Listen Now

On episode 27 of the MiCare Champion Cast, Adam Novak, director of safety & quality at the MHA Keystone Center, joins host Lucy Ciaramitaro during Patient Safety Awareness Week to provide a refresh on the work of the patient safety organization (PSO) along with resources that are available to Michigan hospitals and health systems through the Keystone Center. To learn more about the upcoming Keystone Center Safe Patient Mobility and Handling Conference on April 13 (2023), visit: https://www.mha.org/newsroom/registration-available-for-mha-keystone-center-safe-patient-handling-conference/ To learn more about the MHA Keystone Center, visit: https://www.mha.org/MHA-Keystone-Center-Patient-Safety-Organization/About-the-MHA-Keystone-Center

In episode 26 of the MiCare Champion Cast, Helen Johnson, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, FACHE, president at Sparrow Eaton Hospital and chair of the MHA Small & Rural Hospital Council, shares the impact rural hospitals have on their communities and local economy. Johnson shares her personal journey to healthcare and the heart-warming experiences that have made her – and many of her staff – proud to serve rural communities. She also shares the stories of residents who have found community and connection through Sparrow’s Al!ve wellness facility, where she is currently interim executive director. The episode is available to steam on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.

On episode 25, Dr. Ross M. Ramsey, MD, President & CEO of Scheurer Health, gives listeners an inside look at working in one of Michigan’s rural hospitals as both a clinician and leader. Ramsey, who grew up in the region before attending medical school at Michigan State University, explains the care model and culture that sets rural hospitals like Scheurer apart from their urban counterparts. The episode, currently available to steam on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts, also explores the vital role healthcare plays in rural communities and why those in the medical field might consider a career in the less populated areas of the state. To learn more about Scheurer Health, visit: https://www.scheurer.org/

On this episode, Laura Appel, executive vice president of Government Relations and Public Policy at the MHA, discusses the upcoming general election, which will set the stage for critical healthcare decisions for Michigan and the nation in the years ahead. Appel explains how voting directly impacts healthcare and outlines details on this year’s candidates and ballot proposals. She also explores examples of past and present legislation that have had a lasting impact on healthcare, along with key dates to keep in mind ahead of Election Day, including: Monday, Oct. 24: Last day to register to vote online and return absentee ballot by mail to avoid potential for mailing delays. Friday, Nov. 4 (5 p.m.): Last day to request an absentee ballot online or by mail (to avoid mailing delays, it is strongly recommended to request an absentee ballot no later than Monday, Oct. 17). Through Monday, Nov. 7 (4 p.m.): Vote early by absentee ballot at your clerk’s office. Tuesday, Nov. 8 (7 a.m. - 8 p.m.): Polls are open. ***you can also register to vote in person at your clerk’s office up until, and on, Election Day. Eligible residents must provide official proof of residency if registering to vote between Oct. 25 and Nov. 8 LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE: The Citizens Research Council of Michigan Non-Partisan, Independent Analyses of Michigan's 2022 Proposed Constitutional Amendments: https://bit.ly/3Dcpioq MHA MI Vote Matters 2022 election webpage: https://bit.ly/3TsOo84 General election resources for Michigan: https://bit.ly/3KIjF1D

On this episode, MHA CEO Brian Peters is joined by T. Anthony Denton, J.D., MHSA, senior vice president and CEO of University of Michigan Health – Michigan Medicine, and 2022-2023 Chair of the MHA Board of Trustees. The two explore priorities for the new program year along with efforts underway to address workforce challenges, improve health equity and support sustainability. Denton has a vast history working in healthcare – from human resources to administrative operations. He has worked on master program and facility planning, capital investments, workforce planning and execution, environmental sustainability, social determinants of health and programs that create positive community impact. He also serves on state, national and community boards, and was recently chair of the MHA political action committee – also known as Health PAC – that raised more than $400,000 toward advocating for communities and healthcare organizations. Learn more at UofMhealth.org, or MHA.org.

On this episode, Lucy Ciaramitaro of the MHA interviews Karen Cheeseman, Chief Executive Officer of Mackinac Straits Health System and Leah Heffernan, retail pharmacy director, to explain the 340B drug pricing program; specifically what it is, and how it benefits Michigan's rural communities. You can help protect 340B by heading to the MHA Legislative Action Center to contact your state lawmakers in just a few quick steps, here: https://www.mha.org/issues-advocacy/legislative-action-center/ The Mackinac Straits Health System (MSHS) serves the Straits of Mackinac region with local access to high quality health care, including state of the art equipment. MSHS includes a 15-bed critical access hospital in St. Ignace which houses a rural health clinic (St. Ignace Medical Clinic), Emergency Room, Fast Care (Walk-in) Clinic, outpatient surgery center, six-bed infusion center, and a 48-bed long-term care facility (Evergreen Living Center). The Sault Ste. Marie Tribal Health Clinic is also part of our St. Ignace Campus. Other outpatient services featured at the St. Ignace Campus include radiology, cardiac rehab, and physical therapy, along with a retail pharmacy. Other locations include Bois Blanc Island Medical Center, Mackinaw City Medical Clinic, Mackinaw City Specialty Clinic, Mackinac Island Medical Center, and the Rivertown Medical Clinic in Cheboygan. MSHS is an affiliated partner with MyMichigan Health and is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Learn more at: https://www.mackinacstraitshealth.org/

On this episode, Lucy Ciaramitaro of the MHA is joined by Wright Lassiter, President and CEO of Henry Ford Health, to discuss the social determinants of health - what they are, why they matter and how understanding them can help us achieve better health outcomes. As President and CEO, Lassiter oversees the $7 billion integrated health system comprised of six hospitals, a health plan and a wide range of ambulatory, retail and other health services consisting of more than 250 locations across Michigan and 33,000 employees. Lassiter joined Henry Ford Health in 2014 as President and assumed the role of President & CEO in 2016. Since his arrival, he led the Board and senior management through a comprehensive strategic planning effort to position Henry Ford Health for the future. Lassiter received his master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University where he graduated number one in his class and completed his bachelor’s degree with honors in Chemistry from LeMoyne College. To learn more, visit: www.henryford.com

On this episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, Michael Leonard, MD, partner at Safe & Reliable Healthcare, shares his personal experience falling severely ill to COVID-19 in 2020. Leonard, who spent a total of 59 days in the hospital, gives a close-up look at what it was like as a tenured, perfectly healthy physician to become a critically ill COVID-19 patient at a time when information was limited and hospitals across the country were overwhelmed. Later, he addresses some of the common misconceptions that still exist around COVID-19 and the vaccines, and how listeners can best support healthcare workers. Dr. Leonard will also be a keynote speaker at the MHA's major membership meeting, Breakthrough, scheduled Feb. 17-18 (2022). Those interested in learning more or registering for the event can do so here: https://www.mha.org/education-events/membership-meetings/breakthrough/#1637693384280-afca28de-9c8e Safe & Reliable Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing guidance for providers to effectively assess and manage risk and minimize adverse events. Dr. Leonard has worked with healthcare organizations nationally and internationally to identify clear, effective and sustainable ways to enhance patient- and family-centered care, improve leadership, develop a culture of safety, work collaboratively, become highly reliable, and create an environment of continuous learning and improvement. To learn more about Safe & Reliable Healthcare, visit: https://www.safeandreliablecare.com/

On this episode – which follows the theme of health equity – MHA CEO Brian Peters is joined by Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO of Spectrum Health and our 2021 chair of the MHA Board of Trustees. The two discuss health equity from a leadership lens, and why/how Spectrum Health has made health equity a priority as our healthcare workforce continues combatting COVID-19. Tina also shares insight on how an ongoing commitment to ending racism and health inequities changes the way Spectrum Health executes its mission. Spectrum Health is an integrated health system with 14 hospitals and a health plan serving more than 1.2M members. To learn more, visit: www.spectrumhealth.org/ ***NOTE: Data mentioned in this episode (at the 2:12 time stamp and other) represent numbers from the date of the record (8/30/21). The latest COVID-19 state hospital data is updated weekly and can be viewed on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services dashboard at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98159-523641--,00.html

On this episode, Lucy Ciaramitaro of the MHA is joined by Dr. Renée Branch Canady, PhD, MPA, who serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MPHI; a Michigan-based and nationally engaged non-profit public health institute dedicated to advancing population health through public health innovation and collaboration. Dr. Canady gives us insight into not only health equity - but health inequity: what it is, why it matters, and what resources are available to those who want to create a more inclusive, equitable culture in their lives and work. Dr. Canady has been recognized as a national thought leader in the areas of health inequities and disparities, cultural competence, and social justice. She has published and presented broadly on these topics and her passion for this work is evident in her personal, academic, and professional life. Dr. Canady has been highly influential in broadening the discussion of health equity and social justice while serving on numerous national boards, review panels, and advisory groups. Dr. Canady has been an outstanding public health advocate, researcher, educator, and facilitator, and is a highly sought after speaker. Her career path has also included serving as Directed of Student Affairs in the College of Nursing at MI State University and Assistant Area Director in the Department of Residence Life at the University of North Carolina. She earned her PhD in Medical Sociology from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in Public Administration from Western Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in Public Health Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. To learn more about MPHI, visit: https://www.mphi.org/

The MiCare Champion Cast features interviews with healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of communities. On this episode, Lucy Ciaramitaro of the MHA is joined by Dr. Lydia Watson, SVP, chief medical officer (CMO) of MidMichigan Health. The two discuss the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of a CMO, from managing the needs of frontline staff to stories of hope and healing throughout some of the most challenging moments of 2020. Later in the show, Dr. Watson de-bunks some commonly told myths about the COVID-19 vaccines.

On today's episode, MHA CEO Brian Peters is joined by Ed Ness, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare and the 2020-2021 chair of the MHA Board of Trustees. Their conversation explores the unprecedented challenges that Michigan hospitals faced amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the response of the healthcare community and what’s ahead for championing our state’s hospitals and healthcare providers. *Please note the data referenced throughout this episode have since changed. For up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit the state’s website at: https://bit.ly/3aQQGu7​. Other Resources: • Munson Healthcare Main website: https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/​ • Munson Healthcare Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/munsonhc/​ • Munson Healthcare Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHC_Amazing​ • Munson Healthcare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/muns...​ • Munson Healthcare Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/munson_heal...

Approximately 90 women die each year in Michigan during pregnancy, at delivery, and within a year of giving birth, and 44 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are considered preventable. Today on the MiCare Champion Cast, we’re talking about what Michigan hospitals and physicians are doing to keep moms and babies healthy and safe. The episode features interviews with Frank Anderson, MD, MPH, of the University of Michigan Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Brittany Bogan, MHA senior vice president of safety & quality and executive director of the MHA Keystone Center; and Amy Zaagman, executive director of the Michigan Council for Maternal & Child Health. Resources: - http://www.mcmch.org/ - https://www.obstetricsinitiative.org/ - https://sites.google.com/miaim.us/miaim - https://www.mha.org/MHA-Keystone-Center-Patient-Safety-Organization/Member-Access

Michigan's auto no-fault insurance system is under attack in a last-minute effort to dismantle it during lame duck – or the period after an election when outgoing officials are still in office. Today, we talk to Laura Appel, senior vice president and Chief Innovation Officer at the MHA about current auto no-fault benefits and how this lame duck attempt at reform could negatively impact Michigan residents. Learn more and take action: https://www.mha.org/Issues-Advocacy/Auto-No-Fault-Insurance

When we think of healthcare, most people think of medicine, nurses, physicians and hospitals. But one major component of modern healthcare is data. By collecting and securely sharing patient data, Michigan hospitals are working to improve efficiency and safety in healthcare for patients. Today, we talk to Tim Pletcher, executive director of the Michigan Health Information Network (MiHIN) and Jim Lee, the MHA’s vice president of data policy and data analytics about the impact of information sharing on healthcare quality and safety. Resources: MiHIN.org

The 2018 midterm election is coming up on Nov. 6. Historically, voter turnout is lower during midterms, compared to presidential elections. However, there are several races in 2018 that will have a big on impact Michiganders’ health and access to care and the hospitals and providers who serve our communities. Today, we talk with Laura Appel, the MHA’s Senior Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, and MHA CEO Brian Peters about the impact elected officials have on healthcare in Michigan and provide information for healthcare workers and advocates as they prepare to head to the polls. Resources: https://www.mha.org/Issues-Advocacy/Elections http://michigan.gov/vote

Michigan hospitals are working in local communities to help people of all ages get healthy and stay healthy both in and out of the hospital. Two new reports – the Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan and the Community Benefit Report – demonstrate the substantial role healthcare plays in the well-being of both the state’s residents and its economy. Today, we talk about some of these efforts with Susan Hawkins, senior vice president of population health, Henry Ford Health System; Katherine Scher, director of population health management, Henry Ford Health System; David Sim, manager of marketing and public relations, Aspirus Ironwood Hospital; and Brian Peters, MHA CEO. Read the reports: https://www.mha.org/Newsroom/Publications/Community-Benefit https://www.mha.org/Newsroom/Publications/Economic-Impact

Last year, we talked about the impact of the opioid crisis in Michigan and what we can do to help. Today, we’re revisiting this important topic as we talk about some of the new steps being taken to help prevent opioid abuse and overuse with Paige Fults, director, advocacy, Michigan Health & Hospital Association; Kim Gaedeke, acting deputy director, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs; and Robert Nolan, DO, director of emergency medicine, Lakeland Health. Resources: http://michigan.gov/mimapsinfo https://www.mha.org/Issues-Advocacy/Opioid-Epidemic

We’re in the middle of a serious flu season in Michigan, so we’re talking about the importance of the flu shot and other vaccines. Veronica McNally of Oakland County, founder of the Franny Strong Foundation, shares her family’s story. Her infant daughter, Francesca Marie, lost her life to pertussis, or whooping cough, and she now works to educate parents about the importance and safety of vaccines. Also, we talk about vaccination rates and dispel common misconceptions with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. Resources: https://ivaccinate.org/ http://michigan.gov/flu http://michigan.gov/immunize https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ http://frannystrong.org/ http://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/

Patients and families need reliable and timely information about the quality of care at their local hospital, so they can make better healthcare decisions. In this episode, we talk to Tina Freese Decker, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Spectrum Health; MHA CEO Brian Peters; and Sam Watson, Senior Vice President, Patient Safety & Quality, MHA Keystone Center, about why transparency is important and what Michigan hospitals are doing to be more transparent. Learn more at http://VerifyMICare.org.