The hospital operating millage renewal vote Tuesday, November 3, is critical for the future of the Mackinac Straits Health System and for health care in all of Mackinac County. Approval means continued quality hospital services, clinics, and long-term care close to home. Defeat means layoffs, fewer services, and long drives to distant hospitals.

This is not a request to increase taxes, only to renew the millage that has supported hospital operations for the last 20 years. In fact, this request is for the same 1.2 mills we have paid the last five years, which is lower than the 1.4 mills we paid previously.

The state plans to cut millions of dollars in Medicaid funding for Michigan hospitals and long-term care centers. These are deep cuts which make this millage renewal especially important.

By law, this millage cannot be used to build the new hospital. The bulk of that funding is already in place through federal grants and loan guarantees. Still, we must do our part by providing enough funding to operate the new facility.

Unfortunately, other health care funders such as Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance don’t cover the full cost of care. This millage helps make up the difference. If there is any doubt that this is a small price to pay for access to quality medical care in our own community, just ask those whose hospital has closed in recent years.

Even in these difficult times, we can see a bright future ahead for the Mackinac Straits Health System, not only as a provider of excellent services, but also as a vital engine for the local economy, providing jobs and stimulating growth.

We appreciate the entire region’s support in the past, and we look forward to continuing to earn it in the future.
Ronald R. Mitchell,
Board Chairman
Mackinac Straits Health System, Inc.