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

SOUTHEAST 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 officials, providers and other stakeholders in Southeast Michigan to hear first-hand about their challenges and needs. Stabenow visited Easterseals Michigan in Southfield and CARE of Southeastern Michigan in Fraser.

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.”

“It was an honor to host Senator Stabenow at CARE of Southeastern Michigan and have a discussion about addiction and recovery,” said Monique Stanton, CEO of CARE of Southeastern Michigan.  “Senator Stabenow has been a key leader in advocating for resources and policies to address the opiate epidemic.”

"Since we opened our doors in 1920, Easterseals Michigan has strived to be an innovator in disability services, evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve to include mental health and substance abuse services.  Senator Stabenow’s commitment to children, adults and families with mental health and substance abuse needs has a major positive impact to the system of care," said Brent Wirth, CEO of Easterseals Michigan. "Services are now more accessible than ever and in the past few months with the additional support of the CCCHC grant we have increased our capacity and are now serving an additional 1000 persons.  Children, adults and families are now accessing needed services and supports that may have not been available without this initiative."

Last year, Easterseals was awarded $4 million to expand mental health and addiction services in Oakland County and the surrounding area. The grant was made possible by Senator Stabenow’s bipartisan Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Act.  

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.