Michigan Health Council

06/05/2026

Michigan is heading toward a major shift in healthcare demand as the population aged 85+ is projected to surge over the next decade, bringing a greater need for care over longer periods of time.

At the same time, the healthcare workforce is not keeping pace with this growing need. Shortages are expected to widen in the coming years, especially in point-of-care and primary care roles, with rural and underserved communities likely to feel the greatest impact. Learn more at mhc.org/post/healthcare-workforce-at-the-brink-baby-boomers-turn-80

06/03/2026

Behavioral Health employers, we want to hear from you!

We are seeking feedback from employers to better understand entry-level Behavioral Health workforce needs, training gaps, and opportunities to strengthen talent pipelines.

Your input will help inform new Behavioral Health-focused Career and Technical Education opportunities for Michigan high school students and support efforts to strengthen the future workforce.

📝Complete the quick survey by June 17 at

Share your thoughts about your entry-level Behavioral Health (BH) personnel's workforce readiness to help shape new BH Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in the state of Michigan.

06/02/2026

Baby Boomers are turning 80, and Michigan’s healthcare system is approaching a critical crossroads.

As demand for care rises, healthcare workforce shortages could make it harder for older adults to access the care they need. In Part 1 of our new series, we explore what happens when a generation that once powered healthcare begins relying on it more than ever.

Read more about the workforce challenges ahead and what they could mean for Michigan's future.

This year (2026), the first Baby Boomers turn 80. By 2031, the proportion of Michigan’s Baby Boomers aged 85+ will surge, making the state’s seniors older and more in need of care overall.

05/29/2026

“They can’t be what they can’t see.” Michigan’s Career Development Model reminds us that visibility plays a critical role in students’ career decision-making. Yet, Behavioral Health career pathways in CTE are often difficult for students to identify because Behavioral Health courses and credentials are housed within broader program areas.

Making pathways easier to find can help more students explore the opportunities available to them. Read more at mhc.org/bh-cte

05/27/2026

Meet Karalyn Kiessling, our Director of Data and Research!

Karalyn leads efforts to turn complex questions into clear, actionable insights. Her work focuses on understanding healthcare workforce challenges, using data to quantify progress, and identifying real solutions that drive meaningful change.

She values the collaborative nature of MHC and enjoys working alongside passionate colleagues to tackle important questions and support continuous improvement across the healthcare workforce.

Outside of work, she enjoys running, crocheting and knitting, and spending time at the park with her dog.

05/26/2026

Help students discover the many possibilities in healthcare careers!🩺

Next Generation Health Careers Academy provides tools and support for Educators and Counselors to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. Explore resources for every grade level and start building career awareness early at nghca.org

05/22/2026

We're proud to be a Gold sponsor of the Upper Peninsula Future Health Leaders Camp, a six-day summer program hosted by Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health that provides high school students with hands-on exposure to healthcare careers.

Organizations interested in supporting this great program have until June 1st to register!

A camp dedicated to health education and health career exploration! Open to all fall 2025 high school freshmen & sophomores.

05/21/2026

Our Public Affairs Manager, Lindsay Brieshke, was at the Michigan Homecare and Hospice Association Annual Conference preconference to learn, make connections, and engage in important conversations around Michigan’s healthcare workforce. Opportunities like this help strengthen collaboration across the care continuum and provide valuable insight into the evolving needs of home care and hospice providers across the state.

05/17/2026

This week, we celebrate and recognize the dedication of Emergency Medical Services professionals🚑🩺

From Medical First Responders and EMTs to Advanced EMTs and Paramedics, EMS professionals are often the first point of contact during medical emergencies, providing critical care and making quick decisions under pressure. Their work plays an essential role in supporting patient outcomes and strengthening communities every day. Thank you to the EMS professionals serving on the front lines of emergency care!

Learn more about this profession at www.mhc.org/emstechnicians

05/14/2026

Behavioral Health careers offer meaningful pathways for those interested in supporting the mental, emotional, and social well-being of others. Exploring these occupations can look different depending on the role, which can make it challenging to know where to start. Our Career Navigator Guides can help students and those supporting them explore their options, understand where each career can lead, and take the next step. Download the guides at www.mhc.org/career-guides