Sen. Stabenow Continues Health Care 'Check-In' Visits in Alpena and Hillman

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, issued the following news release on Feb. 18:

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) continued a series of health care "check-in" visits across the state. Stabenow met with patients, providers, and other stakeholders in Alpena and Hillman to hear first-hand about their challenges and needs. Stabenow met with the MidMichigan Medical Center in Alpena and the Thunder Bay Community Health Service in Hillman.

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.

"Health care is personal to Michigan families across our state. The MidMichigan Medical Center and the Thunder Bay Community Health Service work hard to provide quality health care to residents," said Senator Stabenow. "Today's visits are an important way for me to hear first-hand from some of Michigan's dedicated health professionals and patients on ways to improve care and bring down costs for Michigan families."

"We thank Senator Stabenow for taking the time to visit our Medical Center campus today and to see the great work our health care providers, employees, and volunteers are providing our patients," said Chuck Sherwin, FACHE, president, MidMichigan Medical Center - Alpena. "We are proud to have her as a friend of MidMichigan Health, and for her support so that we can continue to bring great health care services to our community."

"At Thunder Bay Community Health Service, we work hard to bring comprehensive health care to families in North Eastern Lower Michigan. It was great to host Senator Stabenow today and discuss the need to invest in Community Health Centers in Michigan. Senator Stabenow has been a key leader in the fight to protect health care funding and making sure centers have the resources they need to serve the community," said Michelle Styma, CEO of Thunder Bay Community Health Service.

Community health centers like Thunder Bay Community Health Service provide comprehensive health care to underserved communities. Senator Stabenow is working with Republicans and Democrats to keep community health centers fully funded. Stabenow's bill, the Community Health Investment, Modernization, and Excellence Act, would extend community health center funding for five years with $200 million per year increases.