Michigan seeks ARRA funding for health IT development

Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced Monday that the state will apply for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to improve healthcare quality, reduce costs and enhance patient privacy through electronic exchange of health information.

In 2006, Granholm created the Michigan Health Information Network (MiHIN) and appointed a commission that developed the state's blueprint, Conduit to Care, for accelerating the use of health IT across the state. The state began implementing the blueprint, providing seven regional health information exchange (HIE) planning grants, two implementation grants, and creating a resource center to leverage resources and disseminate best practices across the state.

Through the State HIE Cooperative Agreement Program, a funding opportunity provided by ARRA, the state will apply for funding to continue the efforts already underway. Only one grant per state will be awarded. Awards will range from $4 million to $40 million. Applications are due Oct. 16, 2009.

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