The Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) is a statewide association dedicated to improving the health of Michigan residents through collaborative efforts with health care providers, community agencies and citizens. The MHA produced the first Michigan Hospital Report in 1996 to help Michigan health care consumers and purchasers learn more about health care services provided by local hospitals and health systems. At that time, we promised to continue to build on the foundation of information that was voluntarily provided to increase understanding of hospital products and services. Subsequent reports have delivered on that promise, and this year's report again includes information on how hospitals benefit their local communities and selected financial information about hospitals.

Since that first report, one of our goals has been to serve as a catalyst that starts a long-term process of using data from all purchasers, providers and payers to improve health and health care delivery in Michigan. Earlier this year, Michigan nursing homes released their performance data, based on state survey reports and how family members rated the quality of care in more than 300 homes. We're pleased that additional health care data are now being released to the public. In addition, our 1999 report will help hospitals and health systems improve their performance, articulate community benefits contributions, and increase understanding of the complexities associated with hospital finances. This voluntary release by Michigan hospitals and health systems reaffirms our historical commitment to community partnership and contributes to greater understanding and involvement of the citizens we serve.

Sincerely,
Spencer Johnson,
 MHA president