As the health care providers for many of Michigan's medically underserved communities, MPCA members are actively engaged in state and federal health policy discussions. MPCA focuses its efforts on increasing access to essential health care services, improving the quality of care provided to medically underserved populations, and ensuring a stable financial position for safety-net providers.

To accomplish these goals, we regularly educate state and federal policymakers on the needs of the medically underserved. We also serve as a convener for coalitions to address health issues requiring collaboration and cooperation of a number of different organizations.

MPCA and its members are actively working on three key legislative issues including developing Michigan's health care workforce, securing direct state funding of Michigan Community Health Centers, and providing health coverage for all Michigan residents. One-page issue papers describe the legislative issues in more detail as well as our recommended action.

MPCA is committed to working for policy that is responsive to public concerns and is based on quantifiable data. As a result, we have committed significant resources to making available easy to use and understand data tools. The Primary Health Care Profile of Michigan was developed as a partnership between the Michigan Primary Care Association, the Michigan Department of Community Health, and the Michigan Center for Rural Health. The Profile contains four to five pages of county-level demographic, economic, health status, and health resources information.