MyMichigan Health Pulse

# Celebrating Excellence and Community Resilience: MyMichigan Health’s Continued Commitment to Michigan’s Healthcare Future MyMichigan Health remains a vital force shaping Michigan’s healthcare landscape through unwavering dedication to clinical excellence, compassionate patient care, innovative infrastructure, and strategic community partnerships. Recent developments underscore the organization’s resilience and forward-thinking approach, demonstrating its commitment to improving health outcomes, expanding access, and fostering community well-being across the state. --- ## Recognitions, Patient Successes, and Compassionate Initiatives ### Honoring Clinical Leadership and Achievements In recognition of outstanding clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion, several accolades have recently been bestowed upon MyMichigan providers and facilities: - **Dr. Donald Ellis III** received the prestigious **Beacon of Hope Award**, honoring his exemplary clinical skills combined with genuine compassion. His innovative treatment approaches and active engagement with the community embody the organization’s core values. As a leader, Dr. Ellis inspires staff and reassures patients that high-quality, patient-centered care is at the heart of everything they do. - **MyMichigan Medical Center Gladwin** achieved **comprehensive bariatric facility accreditation** from a leading national organization. This recognition affirms the hospital’s commitment to safe, effective, and personalized weight management services, significantly increasing local access to specialized surgical care and elevating Gladwin’s reputation as a trusted healthcare provider. ### Patient Stories of Resilience and Hope Heartening patient stories continue to exemplify how compassionate, high-quality care fosters recovery and renewed hope: - **A Saginaw Man’s Sleeve Gastrectomy Journey**: After battling obesity-related health issues, he underwent a minimally invasive sleeve gastrectomy. His transformation highlights how accessible advanced surgical options can reduce chronic disease risks and vastly improve quality of life, emphasizing the importance of specialized care in local communities. - **Beating Breast Cancer**: Thanks to timely diagnosis and personalized treatment, a woman facing breast cancer is now approaching recovery with renewed optimism. Her journey underscores the critical role of accessible screening programs, prompt intervention, and comprehensive follow-up in saving lives and strengthening community resilience. - **First Baby of 2026 in Sault Ste. Marie**: The arrival of this newborn symbolizes hope and vitality, reaffirming MyMichigan’s dedication to serving families through seamless, compassionate maternity services. It also highlights the hospital’s role as a vital community anchor. - **Hats of Comfort Initiative**: Local business **Choucas Hats** donated 40 handmade hats to cancer patients undergoing treatment, providing warmth, dignity, and emotional support during challenging times. Acts of kindness like this foster community bonds and exemplify that healing extends beyond medical treatment to social and emotional well-being. - **Volunteer-Driven Funding Boost**: Recently, volunteers contributed a remarkable **$54,000** to enhance patient care services, demonstrating community commitment and the power of collective effort in supporting health initiatives. --- ## Infrastructure, Technology, and Service Expansions ### Major Facility Upgrades and New Developments To meet growing community needs, MyMichigan has invested heavily in infrastructure: - **MyMichigan Medical Center Clare** completed a **$40 million expansion**, transforming into a state-of-the-art healthcare hub. The new **51,000-square-foot** facility features upgraded treatment rooms, improved patient accommodations, and expanded outpatient services—ensuring residents access high-quality care in a welcoming environment. - The **Emergency Department in Clare** was expanded with **16 new treatment rooms**, significantly reducing wait times and increasing capacity for urgent care, underscoring a strong commitment to community safety and rapid emergency response. - **Gladwin’s Infusion Center** received upgrades with **four new infusion therapy chairs**, prioritizing patient comfort during prolonged treatments and maintaining dignity and high standards of care. ### Technological Innovations and Strategic Planning Looking ahead, MyMichigan is deploying cutting-edge solutions to enhance care and system resilience: - The **‘Medical Diamond’ strategic forum** in Saginaw brings together community leaders, healthcare professionals, and planners to address infrastructure needs, optimize resource utilization, and develop adaptable healthcare models—preparing for future challenges and growth. - In **Sault Ste. Marie**, a **telestroke service** was launched, enabling emergency teams to consult remotely with stroke specialists instantly. This technology significantly reduces treatment times, especially in rural areas, leading to improved patient outcomes. - The **Maternal and Child Health Recognition** program designated **MyMichigan Medical Center Sault Ste. Marie** as a **2026 Maternity Care Access Hospital**. This designation enhances maternal health services in underserved rural regions by reducing barriers such as transportation and distance, ensuring more families receive comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care. ### Redevelopment and Emergency Response A key recent project involves the **redevelopment of the vacant Walgreens property** in Saginaw. A developer has been added to the city’s brownfield plan, unlocking funding for environmental remediation and revitalization efforts. The goal is to transform this underutilized space into a dynamic community asset—potentially housing healthcare facilities, retail outlets, or mixed-use developments—further invigorating the neighborhood and supporting MyMichigan’s regional expansion plans. As city officials like Moore have remarked, *“We might as well get ready,”* signaling confidence and proactive planning for a brighter future. Additionally, after a **fire temporarily evacuated staff and patients** at the Saginaw Twp. hospital’s ER, operations have fully resumed. Swift, coordinated responses reaffirm the hospital’s resilience and unwavering dedication to community safety. --- ## Strategic Partnerships, Workforce Development, and Community Engagement ### Strengthening Education and Addressing Workforce Gaps A major milestone is the **consolidation of Central Michigan University’s (CMU) medical school** in Saginaw, supported by over **$100 million** in donations. This initiative establishes a regional hub for medical education and research, directly addressing physician shortages and attracting top talent. CMU’s leadership emphasizes, *“This partnership positions Saginaw as a center for medical excellence, improving access to specialized care and advancing healthcare innovation in Michigan.”* **CMU Health** has expanded its role in the **Great Lakes Bay Region**, integrating behavioral health services into primary care and community outreach—fostering a healthier, more resilient population. Investments in **community college nursing programs** are also expanding, with seventeen Michigan colleges now offering pathways to become registered nurses. These efforts are critical to addressing the statewide nursing shortage and ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals. ### Supporting Maternal and Infant Health The **‘Cash for Moms and Babies’** program has expanded into the **eastern Upper Peninsula**, providing financial assistance to expectant mothers and new families. This initiative aims to reduce economic barriers to prenatal care, improve birth outcomes, and promote early childhood health—fostering healthier families and reducing disparities. ### Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health In **Chippewa County**, opioid settlement funds are now prioritized for expanding addiction treatment services. During the December 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting, officials committed significant resources toward community-based addiction programs, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and recovery support initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce overdose rates, promote sustained recovery, and foster safer, healthier communities. ### Community Outreach and Cultural Engagement - **MLK Regional Celebration at Saginaw Valley State University**: MyMichigan actively participates in annual celebrations honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing equity, justice, and health. The event features keynote speakers, cultural performances, and resource fairs, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to community unity. - **Distribution of Care Packages and Educational Resources**: Throughout community events, MyMichigan distributes care packages and educational materials on mental health, holistic recovery, and health promotion—building resilience and wellbeing across diverse populations. --- ## Current Challenges, Policy Context, and Future Directions ### Ongoing Challenges: Federal Funding and Rural Hospital Sustainability Despite remarkable progress, federal funding uncertainties pose significant risks. **Rural Michigan hospitals** are voicing concerns over potential funding cuts, which could jeopardize essential services. An administrator stated, *“I want to ensure as many people as possible have access to preventative care and a medical home, but funding reductions threaten our ability to sustain critical operations.”* Historically, federal support has been vital for rural hospitals operating on narrow margins. Cuts could lead to reductions in emergency services, outpatient care, and even closures, exacerbating healthcare disparities. ### Policy and System-Level Initiatives - The **Hospital Beds (HB) Informal Workgroup** is actively evaluating capacity and Medicaid considerations, aiming to ensure adequate hospital bed availability and resource allocation amid policy and funding shifts. These efforts are crucial to maintaining access and system resilience. ### Leadership Transitions and Strategic Priorities Recently, **MyMichigan Health** appointed **Hunter Nostrant** as **Chief Operating Officer (COO)**, bringing strategic expertise to system-wide initiatives. Meanwhile, **CEO Lydia Watson** announced her upcoming retirement, with a comprehensive succession plan in motion to sustain momentum. Looking ahead, the organization’s priorities include: - Expanding **equitable access** to maternal, primary, and specialized services, especially in rural and underserved regions. - Investing in **telehealth, remote diagnostics**, and innovative care models to broaden reach and efficiency. - Continuing **community redevelopment projects** like the Walgreens site transformation to integrate health infrastructure with economic vitality. - Supporting **workforce development** through educational partnerships, training programs, and pipeline initiatives to address staffing shortages and retain skilled professionals. --- ## Current Status and Implications As Michigan navigates healthcare challenges, MyMichigan Health’s proactive strategies position it as a resilient leader committed to sustaining and expanding high-quality, compassionate care. Its infrastructure investments, technological advancements, community partnerships, and focus on equity demonstrate a clear path toward ensuring accessible, patient-centered healthcare for all residents—today and into the future. While federal funding uncertainties remain, MyMichigan’s community-driven approach, innovative projects, and strategic planning underscore its vital role in shaping a healthier, more resilient Michigan. The organization’s ongoing dedication to excellence, collaboration, and community engagement affirms its leadership in building a future where every Michigander can receive the care they deserve.

# Michigan’s Public Health at a Crossroads: State Response to FY2027 Budget and Federal Funding Challenges As Michigan prepares to finalize its Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), under the leadership of Director Elizabeth Hertel, has issued a firm and urgent response to mounting federal funding reductions that threaten to undermine decades of progress in the state’s public health infrastructure. These developments underscore a critical moment for Michigan—a convergence of state advocacy, federal program terminations, and innovative community responses—all aimed at safeguarding healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved communities. ## MDHHS’s Strategic Priorities Amid Funding Uncertainty In her recent public statements, Hertel reaffirmed MDHHS’s commitment to **advancing equitable, preventive, and accessible healthcare** for all Michigan residents. The department is emphasizing targeted investments in key areas to bolster resilience and address disparities: - **Mental health infrastructure**: Expanding capacity and services for children, youth, and adults facing mental health challenges. - **Immunization and infectious disease control**: Strengthening programs to prevent outbreaks and maintain herd immunity. - **Maternal and child health initiatives**: Focusing on reducing disparities and improving outcomes among vulnerable populations. - **Data systems and workforce development**: Upgrading technological infrastructure and training to create a more responsive public health system. Hertel warned that **any shortfall in funding could hinder service delivery, deepen health disparities, and impair Michigan’s capacity to respond swiftly to public health emergencies**. As federal support diminishes, the department continues to advocate for **adequate state resources** to bridge the gap and maintain essential services. ## Growing Concerns Among Rural Hospitals and Capacity Risks While Hertel remains cautiously optimistic about the budget’s prospects, **rural hospitals are voicing mounting alarm over federal funding cuts** that threaten their operational sustainability. These facilities, often serving the most vulnerable populations, face multiple risks: - **Reduced preventive services**, potentially leading to increased disease incidence and poorer long-term health outcomes. - **Hospital capacity constraints**, risking staffing shortages or closures that could severely limit emergency and routine care. - **Limited access to outpatient and primary care**, which is especially critical in rural regions with transportation barriers and sparse healthcare options. A rural hospital representative expressed grave concern: *"We want to ensure as many people as possible have access to preventative care and a medical home. Federal funding cuts jeopardize those efforts and could leave vulnerable populations without necessary support."* ## Federal-Level Developments Amplify Urgency Adding urgency to Michigan’s challenges, recent federal actions have significantly impacted rural healthcare infrastructure. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the **termination of a key primary care program** that has historically provided supplemental funding to rural clinics. This program's end **threatens to reduce revenue streams for clinics serving Michigan’s underserved areas**, risking service reductions or closures. ### Impact of CMS’ Decision - **Disruption of stable funding** for rural clinics reliant on this program. - **Increased financial strain**, heightening the risk of service reductions. - **Exacerbation of healthcare access issues** in already underserved communities. This federal program termination **compounds the challenges posed by state and local funding uncertainties**, prompting Michigan to **develop contingency strategies** aimed at protecting rural healthcare infrastructure. ## The Hospital Beds (HB) Informal Workgroup’s Capacity Assessment Supporting these concerns, the **Hospital Beds (HB) Informal Workgroup** recently released a comprehensive report evaluating Michigan’s hospital capacity and Medicaid utilization. Key findings include: - **Hospital bed availability and Medicaid days** are critical metrics for understanding system capacity. - **Projects related to hospital capacity are evaluated based on Medicaid days**, serving as a proxy for community healthcare needs. - Maintaining **sufficient funding** is vital to ensure hospitals can meet patient demands and respond effectively to emergencies. The report emphasizes that **without strategic investment**, Michigan risks facing hospital capacity shortfalls that could jeopardize emergency responsiveness and routine care, especially in rural regions where capacity is already strained. ## Community-Led Innovations: The Gladwin Health Park Expansion Despite these mounting pressures, community initiatives demonstrate resilience and proactive planning. The **expansion of the Gladwin Health Park** exemplifies how local communities are stepping up to bolster healthcare infrastructure. Recently, a **9,000 square-foot addition to MyMichigan Health Park** was completed, with aims to: - **Increase primary care access** in the region. - **Serve as a model for integrating community health infrastructure** with broader state initiatives. - **Mitigate federal funding impacts** by bolstering local resources and capacity. This expansion underscores how **local communities are taking strategic steps** to sustain healthcare access despite financial pressures from federal and state sources. ### Volunteer Support and Local Funding Boost Adding to the community-driven efforts, volunteers at MyMichigan have contributed a **$54,000 boost** to patient care initiatives, demonstrating grassroots commitment and resilience. This support aims to **enhance services and bridge gaps** created by funding uncertainties, ensuring that vulnerable populations continue to receive necessary care. ## Current Actions and Forward-Looking Strategies As Michigan’s legislature reviews the FY2027 budget, stakeholders are emphasizing **prioritized investments and contingency plans** to counteract the anticipated federal funding cuts. Hertel’s department remains committed to **advocating for essential resources**, emphasizing that **investments made today will lay the foundation for healthier, more resilient communities in the future**. ### Key Strategies Underway - **Prioritizing funding allocations** to protect rural hospitals and prevent service reductions. - **Developing contingency plans** to adapt to potential federal funding shortfalls. - **Engaging stakeholders across sectors**—including local governments, healthcare providers, and community organizations—to foster transparency, collaboration, and innovative solutions. - **Advocating for state-level support** to offset federal program terminations, such as exploring alternative funding mechanisms or supplemental grants. ## Significance of the Federal Program Termination and Its Implications The **end of CMS’ primary care program** poses a direct threat to rural clinics’ financial stability and service continuity. This decision **raises the stakes** for Michigan’s budget negotiations, compelling lawmakers to consider **additional state investments or alternative support strategies** to safeguard rural health services. ## Implications for Michigan’s Public Health Future The outcome of Michigan’s FY2027 budget deliberations will have profound implications for the state’s public health infrastructure. The combined impact of **federal program terminations and funding reductions** risks undoing years of progress in mental health, maternal and child health, and infectious disease prevention. **Proactive investments, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement** are essential to **preserve hospital capacity, reduce disparities, and enhance readiness for future public health threats**. Michigan’s capacity to **adapt and innovate** will determine whether it can sustain its commitment to **equitable, accessible healthcare for all residents**, especially in vulnerable rural communities. --- ### **In Summary** Michigan faces a pivotal moment: federal funding cuts, exemplified by the termination of CMS’ primary care program, are intensifying pressures on rural healthcare providers and public health programs. State leaders, health officials, and community stakeholders are rallying to **protect vital services**, advocate for **necessary investments**, and implement **innovative solutions** like the Gladwin Health Park expansion and grassroots funding support. The coming weeks and months will be decisive. Success in securing sustainable funding and strategic planning will determine whether Michigan can **maintain its momentum toward a resilient, equitable healthcare system**—one capable of meeting current needs and future challenges alike. The resilience and collaboration across Michigan’s communities and government will be crucial in shaping a healthier future for all residents.