Tag: social media

Registration Open for 2025 Communications Retreat

Member News

Registration is open for the 2025 MHA Communications Retreat from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the Henry Center for Executive Development in Lansing.

The daylong event offers hospital communicators a chance to connect with peers across the state and participate in sessions that provide valuable skills and insights for both emerging and experienced professionals.

The event will explore topics including crisis communications, reputation management and professional development for communications leaders. Additionally, leaders at the MHA will provide an update on state and federal healthcare priorities.

This event is designed specifically for professionals working in public relations, communications, media relations, marketing and community relations within Michigan hospitals. Members of these professions are encouraged to register and participate.

The registration fee is $35 per person. Breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided. Please register by Sept. 19 to attend the retreat.

A room block at the Henry Center is available for members who need accommodations the night of Sept. 30. Please use code MHH to receive the discounted room block rate.

Members with questions regarding registration should contact Kennedy Walters at the MHA. Questions regarding the retreat should be directed to John Karasinski at the MHA.

Help Protect 340B in Michigan: MHA Action Alert Available

Member News

Hospitals throughout Michigan rely on savings from the 340B Prescription Drug Pricing Program every day to spread scarce resources and care for those with limited or no access to healthcare. As manufacturers and other players at the state and federal level work to scale back the program, the MHA team is engaged in efforts to protect 340B and generate public awareness about the benefits it provides to Michigan patients and communities. Those interested in advocating for the 340B program are encouraged to contact House Insurance and Financial Services Committee members in a few quick steps through an MHA Action Alert.Two women hugging in a hospital setting with overlay text that reads, "340B Protects Access to Lifesaving Care" with text below that says learn more at MHA.org

The action alert requests committee members pass House Bill (HB) 5350, introduced by Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), to protect the 340B program and preserve healthcare cost-savings for Michigan hospitals and the communities they serve. The House Insurance and Financial Services Committee convened June 5 to hear testimony on the bill, allowing representatives from Henry Ford Health, Memorial Healthcare, McLaren Healthcare and Trinity Health to speak in support of the legislation.

Additionally, the MHA created a 340B webpage, downloadable infographic, digital ads and informational social media content. Targeted messages have been displayed more than 150,000 times to audiences in the downtown Lansing region.

Elizabeth Kutter, senior director of government and political affairs, MHA, provided first-hand insight on the strong impact of the 340B program in an MHA Rounds article.

“I’ve had countless conversations with our members about the benefits of 340B,” said Kutter. “The sentiment across the board – especially among rural hospitals and urban safety net hospitals – is that the program is essential for meeting patients where they are…every effort spent to manage the new onslaught of administrative burden created by manufacturers, is less savings going directly into communities in need of affordable care.”

The MHA continues to advocate for 340B and uplift the efforts of Michigan hospitals to expand access to quality, community-based care. Members with questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.