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/

What is Health Equity?

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/

When the Physician Becomes the Patient

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

What Are Social Determinants of Health?

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/

How 340B Benefits Rural Michigan

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.

A Look at What’s Ahead with Michigan Medicine

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

Your Vote Impacts Healthcare in Michigan – Here’s How.

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/

A Look at Working Inside One of Michigan’s Rural Hospitals

On episode 30 of the MiCare Champion Cast, State Representative Julie Rogers, 41st House District; and Laura Appel, executive vice president of Government Relations & Public Policy at MHA, discuss current health policy priorities impacting Michigan hospitals, patients and communities.

Those interested in learning more about Rep. Rogers, can visit: https://housedems.com/julie-rogers/ 

Those interested in learning more about how to get involved in healthcare advocacy or are looking to engage with local lawmakers on issues such as nurse staffing legislation, 340B, auto no-fault, etc. can visit: https://www.mha.org/issues-advocacy/advocacy-resources/legislative-action-center/

Interested in pursuing a career in healthcare? There's a role waiting for you (clinical or non-clinical) in Michigan's hospitals. Learn more: https://mihospitalcareers.com/

Health Policy Priorities in Michigan ft. State Representative Julie Rogers

On the final episode of season 1 of the MiCare Champion Cast, MHA CEO Brian Peters and Kim Meeker, RN, BSN, MBA, president of the Michigan Organization for Nursing Leadership (MONL), discuss a recent package of bills introduced in the Michigan Legislature that could severely harm hospitals and access to patient care, if passed.

Senate Bills 334 – 336 and House Bills 4550 – 4552 propose a one-size-fits-all nurse ratio staffing mandate. In a recent joint statement, the MHA and MONL noted how this approach would limit the number of patients receiving hospital care at any one time and services hospitals can offer to their communities, prolong the time it takes for a patient to receive care and hinder many hospital’s ability to respond to a crisis in fear of violating Michigan law.

Those interested in learning more or connecting with local lawmakers on this issue are encouraged to visit the MHA’s Legislative Action Center: https://www.mha.org/issues-advocacy/advocacy-resources/legislative-action-center/ 

Note: Each interview in this episode was recorded prior to the passing of the legislative fiscal year 2024 state budget. To see MHA CEO Brian Peters statement on new healthcare funding, visit the MHA Newsroom: https://www.mha.org/newsroom/legislative-fiscal-year-2024-state-budget-renews-commitment-to-healthcare/

Additional resources mentioned include the MHA Keystone Center and Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality WellB program: https://mhha.informz.net/mhha/data/images/Keystone Center/Well-B Webinar_Series2_Keystone.pdf and the MI Hospital Careers webpage: https://mihospitalcareers.com/.

How Harmful Nurse Staffing Legislation is Threatening Access to Patient Care

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, hosted by MHA CEO Brian Peters, features MHA Board Chair Shannon Striebich, president and CEO of Trinity Health Michigan. Peters and Striebich explore what priorities are top of mind for the MHA Board, what workforce challenges are impacting Michigan hospitals, and what behavioral health efforts are underway at Trinity Health. Available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. To learn more about Trinity Health Michigan, visit trinityhealthmichigan.org.

Discussing Hospital and Health System Priorities in Michigan

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast explores the impact medical mistrust has on health outcomes for Black Americans featuring Lynn Todman, PhD, vice president of Health Equity and Community Partnerships for Corewell Health.

A Closer Look at Medical Mistrust Among Black Americans

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, released during Patient Safety Awareness Week, uplifts why hospitals should prioritize submitting adverse event data and what can be done to improve the culture around reporting. The episode features Nadine Post, MSN, RN, manager of Quality and Patient Safety at MyMichigan Health and Nicole Stefan, CNMT, MBA, CPPS, CPHRM, manager of Risk Management at Trinity Health Livonia.

Those interested in getting involved in the MHA Keystone Patient Safety Organization (PSO) or the Adverse Events Review Committee (AERC) should contact the MHA Keystone Center at Keystone@MHA.org. Current PSO members are also encouraged to submit nominations for the quarterly Speak-up! Award to acknowledge the efforts of individuals or teams who are preventing harm to patients or fellow staff members. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2GJpK1S

Patient Safety Awareness Week: The Important Role of Hospital Adverse Event Data

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, released during National Public Health Week, explores how hospitals are engaged in public health. Featured guests include Julie Yaroch, D.O., president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital and senior vice president of ProMedica Inpatient and Retail Pharmacy, and Frank Nagle, MBA, director of Community Impact in Michigan at ProMedica. 

Yaroch and Nagle highlight the strong impact the ProMedica Farms and Veggie Mobile are having on residents and communities by improving access to fresh, affordable produce and nutrition education. The episode is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. 

Those interested in learning more about the ProMedica Farms can visit: https://www.promedica.org/locations-and-doctors/location/clinics/promedica-farms 

Those interested in learning more about the Veggie Mobile can visit: https://lenaweeveggiemobile.com/#home

To nominate a hospital or health system for future a Ludwig Community Benefit award, visit: https://www.mha.org/About/Awards/Ludwig-Community-Benefit-Award/

National Public Health Week: Learning More About ProMedica Farms and the Veggie Mobile

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast explores what happens when a hospital or health system experiences a cyberattack featuring Jack Kufahl, chief information security officer at Michigan Medicine. 

Those interested in learning more about Michigan Medicine can visit: https://www.michiganmedicine.org/

Those interested in learning more about CyberForce|Q or the MHA EBP program can visit: https://www.mha.org/business-services...

What Happens When There’s a Cyberattack at a Hospital or Health System?

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, released during Mental Health Awareness Month, features two providers from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services who discuss how clinicians are navigating virtual care in the behavioral health space.

Dr. Heide Rollings, M.D., child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship director and Dr. Lisa Vroman Stokes, Ph.D., manager of Forest Hills Clinic and child and adolescent project coordinator, each share insights about the advantages and challenges of telemedicine when delivering behavioral health care services.

To learn more about internships, fellowships and career opportunities at Pine Rest, visit: https://www.pinerest.org/

Navigating Virtual Care for Behavioral Health

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast explores the role artificial intelligence (AI) plays in healthcare today and what it will look like in the future. The episode features Bruce Brandes, president of Care.ai and Monica Holmes, a PhD candidate in bioinformatics at the University of Michigan and current member of the MHA AI Task Force.

To learn more about Care.ai, visit: https://www.care.ai/

To learn more about Michigan Medicine, visit: https://www.uofmhealth.org/

To learn more about Phenomics Health, visit: https://www.phenomicshealth.com/

The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast is a conversation between MHA CEO Brian Peters and 2024-2025 MHA Board Chair Julie Yaroch, DO, president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital. Listeners can expect to learn more about Yaroch’s journey becoming a healthcare leader, along with her aspirations for the new board of trustees and what healthcare priorities are top of mind in Michigan.

Discussing Healthcare Priorities in Michigan with Dr. Julie Yaroch

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast explores more about Munson Healthcare’s Ask-A-Nurse program with Bonnie Kruszka, DNP, FNP-C, ENP-BC, RN, Chief Operating Officer, Munson Physician Network, Chief Advanced Practice Provider, Munson Healthcare; and Allison Passinault, RN, BSN, Ambulatory Nursing Manager for the Ask-A-Nurse program and Centralized Nurse Triage. The Ask-A-Nurse program is a free 24/7, year-round phone line staffed by registered nurses offering easy access to health-related information and triage services. To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3WPqRRX or call (231) 935-0951. To learn more about Munson's virtual urgent care, visit: https://bit.ly/47apzG1 To explore career opportunities at Munson Healthcare, visit: https://bit.ly/3YTaBlA

Learning More About Munson Healthcare's Ask-A-Nurse Program

In this episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA) joins MHA CEO Brian Peters to discuss current and future healthcare priorities. In addition to sharing more about his journey to the AHA, Pollack explores the fundamental shifts he's seen within the national healthcare environment, as well as what issues are top of mind that impact hospitals and health systems across the state and country as the 2024 general election approaches. To learn more about the AHA, visit: https://www.aha.org/.

What's Ahead in Healthcare? Insights from Rick Pollack, American Hospital Association (AHA)

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast explores why casting a vote in the 2024 General Election matters to the future of healthcare in Michigan, what health policy issues are top of mind for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) and what role the association plays when it comes to advocating for healthcare and Michigan hospitals.

To learn more about candidates, you can download the free Gongwer app available on both iOS and Android devices by searching ‘Michigan Elections’ in the app store. To see the MHA's Race of the Week series, visit MHA.org. More information, key dates and Michigan voting FAQs can be found at Michigan.gov/vote.

Why Your Vote Matters to Healthcare in Michigan

One in five American adults – about 48 million individuals – are considered caregivers. In observance of National Caregiver Month, this episode of the MiCare Champion Cast explores how the caregiving landscape has evolved and what resources are available to support caregivers in clinical and non-clinical settings. 

The episode features Diane Mariani, LCSW, CADC, program manager for the department of social work and community health program at RUSH University Medical Center and Joshua Suire, MHA, BSN, RN, senior manager of safety & quality at the MHA Keystone Center. The Keystone Center is partnering with RUSH’s Center for Excellence in Aging to create an online learning series for hospitals interested in exploring how their staff can better integrate caregivers into a patient’s care team. 

To access the MHA-member module for implementing a caregiver navigation program, visit: https://bit.ly/3Oj3Kvf

To access the Michigan Caregiver Navigation Toolkit, visit: https://bit.ly/491kMY2

To learn more about RUSH's Caring for Caregivers (C4C) program, visit: https://bit.ly/415a3Kx




The Essential Role Caregivers  Play in Patient Care

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast explores the latest on healthcare workplace safety with Brian Uridge, MPA, CPP, CHPA, CTM, senior director at the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety and Security (DPSS). 

As a sworn police officer for the university, Uridge manages over 300 public safety staff members for a system that has 40,000 employees and sees over four million patients a year. In this role, Uridge prioritizes creating a culture of safety beyond moments when he and his team are responding to a security threat. The discussion explores the integral role of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) for identifying and managing safety threats. 

All resources shared in the episode are open-source and available for other hospitals and health systems to use to enhance security protocol. Those interested in learning more or collaborating with the UM Health DPSS team are encouraged to contact Brian at buridge@med.umich.edu or visit the UM Health DPSS page at: https://www.dpss.umich.edu/content/about/our-departments/michigan-medicine-security/

The Latest on Healthcare Workplace Safety & Security

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast features Laura Ortiz, MD, Emergency Medicine Provider at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, who explores a collaborative effort that’s enhancing access to care. 

The program, known as Street Medicine Oakland, is a collaborative effort between Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital and Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine that delivers free medical care to those experiencing homelessness in Oakland County. To learn more, visit: https://www.streetmedicineoakland.org/

Hospitals Help: Learning More About Street Medicine Oakland

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast explores what Medicaid is, what's happening at the federal level and how potential funding changes could impact Michigan hospitals, patients, access to care and more. To contact members of Congress to prevent Medicaid cuts, visit the MHA Legislative Action Center: https://bit.ly/41705qc

How Could Medicaid Cuts Impact Michigan?

In this episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, Lauren LaPine, senior director of legislative & public policy, MHA, provided insight on how Michigan continues to experience issues with timely access to behavioral health services. More specifically, LaPine shares how and why Medicaid patients experiencing a behavioral health crisis are often stuck in emergency departments (EDs) longer than those who are commercially insured. LaPine explores the proposed solution of expanding the three-hour assessment responsibility in order to allow clinically qualified staff to conduct pre-admission screenings in order to improve the delivery of care for behavioral health patients in Michigan hospital EDs.

Addressing Hurdles for Behavioral Health Patients Seeking Care in the ED

Looking Ahead with Bill Manns, Bronson Healthcare

This episode of the MiCare Champion Cast exploring state and federal healthcare priorities with Tina Freese Decker, MHA, MSIE, FACHE, President & CEO, Corewell Health and 2025 Chair of the American Hospital Association (AHA). The episode, hosted by MHA CEO Brian Peters, explores healthcare innovation, affordability, and how institutions like Corewell Health are bracing for the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).”

Peters and Freese Decker also explore the future of growing the healthcare workforce talent pipeline, the role technology will continue to play in hospitals and the importance of fostering new partnerships across industries.

Catching Up on All Things Healthcare with Tina Freese Decker

In the second episode of our series, we talk to Rami Khoury, MD, FACEP, Medical Director of Emergency Medicine at Henry Ford Allegiance Health, and Paige Fults, Director of Advocacy at the MHA, about the impact of the opioid crisis in Michigan and what we can do to help.

Michigan’s Opioid Crisis

We covered Michigan’s auto no-fault insurance system in the first episode of our series, and there have been several developments since then. We spoke again to Laura Appel, the MHA’s senior vice president and chief innovation officer, to talk about the latest proposal that would drastically change Michigan’s auto no-fault law, HB 5013. To learn more and take action, visit https://micarematters.org/take-action.

Bonus Episode: Auto No-Fault Insurance Update

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.

Hospital Transparency

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

Care Outside of the Hospital’s Walls

In the MiCare Champion Cast, from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, we’ll talk to healthcare policy experts in Michigan on key issues that impact healthcare and the health of our communities. This series will cover topics like the auto no-fault insurance system, the opioid crisis and more. Learn more and get involved at https://micarematters.org.

MiCare Champion Cast

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