January 22, 2004

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm applauded the U.S. Senate today as it passed the Omnibus appropriations bill, which includes a $500,000 earmark for the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority.

The earmark is specifically designated for initial start up costs of the Authority, including creation of a governing board, hiring of an interim Chief Executive Officer, and development of a business plan.

The funds will also be used to convene advisory groups and continue to work on financing mechanisms, administrative and organizational structure and guidelines for health safety net delivery systems.

“Creating an organized health care system for both uninsured and underinsured residents of the city of Detroit and Wayne County has never been more important,” Granholm said. “The action of both the U.S. House and Senate ensures that resources are readily available to begin the challenging work that lies ahead for the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority.”

Granholm said the Authority would work toward orchestrating a seamless system of care through a more effective and efficient delivery system that will improve the health of the public, decrease the cost of care, and add value to the health delivery system.

Granholm also said a long-term goal of the Authority is to redefine how preventive, primary and specialty care is provided in Wayne County and could be replicated in other Michigan communities and potentially serve as a national model for urban centers.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill in December. President George W. Bush is expected to sign the bill by next week.

Granholm thanked Michigan’s entire Congressional delegation for supporting the earmark, especially Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks-Kilpatrick, Congressman John Conyers, Congressman John Dingell, and Congressman Joe Knollenberg, all of whom were instrumental in securing funding for the Authority.

“The hard work of these members of our Congressional delegation was absolutely vital to keeping this earmark in the appropriations bill,” Granholm said. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all of their efforts.”

In July 2003, Granholm appointed a Detroit Health Care Stabilization Workgroup, made up of Michigan's private sector, public sector, non-profit and medical academic institutions. This group recommended the creation of a Health Authority for the City of Detroit and Wayne County.

In December 2003, the state, Wayne County, and the city of Detroit agreed in principle to the creation of the Authority. Both the Wayne County Board of Commissioners and the Detroit City Council have yet to formally approve the agreement.