Senator Stabenow Announces $3 Million to Support Mackinac Straits Health

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced support for Mackinac Straits Health to help connect people in rural areas with quality health care. The funding comes through the USDA's Rural Development Community Facility Direct Loan program, which funds critical infrastructure within rural communities across the country. The $3,000,000 loan will be used to purchase new radiology equipment, which will serve approximately 27,279 people in the area.

"Quality health care is critical for families and businesses in the Mackinac Straits region," said Stabenow. "Today's announcement will help make sure patients have access to state-of-the-art care no matter what their zip code is."

"We are very grateful for the support of USDA Rural Development," said Mackinac Straits Health Systems President/CEO Rod Nelson. "Senator Stabenow is a true health care champion and we are fortunate to have a senator who is engaged and understands the health care needs of rural communities."

Over the years, Senator Stabenow has supported millions of dollars in USDA grants and loans for Mackinac Straits Health and was instrumental in securing federal funding for the hospital's long-term care facility.

She currently serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, which oversees the USDA and its Rural Development program.