Michigan Business Beat | Laura Appel, MHA – Insights from the 2025 Community Impact Report

Chris Holman welcomes back Laura Appel, Executive Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy, MHA, (Michigan Health and Hospital Association), Okemos, MI. Welcome back Laura, remind the Michigan business community about MHA? The MHA 2025 Community Impact Report came out yesterday, Can you start by briefly overviewing what’s in this report? What does $4.5 billion in community benefit activities include? How does this work impact Michigan communities from an economic standpoint? What are the big takeaways you hope folks walk away with from this report? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Report: Access, Affordability & Community Health Improved by Hospital Programming, Investments November 17, 2025 Member News, News Releases 2025 MHA Community Impact Report The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), Monday released its 2025 Community Impact Report highlighting community programming and investments from Michigan hospitals that are improving access to care, addressing affordability and advancing the health of communities across every region of the state. The report showcases 12 hospital-led programs that go beyond the traditional care setting to address community health needs across the state. It also outlines investments totaling more than $4.5 billion in community benefit activities in fiscal year (FY) 2023, from education and prevention services to clinical research, healthcare workforce support and more. “Michigan hospitals continue to redefine care delivery and create new, innovative access points across the state,” said MHA CEO Brian Peters. “The MHA Community Impact Report is a strong reminder that our hospitals are committed to listening – and responding – to the needs of their communities.” Programs featured in the report include University of Michigan Health-Sparrow’s mobile health clinic; Henry Ford Health’s hospital-based doula program; Corewell Health Gerber Hospital’s vaping cessation initiative; Mackinac Straits Health System’s retail pharmacy; and efforts by Bronson Battle Creek Hospital to address food insecurity; among many others. This work is a result of strategic investments, local partnerships and support from state and federal healthcare champions. “Improving community health goes beyond the bedside,” said MHA Board Chair Bill Manns, president and CEO, Bronson Healthcare. “When we invest in programs that address socioeconomic challenges like food insecurity, we’re helping people overcome the barriers that stand between them and a healthier life.” The full report and community impact stories from hospitals across the state can be accessed on the MHA website. Based in Greater Lansing, the MHA is the statewide leader representing all community hospitals in Michigan. Established in 1919, the MHA represents the interests of its member hospitals and health systems in both the legislative and regulatory arenas on key issues and supports their efforts to provide quality, cost-effective and accessible care. The MHA’s mission is to advance the health of individuals and communities.