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

SAGINAW – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) yesterday continued a series of health care “check-in” visits across the state. Stabenow met with veterans, providers and other stakeholders in Saginaw to hear first-hand about their challenges and needs. Stabenow visited the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center.

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 plans to visit a broad range of health care providers and practitioners across the state over the coming 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. “This visit is an important way for me to hear first-hand from some of Michigan’s most dedicated health professionals and our veterans on ways to improve care and bring down costs for Michigan families.”

“It was a pleasure hosting the Senator at the Aleda E. Lutz VA in Saginaw. We have a dedicated staff who proudly serve over 36,000 Veterans and are enthusiastic about the many great initiatives our VA is implementing to promote patient-centered care. One such program is Whole Health with our focus on pain management and helping Veterans experience integrative therapies while reducing their need for opioids as part of a national effort in opioid safety,” stated Dr. Barbara Bates, Medical Center Director. “We are also promoting a culture within our health care system of providing safe care to Veterans by becoming a High Reliability Organization which focuses on eliminating risks and harm to any Veteran receiving care, while supporting the voice of the employees. We appreciate all Senator Debbie Stabenow has done for the VA and Veterans and welcome her to our VA or Community Based Outpatient Clinics anytime to witness the good work we are doing for Veterans and their families in Michigan.”

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.