Michigan Chronicle
Oct. 2, 2024
Ebony JJ Curry
A groundbreaking partnership between Henry Ford Health and Ascension Michigan has launched a new organization aimed at transforming healthcare for Southeast Michigan. This historic collaboration is set to improve access, outcomes, and the overall experience for communities in Detroit and across Michigan. With their combined strengths, the two institutions are positioning themselves to provide compassionate, results-focused care that prioritizes the needs of the communities they serve.
Henry Ford Health President and CEO Bob Riney reflected on the monumental step forward, saying, “We know what an incredible privilege our healthcare mission is – and today I join our 50,000 amazing team members in taking a monumental leap forward for those we serve.” This statement captures the commitment and passion fueling this partnership as it extends its reach from Detroit to Grand Blanc, from Macomb to the Downriver communities. It is a new chapter in healthcare delivery, one focused on innovation, access, and a patient-centered approach.
The venture will extend the Henry Ford Health brand to include Ascension’s healthcare facilities in Southeast Michigan and Genesys, integrating 13 acute care hospitals, two addiction treatment centers, a state-of-the-art orthopedics and sports medicine facility, and multiple cancer care locations, including the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion in Detroit. Patients will also have access to a broader range of primary and specialty care options. Importantly, all facilities will be rebranded under Henry Ford Health, with changes to signage already underway.
Dr. Adnan Munkarah, Henry Ford Health’s President of Clinical Enterprise & Chief Physician Executive, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s seamless transition. “From the very beginning, we have been committed to ensuring a seamless transition for our patients and communities. At the same time, we are very excited to begin coordinating existing care and expanding services to surround our patients and members with everything they need to live healthy lives – rooted in improving access, experience, and value.”
The organization’s priorities are clear: population health, value-based care, and advancing academic medicine and complex care. The partnership will focus on creating equitable healthcare access for all. By leveraging their combined resources, the newly formed organization seeks to reduce costs while improving quality, safety, and customer service, particularly in underserved areas of Michigan.
Henry Ford Health is set to invest heavily in the integration of these healthcare facilities, including upgrading electronic medical records systems at Ascension Michigan facilities. This investment will streamline operations, improve patient care, and offer more comprehensive services across the expanded network. Additionally, patients will have access to enhanced digital tools, including Henry Ford MyChart, to help manage appointments, access medical records, and navigate pricing and billing information more easily.
Maintaining the faith-based mission of Ascension, Catholic hospitals included in the merger—such as Providence, St. John, and Genesys—will continue to offer faith-based care. These hospitals will retain their names but be integrated into Henry Ford Health’s growing network, expanding the scope and reach of healthcare services available to patients.
Carol Schmidt, Ascension Senior Vice President and Senior Integration Advisor at Henry Ford Health, views this partnership as a pivotal step in advancing healthcare in Michigan. She noted, “This joint venture will not only enhance our capabilities but also set the stage for sustainable growth and success. By combining our strengths, we are better equipped to innovate and respond to the evolving needs of those we are privileged to serve.”
The merger also presents significant opportunities for economic growth and career development. With more than 50,000 employees, Henry Ford Health now stands as a major employer across the state. The partnership promises to create expanded career pathways, particularly in areas of academic medicine, research, and specialized care. Henry Ford Health has a long-standing reputation as one of Michigan’s top-funded academic institutions, and the partnership will allow it to expand its research in complex care, cancer care, and maternal and fetal health.
As Detroit continues to evolve into a leader in healthcare and innovation, this partnership marks a significant moment for the city and its residents. With expanded care options and a renewed focus on equity, Henry Ford Health and Ascension Michigan are poised to make a profound impact on the communities they serve.
This collaboration is not just about restructuring healthcare; it’s about transforming the experience of care for people across Michigan. The emphasis on innovation, research, and access makes it clear that this joint venture is committed to meeting the evolving needs of its patients. As Henry Ford Health and Ascension Michigan move forward, their shared commitment to compassion and results-driven care will set the standard for healthcare systems across the state and beyond.
“We’re committed to making the impossible, possible – every day – for those we serve,” said Riney.