Senator Stabenow Continues Health Care “Check-In” Visits in Wyandotte, Ann Arbor

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN – Last week, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) continued a series of health care “check-in” visits across the state. Stabenow met with providers, patients, and other stakeholders in Southeast Michigan to hear first-hand about their challenges and needs. Stabenow first met with the Stop Underage Drinking/Drugs (SUDDs) Downriver Coalition in Wyandotte. She then delivered remarks at the grand opening of Vibrant Life Senior Living, Superior Township.

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 is visiting a broad range of health services and providers across the state this 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. “Today’s visits are an important way for me to hear first-hand from some of Michigan’s most dedicated health professionals and patients on ways to improve care and bring down costs for Michigan families.”

“It was an honor to host Senator Stabenow at the grand opening of Vibrant Life Senior Living, Superior Township, our fourth Vibrant Life Community in Michigan,” said Dean Solden, Founder and Co- Owner of Vibrant Life Senior Living. “At Vibrant Life, we offer quality assisted living and memory care services for over 250 people living in our communities across the state. We greatly appreciate Senator Stabenow’s commitment to improving health care for all in Michigan, especially her initiatives in mental health, which we believe is as important as people's physical health, both in our communities and in general."  

“Yesterday, the SUDDs (Stop Underage Drinking/Drugs) Coalition had the pleasure to meet with Senator Stabenow at Roosevelt High School with the Teen Task Force (TTF). SUDDs was able to give several updates on the substance abuse prevention efforts being made in the Downriver area. It was excellent to have an engaging conversation with Senator Stabenow about naloxone, non-opioid pain relief, prescription drug drop boxes, vaping, tobacco retailer compliance checks, and several other topics,” said Bethany Sanford, Community Organizer of Stop Underage Drinking/Drugs (SUDDs) Downriver Coalition. “The Roosevelt TTF was able to voice their concerns and perspective about youth substance misuse and the challenges of mental health stigma. The Senator was very knowledgeable, concerned, and passionate about the topics discussed. SUDDs & TTF are looking forward to working with Senator Stabenow.”

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.