Senator Stabenow Continues Health Care “Check-In” Visits in Northern Michigan

NORTHERN MICHIGAN – Last week, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) continued a series of health care “check-in” visits across the state. Stabenow met with providers, officials, and other stakeholders in Northern Michigan to hear first-hand about their challenges and needs. Stabenow visited Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital and the Alcona Health Center – Cheboygan Campus.  

Over 900,000 people, or 17% of all Michigan workers are employed in health care related jobs. Health Care has a $65 billion economic impact each year in Michigan—more than any other industry in the state. From hospitals, VA clinics and pharmacies to mental health and addiction treatment programs, home health and school based clinics, Senator Stabenow is visiting a broad range of health services and providers across the state this year. She will help showcase innovative programs and services and discuss ways to improve services and bring down costs.

“Health care directly impacts the lives of people and is also one of the biggest drivers of our economy,” said Senator Stabenow. “Today’s visits are an important way for me to hear first-hand from some of Michigan’s most dedicated health professionals and patients on ways to improve care and bring down costs for Michigan families.”

“We greatly appreciated Senator Stabenow taking the time to visit Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital and learn more about the unique challenges of delivering a wide range of health care services in a rural setting”, said Kirsten Korth-White, President of Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital.  “The Senator has been a tireless champion of health care issues during her time in public office and we thank her for her longstanding support for programs that lower prescription drug prices and expand access to mental and behavioral healthcare.”

“We are pleased that Senator Stabenow chose to join us at our Cheboygan Campus today,” said Nancy Spencer, CEO of Alcona Health Center. “While she has long been a champion for Federally Qualified Health Centers, her ongoing commitment to continued support and improvements through meetings like these is encouraging.”

As Ranking Member of the Health Care Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Stabenow plays an instrumental role in addressing federal health care policies.