Healthy communities. Our focus for the future

The autumn of 1994 has arrived. At this same time last year, most political pundits and policy wonks proclaimed that the Congress would surely take action to overhaul the American health care system before this year's November elections. But as 1994 draws to a close, it has become apparent that Washington is unlikely to produce comprehensive reform legislation at any time in the near future. However, while our political system has failed to act in any meaningful way, its inability to chart a course for change has not quelled the movement to reshape our nation's health care system. Despite Congressional inertia, substantial health care reform is taking place both in Michigan and throughout the nation. These reforms are characterized by a central theme: rapid movement away from our historic focus on illness, and toward a more rational focus on health. Our commitment to healthy communities stands as a firm testament to our mission of service and our role as the central core of the health care delivery system. This article will address the various components of that paradigm shift, and highlight some of the outstanding efforts of Michigan hospitals as they partner with their communities to reshape the delivery of health care services.