Ludwig Community Benefit Award Honors Hospital Programs

The MHA announced the winners of its 2023 Ludwig Community Benefit Award during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting June 29. The honorees include programs supported by Detroit-based Henry Ford Health; Trinity Health Livonia; and ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital, Adrian. The award is named in memory of Patric E. Ludwig, a former MHA president who championed investing in the community’s overall health, and is presented to member organizations integrally involved in collaborative programs to improve the health and well-being of area residents. Each winner will receive $5,000 from the MHA Health Foundation to assist in its health improvement efforts.

Dr. Adrian Munkrah receives the Ludwig Award on behalf of Henry Ford Health.
Dr. Adnan Munkarah receives the Ludwig Award on behalf of Henry Ford Health.

Henry Ford Health partnered with the Ruth Ellis Center, a Detroit-area social services agency serving the LGBTQ+ community, to provide primary care and behavioral health services, at both Ruth Ellis Health & Wellness Center (HWC) and Ruth Ellis Clairmount Health & Wellness Center in collaboration with Henry Ford Health.

The first HWC opened in 2018 at the Ruth Ellis Drop-In Center in Highland Park, and the second opened in February 2023 inside the new Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center, which is a permanent supportive housing development in Detroit. The goal of the partnership is to provide an integrated healthcare model in a safe, trusted, and affirming environment to increase healthcare access and utilization, with a long-term goal of improving overall health outcomes for LGBTQ+ young people in the Detroit area.

Data from December 2020 through December 2022 shows the HWC in Highland Park saw 728 unique patients, including 429 transgender young adults, and completed 6,873 medical visits. This partnership is important work towards achieving health equity for a historically marginalized community.

Health Equity for LGBTQ+ Young People: A Collaboration between Henry Ford Health and Ruth Ellis Center will use its cash award to support HWC operations, including enhancing the video intercom system to improve facility security, ongoing medication support for under- or uninsured patients, and general clinic supplies to most effectively meet the needs of patients.

For more information on Health Equity for LGBTQ+ Young People: A Collaboration between Henry Ford Health and Ruth Ellis Center, visit LGBTQ Health Resources | Patients and Visitors | Henry Ford Health – Detroit, MI or Ruth Ellis Center.

Shannon Striebich receives the Ludwig Award on behalf of Trinity Health.
Shannon Striebich receives the Ludwig Award on behalf of Trinity Health Livonia.

Trinity Health Livonia is a partner in the Western Wayne Suicide Prevention Coalition (WWSPC), which is made up of seven school districts, seven community-based organizations and the hospital. The coalition implements a program of evidence-based behavioral health services, youth activities and education aimed at zero complete youth suicides.

Trinity Health Livonia’s 2015 Community Health Needs Assessment identified behavioral health as one of the area’s priority health concerns, which motivated community stakeholders to develop the coalition to provide behavioral health education, improve early detection for suicide, decrease stigma and increase identification of depression. Behavioral health continues to be a prioritized community health need for the ongoing 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment, as the COVID-19 pandemic has increased concerns around youth mental health. Western Wayne County school districts represent more than 52,000 students, and data from the Michigan Profile for Health Youth survey shows at least 4% of high school students and 11% of middle school students have reported suicide attempts.

WWSPC initiated a comprehensive program to train teens, families, school staff and community members, and to change policies to better support suicide prevention. 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.

So far, WWSPC has certified trainers and offered the Question, Persuade, Refer training model to more than 3,000 school personnel and 1,000 students. WWSPC also hosted conferences for school mental health practitioners and parents. The money from the Ludwig Award will be offered as mini grants for student-led mental health and resilience initiatives in WWSPC districts.

For more information on the WWSPC, contact Laurie Gustafson, director of Community Health and Well-Being for Trinity Health Livonia, at (734) 655-8943.

Dr. Julie Yaroch, president,
Promedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital (left), receives the Ludwig Award on behalf of ProMedica.

ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital, Adrian, created ProMedica Farms and the Veggie Mobile collaboratively with the Lenawee Health Network to improve access to fresh, affordable produce and education, encouraging healthy lifestyles. The programs have been progressively implemented over the course of 10 years to improve the health and well-being of people and whole communities.

Located on the hospital campus, ProMedica Farms includes a clinically accessible hoop house, outdoor gardens, an education center, and walking trails connecting to the main hospital and a playground, all of which are open to the community. The program provides an interactive space for residents, patients and staff to engage in gardening, participate in evidence-based workshops and access produce grown by ProMedica Farms or sourced by the Veggie Mobile. It is also used to provide resources for patients and staff screening positive for food insecurity.

The Veggie Mobile is ProMedica’s mobile market that travels to 17 locations throughout Lenawee County, offering residents a range of fresh, low-cost produce sourced from ProMedica Farms and local farmers. The Veggie Mobile visits various locations, including senior centers, non-profit organizations, schools, apartment complexes and more.

The Ludwig Award will be allocated toward providing food to patients screening positive for food insecurity and supply costs for gardening workshops.

For more information about ProMedica Farms & Veggie Mobile, contact Amy Gilhouse, manager, ProMedica Farms, at ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital, at (517) 577-1020.

To learn more about the MHA’s annual Ludwig Community Benefit Award, contact Erin Steward at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report June 19, 2023

MHA Monday Report

MHA Members Testify in House Judiciary Committee

Several MHA members testified June 13 to the House Judiciary Committee in support of legislation that would increase the fines for assaulting a healthcare professional or volunteer. House Bills 4520 and 4521 were introduced …


MI Hospital Careers Campaign LogoMHA Launches MI Hospital Careers Healthcare Career Campaign

Michigan hospital and education leaders joined forces June 8 to highlight the current state of Michigan’s healthcare workforce shortage and launch a campaign to expand interest in health careers in Michigan. The goal of the …


Webinar Reviews Medicare FFS Quality-based Programs

The MHA and Data Gen hosted June 14 the second webinar focused on the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) quality-based programs to review the Medicare readmissions reduction program and hospital-acquired conditions reduction programs. The Medicare …


MDHHS Informs Hospitals on Medicare Crossover Files Issue

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently notified hospitals about an issue with the Medicare crossover files from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that impacts CMS files from May …


New Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program

The Department of Health and Human Services launched a $15 million loan repayment program to recruit and retain clinicians who provide healthcare to children and adolescents. The Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program aims to …


MDHHS Releases REH Medicaid Reimbursement Final Policy

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a final policy to establish Medicaid reimbursement for rural emergency hospitals (REHs) effective Jan. 1, 2023. The MDHHS reimburses REHs based on the existing …


Preceptor Training Available Through HRSA Grant

Michigan nurses have an opportunity to participate in preceptor training as part of a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention Clinical Faculty and Preceptor Academy grant awarded to Southern …


2023 Ludwig Nominee: Trinity Health Coalition Working to Prevent Youth Suicide

Since 1990, the MHA has honored member healthcare organizations working to enrich the overall welfare of their local communities through the Ludwig Community Benefit Award. This year, the MHA is excited to showcase all award nominees, …


The Keckley Report

Paul KeckleySenate Finance Hearing on Hospital Consolidation: Political Theatre or Something More?

“Congress’ concern about consolidation in healthcare is broad-based. Pharmacy benefits managers and health insurers face similar scrutiny. Drug price control referenda have passed in several states and a federal cap was included in the Inflation Reduction Act. The reality is this: the entire U.S. health system is on trial in the court of public opinion for ‘careless disregard for affordability’. And hospitals are seen as part of the problem justifying consolidation as a defense mechanism. …

Sadly, this hearing is the latest evidence that the good will built by hospital heroics in the pandemic is now forgotten. It’s clear hospital consolidation is an issue that faces strong and increased headwinds with evidence mounting—accurate or not– showing more harm than good. …“

Paul Keckley, June 12, 2023


 

News to Know

  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled June 19 in honor of Juneteenth.
  • MHA Endorsed Business Partner Medical Solutions’ Chief Nursing Officer, Patti Artley recently spoke with Becker’s Hospital Review to offer expert insight into the complex challenges facing nurses today and the proven strategies healthcare leaders must adopt to initiate lasting change.
  • Medicare prospective payment system hospitals are reminded that the completed 2022 occupational mix survey is due to the Medicare Administrative Contractor on June 30, 2023.

Sam WatsonMHA in the News

The MHA received media coverage the week of June 12 regarding prescription drug costs, COVID-19 and behavioral health. MHA representatives appearing in published stories include CEO Brian Peters, Senior Vice President Sam Watson and Senior …

MHA Members Testify in House Judiciary Committee

Michelle Pena, MSN,RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer at Trinity Health.

Several MHA members testified June 13 to the House Judiciary Committee in support of legislation that would increase the fines for assaulting a healthcare professional or volunteer. House Bills (HBs) 4520 and 4521 were introduced by Reps. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) and Mike Mueller (R-Linden), and are also supported by the MHA. The bills seek to double the fines for assault and assault with a deadly weapon against healthcare workers to deter future attacks from happening.

Michelle Pena, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer at Trinity Health, and Denny Martin, DO, chief medical officer at E.W. Sparrow Hospital, spoke in support of the legislation.

Denny Martin, DO, chief medical officer at E.W. Sparrow Hospital.

“Michigan is in an extremely delicate situation regarding healthcare worker shortages – most if not all medical professions are faced with this challenge,” said Martin. “We need to do everything we can to make sure our caregivers have the protection they need.” No votes were taken on the bills at this time.

Additional action was taken the week of June 12 on other bills supported by the MHA. On the House Floor, a bipartisan vote was taken in support of legislation to improve the Healthy Michigan Plan. HBs 4495 and 4496, introduced by Reps. Graham Filler (R-St. Johns) and Will Snyder (D-Muskegon), would eliminate unnecessary provisions in the Healthy Michigan Plan and make changes to help ensure its long-term success. The package would remove requirements that certain beneficiaries maintain Health Savings Accounts and pay co-pays or deductibles. Additionally, the bill removes the provision that a future administration could repeal the program if state savings are reduced. The MHA is supportive of both bills and will continue to monitor any future action.

In the Senate, further votes were taken on a package of bills intended to codify Affordable Care Act (ACA) protections into state law. Introduced in both chambers by Republican and Democratic policymakers, the package would ensure that many of the consumer protections found in the ACA remain in Michigan if there were significant federal changes to the law. The package includes Senate Bills (SBs) 356 through 358 and HBs 4619 through 4623. The MHA is supportive of the package, which has been passed in at least 15 other states. SBs 356 through 358 were passed by the Senate this week and were referred to the House Committee on Insurance and Financial Services for further consideration.

In the Senate Health Policy Committee, a vote was taken on a package of bills that would allow Michigan citizens to designate themselves as an organ donor on state tax forms. Introduced by Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Twp), HBs 4362 through 4364 would allow the question to be asked on tax forms starting in the 2023 tax year. The MHA is supportive of the legislation, which is led by Gift of Life Michigan to reverse the decline in donor registrants. Gift of Life Michigan testified in committee that many states are seeing this because of the pandemic and online services leading to fewer trips to Secretary of State offices. The bills were voted out of committee and now head to the Senate Floor for a vote by the full Senate.

Members with questions about state legislative action may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA for more information.

2023 Ludwig Nominee: Trinity Health Coalition Working to Prevent Youth Suicide

Since 1990, the MHA has honored member healthcare organizations working to enrich the overall welfare of their local communities through the Ludwig Community Benefit Award. This year, the MHA is excited to showcase all award nominees, highlighting the exceptional and creative work being accomplished by Michigan’s hospitals.

Trinity Health Livonia (THLA) Hospital, a 2023 Ludwig nominee, is addressing gaps in behavioral health through their Western Wayne Suicide Prevention Coalition (WWSPC), a community-based program focused on preventing youth suicides.

Through a Community Health Needs Assessment, behavioral health struggles – primarily mental health and substance abuse – were identified as top concerns among adolescents in Western Wayne County. In one survey conducted by the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY), it was found that at least 4% of high school students and 11% of middle school student reported suicide attempts.

With the understanding that students needed better access to behavioral health resources, the WWSPC created a comprehensive program to train more than 20,000 people – teens, families, school staff and community members – to change policies and support suicide prevention. Over the last several years, the coalition has grown to be a collaboration between THLA, seven school districts and seven community-based organizations that represent counselors, social workers, psychologists, regional educators and many other local experts.

WWSPC provides evidence-based behavioral health services, youth activities and education to decrease stigma and improve early detection of depression and suicide. As one example, more than 3,000 school staff (teachers, custodial staff, bus drivers, etc.) and 1,000 students have been trained on the life-saving suicide prevention model Question, Persuade, Refer. The intent of this method is to identify and interrupt a mental health crisis and direct the individual to proper care.

Looking ahead, the coalition is continuing efforts that support the mission of zero youth suicides in WWSPC schools. This includes expanding access to mental health screenings and treatment, developing safety plans for students returning to school after a suicide attempt, teaching skills to manage mental health, and procedural changes that equip staff to monitor and communicate with students who may be struggling.

Members with questions about the program or the Ludwig Community Benefit Award should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.

Those struggling are encouraged to dial the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in U.S.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is also a confidential, free, 24-hour service for English and Spanish-speaking individuals a facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

MHA Human Resources Member Forum Draws Hundreds

Erin Steward, vice president of field engagement at the MHA kicks off the MHA Human Resources Member Forum.

The MHA hosted a human resources member forum April 26 at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos and virtually with about 200 leaders participating. Moderators Patrick Irwin, vice president, human resources, South Market, Henry Ford Hospital and Mary Rosser, MA, SHRM-SCP, chief human resources officer, Trinity Health Saint Mary’s, led discussion related to challenges and tactics for enhancing workforce safety and pipeline. Many member hospital employees shared their experiences and the forum concluded with a keynote presentation delivered by Mary Sand, Ph.D., Sand Consulting, LLC. The forum was generously sponsored by Coverys and Salary.com.

Members with questions about Member Forums may contact Erin Steward the MHA.

MHA, Industry Leaders Gather at Trinity Health to Discuss Food Insecurity

MHA CEO Brian Peters, Alfreda Rooks, Kristen Matlack, Lisa McDowell and Karlen Sandall.

As individuals and families across the state and country continue to face food insecurity, Michigan’s hospitals, health systems and community leaders are engaged in creating collaborative solutions. MHA CEO Brian Peters joined fellow food security champions March 24 at the Come to the Table: Ending Hunger in America by 2030 event, hosted by Trinity Health.

The event, which took place at St. Joseph Mercy in Ypsilanti, gathered representatives from healthcare, agriculture, education, veteran’s affairs, housing and various other sectors to discuss key topics related to food insecurity. Peters kicked off a series of panels moderating a discussion on nutrition insecurity in healthcare. Panelists included:

  • Alfreda Rooks, MPA, director of community health services for Michigan Medicine – UM Health.
  • Kristen Matlack, community health advocacy initiative manager at MetroHealth System’s Institute for HOPE.
  • Lisa McDowell, clinical nutrition and lifestyle medicine at Trinity Health.
  • Karlen Sandall, digital health worker manager at OSF Healthcare.

Additional panelists covered hunger across the age spectrum, bridging the gap between hunger and nutrition and ways to take a bipartisan approach to addressing food insecurity. Attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas in a town hall-style discussion that followed.

The event included virtual remarks from U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur; Secretary Vilsack, Department of Agriculture; Secretary Becerra, Department of Health and Human Services.

The gathering concluded with an exclusive tour of The Farm at Trinity Health Ann Arbor, one of Michigan’s oldest hospital-based farms in the country. The five-acre space, which includes a hub for growing and distributing food along with an outdoor classroom, is a regional program that connects thousands of people annually to nutritious, local food.

Additional onsite speakers included: Stephanie Cihon, director of grants and public policy at ProMedica; Alonzo Lewis, president at Trinity Health Ann Arbor; Gary Cates, chief philanthropy and chief government relations officer at ProMedica; Stacy Dean, deputy under secretary, food, nutrition and consumer services at the USDA; Barbara Petee, president of the Root Cause Coalition, and many others.

In 2022, the MHA and its member hospitals and health systems contributed a combined total of $45,000 toward the Michigan Harvest Gathering in an effort to combat food insecurity throughout the state. The annual campaign is organized by the Food Bank Council of Michigan – those interested in getting involved or learning more can visit mha.org.

Registration Open for MHA Human Resources Member Forum

The MHA will host an in-person Human Resources Member Forum at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option available as well.

The forum is structured as a round table with human resources and MHA leaders moderating a discussion among attendees around the Great Resignation of the healthcare workforce and ideas and solutions to combat workforce challenges.

Speakers for the forum include Michigan human resources leaders Patrick Irwin, vice president, human resources, South Market, Henry Ford Hospital; and Mary Rosser, MA, SHRM-SCP, chief human resources officer, Trinity Health Saint Mary’s; and Mary Sand, Ph.D., Sand Consulting, LLC.

Irwin and Rosser will first explore topics related to workforce safety and pipeline development, such as approaches to invite employees at all levels to help plan the future workforce, developing strategies for diverse candidate pools, boosting the capacity to prevent and curtail violence against staff and implementing wellbeing programs. The forum will conclude with a keynote presentation from Sand on human resources professionals identifying their blind spots.

The forum is free of charge and open only to MHA member organizations. Registration for both in-person and virtual attendees will close April 19.

Members with questions about membership or registration should contact Brenda Carr at the MHA.

Registration Open for MHA Human Resources Member Forum

The MHA will host an in-person Human Resources Member Forum at the MHA Headquarters in Okemos from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 26, with a virtual option available as well.

The forum is structured as a round table with human resources and MHA leaders moderating a discussion among attendees around the Great Resignation of the healthcare workforce and ideas and solutions to combat workforce challenges.

Speakers for the forum include Michigan human resources leaders Patrick Irwin, vice president, human resources, South Market, Henry Ford Hospital; and Mary Rosser, MA, SHRM-SCP, chief human resources officer, Trinity Health Saint Mary’s; and Mary Sand, Ph.D., Sand Consulting, LLC.

Irwin and Rosser will first explore topics related to workforce safety and pipeline development, such as approaches to invite employees at all levels to help plan the future workforce, developing strategies for diverse candidate pools, boosting the capacity to prevent and curtail violence against staff and implementing wellbeing programs. The forum will conclude with a keynote presentation from Sand on human resources professionals identifying their blind spots.

The forum is free of charge and open only to MHA member organizations. Registration for both in-person and virtual attendees will close April 19.

Members with questions about membership or registration should contact Brenda Carr at the MHA.

Crain’s Healthcare Leadership Summit Features MHA and Hospital Leaders

The Oct. 20 Crain’s 2022 Healthcare Leadership Summit featured speakers from the MHA and member hospitals in a series of panels on policy issues, labor force solutions and technology integration.

MHA EVP Laura Appel spoke on a policy panel that covered what role government can play in affordability, equity & improving care.

Rising costs, uncertain governmental policies, workforce challenges, behavioral health and equity issues have put hospitals and health systems in a compromising position. The summit aimed to connect industry experts to collaborate on solutions and share best practices to tackle these issues.

Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy at the MHA, spoke on a panel that covered solutions to the labor challenges and measures that reduce pressure on healthcare institutions throughout the state.

“There are no quick, easy fixes,” Appel noted. “Public health is a way for us to get people in a better place in the aggregate – we cannot solve diabetes, for example, with healthcare alone. We’ve got to do the policy work that it takes to push back and reduce rates [of illness], as opposed to just stopping the upward trends.”

Leaders from MHA-member hospitals and health systems were also featured in breakout sessions that covered workforce challenges and technological solutions to improve efficiency and safety. Panelists included:

  • Kimberly Keaton Williams, vice president of talent acquisition and development and chief diversity officer at McLaren Health Care.
  • Shana Lewis, vice president of talent acquisition and workforce development programs at Trinity Health.
  • Lisa Ouellette, interim chief human resources officer at Corewell Health.
  • Robert Riney, president & CEO of Henry Ford Health.

The event also featured keynote speaker Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, vice president and chief health equity officer at CVS Health, who spoke about attainable solutions for addressing inequities and improving health outcomes for underserved, vulnerable communities.

Hospital Leaders Provide Testimony Amid Latest COVID Surge

Adam Carlson provides testimony before the House Appropriations Committee.

Hospital leaders from around the state testified Dec. 1 before the House Appropriations Committee, chaired by Rep. Thomas Albert (R-Lowell). They discussed the current challenges Michigan’s hospitals face as they near the statewide record for COVID-19 hospitalizations while having more COVID-19 patients in the ICU than at any point during either of the last two surges.

Those providing testimony were Michael McKenna, MD, chief medical officer, McLaren Health Care; Ane McNeil, chief human resources officer, Trinity Health; Chad Tuttle, senior vice president of hospital and post-acute operations, Spectrum Health West Michigan; and Adam Carlson, senior vice president of advocacy, MHA.

“We are seeing high numbers of patients with other medical conditions requiring care. Collectively, the statewide average ICU occupancy exceeds 85%. This combination is straining or exceeding the capacity of emergency departments and hospitals across the state,” said Carlson.

In addition to the latest hospital data on COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU admissions, the group provided evidence that the best defense against the virus continues to be vaccination. Vaccines have been a very effective mechanism at preventing the illness. Without vaccination we would be in a situation five times worse.” said McKenna. Monoclonal antibodies were presented as the next best option, which help reduce the severity of the illness and prevent hospitalizations.

Recruitment and retention of personnel was another major issue discussed during the committee hearing. Across the state, resilient and dedicated healthcare workers in hospitals stand ready to care for emergency medical needs, but the reality is most hospitals throughout the state have more patients in their emergency departments than they do available rooms and staff to care for them. Today, we are in a healthcare giver crisis. The risk is limiting our services that we make available to our community,” said McNeil.

Support from the state or federal government is vital, as staffing costs continue to far exceed budget expectations with no signs of slowing down. The MHA will continue to work with elected officials to advocate on behalf of Michigan hospitals and health systems for funding and support to end the pandemic. Members with questions should contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.