the importance of hybrid market pricings.
    • Compensation data sources and how to integrate into compensation strategy.
    • Discussion on the most searched job titles and the impact to hospitals.
  • Join the exclusive webinar Leading with Purpose: Strategies for Building a Retention-Driven Culture from 1 – 2 p.m. ET Feb. 10. Rich Thompson, chief human resources officer at Medical Solutions, will share strategic insights on building a workplace that empowers healthcare professionals and supports long-term commitment. Drawing on the 5 Cs – Courage, Connection, Communication, Coaching and Consistency – Rich will outline actionable strategies for developing a culture where clinicians can thrive.

Members with questions about the EBP program may contact Rob Wood, senior director of partnerships at the MHA.

MHA and Partners Host Cybersecurity Tabletop for UP Healthcare Leaders

Member News
Attendees during the Enhancing Your Cybersecurity: Tabletop Training and Incident Response Workshop Oct. 14 in Escanaba, MI with MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) CyberForce|Q and the Region 8 Healthcare Coalition.

The MHA hosted the Enhancing Your Cybersecurity: Tabletop Training and Incident Response Workshop Oct. 14 in Escanaba, MI with MHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) CyberForce|Q and the Region 8 Healthcare Coalition as part of the ongoing effort to strengthen cybersecurity.

CyberForce|Q representatives Alex Sabin, technical success leader, and Terrance McCoy, participant success engineer, guided participants through a simulated cybersecurity incident impacting a hospital system. The scenario was designed to test and refine an organization’s Incident Response Plan (IRP) while addressing the unique challenges of securing sensitive healthcare environments.

“We are grateful to work with CyberForce|Q on the tabletop exercises and healthcare security operations center (HSOC),” said Mike Nowak, chief information security officer at the MHA. ”Beyond strengthening the MHA’s security, CyberForce|Q has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaborating on offerings that benefit our members. The tabletop exercises provide practical experience and tools – and you can network and talk to people that are dealing with similar issues. I encourage all healthcare organizations to increase their security posture in light of recent cyber-attacks.”

Workshop attendees experienced a sense of challenge during the tabletop exercises, identifying potential unnoticed gaps in an Incident Response Plan. They engaged in hands-on group activities, providing a tangible understanding of potential cyber-attacks and enabling collaborative discussions within teams to refine decision-making processes and procedures. Additionally, they gained a profound understanding of the critical significance of roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols in effective incident response.

Learn more about the MHA’s partnership with CyberForce|Q from John Kelley, regional sales director – Midwest. Members with questions should contact Rob Wood at the MHA.

Building a Culture of Retention

Member News
Medical Solutions

Medical SolutionsMHA Endorsed Business Partner (EBP) Medical Solutions recently released an episode of their “Staffing Unplugged” podcast, featuring Chief Human Resources Officer Rich Thompson sharing insights on the critical role of culture in healthcare staffing. He emphasized that for hospital leaders facing ongoing staffing shortages and turnover, building a strong organizational culture is essential for retaining talent and maintaining a high standard of care.

“Culture is identity; it’s the personification of a company,” said Thompson. He highlights that culture defines an organization’s identity and drives employee engagement and performance. He explained that it’s not enough for leaders to talk about culture; they must live it, showing their teams that they are fully invested in building an environment where everyone can thrive.

In healthcare, where burnout is common, a well-defined culture can foster stronger connections between staff and their roles, leadership, team and organization. These connections help employees feel valued and supported, ultimately reducing turnover.

Prioritizing culture improves retention and ensures that hospitals are better equipped to adapt to staffing challenges. By actively shaping culture, leaders can create a work environment where healthcare professionals feel empowered, leading to better patient outcomes and long-term success.

To dive deeper into the conversation, members are encouraged to watch the episode or contact Medical Solutions for more information. Members seeking information about the MHA’s EBP program may contact Rob Wood at the MHA.