August 3, 2023 – State Senator Sam Singh was recognized today by Memorial Healthcare of Owosso for his successful effort to add the hospital to Michigan’s Rural Access Pool in the state budget. The addition will result in an ongoing boost to state funding for Memorial to help preserve essential healthcare delivery throughout rural mid-Michigan.
“We appreciate Senator Singh for his recognition of the significant financial challenges facing community hospitals like Memorial and his continued partnership as we work on solutions which allow us to be in a more sustainable position moving forward,” said Memorial Healthcare President and CEO Brian Long. “This additional funding will directly benefit our efforts to provide high-quality, compassionate care to our patients.”
The proposal, initially championed by Singh within the State Senate, was later included in the final negotiated budget signed today by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The funding provision is expected to generate roughly $1.3 million in the state 2024 fiscal year which begins on October 1st.
“Senator Singh continues to be extremely supportive of our efforts to preserve healthcare services in rural Michigan,” noted Memorial’s Associate Vice President of Advocacy and Government Relations Ben Frederick. “He and his team worked diligently throughout the budget process to advance this critical funding measure which helps us to maintain our standard of care for patients both now and into the future.”
