A Community Perspective

Welcome to the Midwest Health Initiative website. I hope you find resources and information to help you improve the health and health care of your family and our community.

MHI was founded to provide our community better information about its health and health care. We believe in the power of information and the power of dialogue. MHI brings together physicians, employers, hospitals, unions, insurers and other community leaders. Together, we examine the health challenges facing our region and learn how we can work together to overcome them.

Whatever your role in our health care system, MHI needs your help to improve our region’s health and its health care system. As a patient, you can commit to follow your physicians’ recommendations. As a physician, you may seek out new ways to motivate your patients or help your staff understand the importance of providing recommended care. As an employer, you can help your employees in their efforts to lose weight or stop smoking. All of us have a responsibility to work toward our best health and to partner with our physicians to find the highest-quality health care for the best price.

Across our nation, communities are working together to improve the health of their residents and the quality and affordability of their health care systems. Let’s join together and make St. Louis a region of health excellence.

- Ken Dude, MHI Board Chair