Midland Daily News: McDonald Rivet seeks federal funds to aid mid-Michigan programs
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet is backing a series of federal funding requests and health care bills she says will boost medical training for veterans, expand addiction treatment, and improve health outcomes across rural mid-Michigan.
The initiatives are part of McDonald Rivet’s "Community Project Funding" proposals for the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget.
If approved, they would bring new resources to Central Michigan University and the Ten16 Recovery Network, while also supporting broader legislative efforts to tackle prescription costs, maternal health, addiction, and senior care.
“Everyone, regardless of their zip code, should be able to access quality, affordable health care,” said McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City. “I’m fighting to bring more federal resources home to mid-Michigan so we can improve care for veterans and fight the opioid crisis head-on.”
One request would allow CMU to purchase and equip a Mobile Medical Simulation Vehicle, which would travel to Veterans Affairs clinics and rural hospitals across the state, including the Saginaw VA, to provide advanced clinical training.
“Rural hospitals and VA facilities often struggle to access the most advanced training needed for optimal patient care,” said Dr. Steve Vance, associate dean at CMU’s College of Medicine. “This mobile facility would deliver impactful training directly to providers in the communities they serve.”
Another request would expand Ten16 Recovery Network’s treatment capacity in Midland County, adding beds for inpatient care and building new meeting and activity spaces.
“This project is about more than just brick and mortar; it’s about fostering hope and healing,” said Ten16 President and CEO Sam Price. “We are grateful to Congresswoman McDonald Rivet for championing investments that strengthen rural communities and expand access to life-saving care.”
In addition to the project requests, McDonald Rivet is also throwing her support behind four federal health care bills:
- Prescription Drug Transparency and Affordability Act: Requires new reporting and penalties to increase transparency in drug pricing.
- Mamas and Babies in Underserved Communities Act: Expands maternal health services and aims to reduce disparities in care.
- Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act: Permits occupational and physical therapists to assess fall risk as part of seniors’ Medicare wellness checks.
- Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act: Adjusts reimbursement rates to ensure physicians who serve Medicare patients are fairly compensated.