Senator Stabenow Continues Health Care “Check-In” Visits in Grand Rapids and South Haven

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) continued a series of health care “check-in” visits across the state in Grand Rapids and South Haven yesterday. Senator Stabenow met with the leadership of Catherine’s Health Center, and Judge William Baillargeon and stakeholders from the 57^th District Veterans’ Treatment Court, to hear first-hand about their challenges and needs.

Health care related jobs employ 900,000 people or 17% of all Michigan workers. Health Care has a $65 billion economic impact each year in Michigan—more than any other industry in the state.

“Catherine’s Health Center and the Veterans Treatment Court are providing critical treatment and services in West Michigan,” said Senator Stabenow. “I heard first-hand from some of Michigan’s dedicated professionals about the most critical health care needs of families in West Michigan and how our community is meeting the serious needs of veterans returning home from service.”

Catherine’s Health Center is located in Grand Rapids and provides primary medical services to thousands of low-income patients each year.

“Catherine’s Health Center works hard to provide access to high quality, affordable, and compassionate health care to our community. We were proud to host Senator Stabenow and discuss the concerns doctors, patients, and families have around their health care. Senator Stabenow continues to be a champion for Michigan families by working to protect the Affordable Care Act and lower the cost of care across the country,” said Jess Eglinton, Development Director of Catherine’s Health Center.

The 57^th District Veterans Treatment Court helps veterans struggling from their military service by providing treatment and support services as an alternative to incarceration for some non-violent offenses. The court promotes sobriety and recovery through coordinated efforts between the drug and mental health courts, the Department of Veterans Affairs, volunteer veteran mentors, and other organizations that support veterans and their families.

“As the presiding judge of the West Michigan Regional Veterans’ Treatment team, I have had the opportunity to discuss the importance of this court. Senator Stabenow has always expressed a keen interest and has sent representatives from her office to attend graduation ceremonies when her schedule precluded her from attending personally. The court appreciates her support for our graduates and the individual veterans know that Senator Stabenow is aware of their hard work and commitment to the veterans’ court,” said Judge William Baillargeon of the 57^th District Veterans Treatment Court.

###