NEWS RELEASE
Jun 22, 2000

$4.1 Million Dollars in Rural Health Initiative Grants Awarded --Mid-Michigan and Central Michigan to Receive $356,033

 

Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr., today announced that $4.125 million in rural health funding has been awarded in recognition of the special health care needs faced by the residents of Michigan's rural areas.

"These grants will strengthen our health care system in rural Michigan," said Haveman. "It will lead to needed improvements in pre-hospital care - especially in our emergency medical system, service integration, telecommunications, and non-emergency transportation. This project demonstrates the strong partnership between the department and local rural communities."

A workgroup, consisting of Senator Joel Gougeon, Representative Terry Geiger and Director Haveman, was established to determine how to allocate the additional funding to improve rural health in Michigan. The workgroup held community forums in Sault Ste. Marie, Ludington and Mt. Pleasant.

Grants were awarded to various entities, including local life support/public safety entities, hospitals, health departments, and commissions on aging. These grants will cover various equipment and training costs, as well as develop and/or expand specific community services that have been identified as vital to local communities. Sixty-one projects, originating from 36 rural Michigan counties will receive awards. Due to the wide geographic scope of some of the applications, 50 of Michigan's 58 rural counties will directly benefit from these proposals.

Grant Recipients in Mid-Michigan and Central Michigan include:
* Central Michigan Community Hospital, of Mt. Pleasant, will receive $24,075 to replace an outdated communication system used by the hospital and local EMS.

* Central Michigan District Health Department will receive $135,919 for the Isabella County Health Improvement Through Collaboration Project. Fifth grade students attending Isabella county schools will participate in an on-going study administered by Central Michigan Community Hospital, Central Michigan University and Central Michigan District Health Department to develop a coordinated health risk appraisal and needs assessment system for school-age children.

* Mecosta County Commission on Aging will receive $40,000 to provide non-emergency transportation for senior citizens and persons 18 years and older who are in need of life sustaining medical treatments, including kidney dialysis, radiation and chemotherapy.

* Fork Township Rescue, of Barryton, will receive $22,656 to replace the existing rescue vehicle. Their current vehicle is incapable of handling the heavy extrication equipment sometimes needed in automobile accidents.

* Carson City Hospital will receive $25,000 for the Carson Network Integration and Development Project. The hospital, in conjunction with the Mid-Michigan District Health Department and West Michigan Regional Delivery Network, will use telecommunication technologies to improve immunization rates. Equipment purchased will also allow the hospital to build an infrastructure for further expansion into video-conferencing and tele-radiology.

* Mid-Michigan District Health Department, of Stanton, will receive $53,573 to build basic infrastructure for the development of a virtual private health care network in Montcalm County.

* Newaygo County Commission on Aging, of White Cloud, will receive $25,000 to purchase a wheelchair lift equipped van. The van will be used to improve access to health care services for elderly and handicapped residents.

* Spectrum-Health, Reed City Campus, will receive $7,500 to replace an outdated communications system. The new system will provide continuous communication between EMS, Emergency room personnel and Medical Control located in Lake and Osceola Counties.

* Central Michigan District Health Department will receive $22,310 for the Osceola County Adult Influenza and Pneumonia Program, which provides senior citizens with reduced cost flu and pneumonia vaccines. Collaborative partners include the health department, local hospital, Ferris State University, local townships and churches.