Efforts in Healthcare Information Technology Gain National Recognition

Contact:  T.J. Bucholz , (517) 373-0860
Agency: MI Dept. of Community Health

Contact:  Kurt Weiss, (517) 335-0050
Agency: MI Dept. of Information Technology

May 24, 2007

Lansing -  The State of Michigan received the 2007 Statewide Leadership Advocacy Award from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).  Michigan received the award for advancing health information technology during difficult budget and economic times and for its commitment to using health information technology for the benefit of Michigan citizens.

"Many individuals have helped move Michigan forward in our plans for health care technology," said Janet Olszewski , Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health.  "Director Takai and her team at the Department of Information Technology have certainly partnered with us to lead the way here in Michigan."

"Michigan has made great advancement over the course of the last two years with leadership from Governor Granholm and MDCH and MDIT.  Some examples of Michigan's success is the completion of a statewide roadmap for advancing health information exchange and technology called the Michigan Health Information Network (MiHIN) Conduit to Care report.  To implement part of the report, Michigan has also begun to organize Health Information Exchanges (HIE) in regions throughout the state and has initiated a statewide coordination point called the MiHIN Resource Center.  Further, the Michigan Health Information Technology Commission, which was signed into law last year, serves as a focus point within state government for moving forward HIT and HIE throughout the state.  For more information on Michigan's HIE efforts, visit  www.michigan.gov/mihin .   

The HIMSS 2007 Advocacy Awards were presented on May 15, 2007, during a Networking Reception and Awards Ceremony at the world-famous Capitol Hill Club.  Michigan was the first state to win an award in the newly established category for state recognition.  Both Olszewski and Takai were named at the awards presentation as key leaders in the Michigan effort.

"We will continue to work with the healthcare industry here in Michigan to apply technology so that citizens can reap the benefits," added Takai, who serves as the Chief Information Officer for the State of Michigan.  "We can envision a day when health information is shared so that the quality of healthcare continues to improve and citizens are not burdened with completing the same health information every time they make contact with the healthcare industry."

HIMSS is the healthcare industry's membership organization exclusively focused on providing leadership for the optimal use of healthcare information technology (IT) and management systems for the betterment of healthcare.