Strengthen Support for Local Health Department Medical Directors and the Medical Health Officer Role

Year: 2022

Resolution Number: 27

Action Taken: Approved as Amended

Status: In Progress

Author(s): Annette Mercatante, MD, MPH

Sponsor: Annette Mercatante, MD, MPH

On behalf of: MI Assoc. of Preventive Medicine & Public Health

Committee: D (Public Health)

Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS work with the Michigan Association of Local Public Health and the Michigan Association of Preventive and Public Health Physicians in addition to other state agencies and medical specialty groups to identify common goals and objectives for improved synergy and advancement of physician leadership roles in local and state health departments; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS advocate for strong physician-led teams within governmental public health as to support and enhance the voice of physicians for the benefit of population health; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS work with the Michigan Association of Local Public Health and the Michigan Association of Preventive and Public Health Physicians as a liaison with other health care stakeholders including, but not limited to, third party payers and the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.RESOLVED: That MSMS adopt policy to read as follows: MSMS shall advocate for (a) consistent, sustainable funding to support our public health infrastructure; (b) incentives, including loan forgiveness and debt reduction, to help strengthen the governmental public health workforce in recruiting and retaining staff; (c) public health data modernization and data governance efforts as well as efforts to promote interoperability between health care and public health; and (d) efforts to ensure equitable access to public health funding and programs.

Fiscal Note:

Resolution: View PDF for Strengthen Support for Local Health Department Medical Directors and the Medical Health Officer Role

For More Information, Contact:

Mary Kate Barnauskas , Specialist
Medical and Regulatory Policy
517-336-7575
mbarnauskas@msms.org