Statement from President and CEO Mike Slubowski on a National Investment in Public Health Infrastructure

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the weaknesses in our nation's public health infrastructure due to underfunding and lack of prioritization. Trinity Health, like other health systems, has leaned into public health roles to address racial inequity, emergency preparedness, pandemic response and access to care. Our health system has created testing and vaccination sites, expanded laboratory capacity, built new care models to address health disparities, and redesigned data systems. We do this as part of our commitment to care for the common good. A new story card tells Our COVID-19 Journey: Reinforcing Public Health Infrastructure. It addresses the need for a stronger public health system that partners with health systems for testing, vaccinations, ensuring adequate supplies and pharmaceuticals, surveillance of communicable disease, education, and equity of care in our communities.

A strong public health infrastructure is the foundation for providing access to high-quality, comprehensive and affordable care to all. As Congress considers legislation to make new investments in our country's infrastructure, it should include funding for public health infrastructure and innovative health system partnerships. It's imperative that we act on our learnings from this pandemic to repair essential public health services. I sent a letter to legislative leaders outlining programs and services that—if addressed in the emerging infrastructure package—would create safer and healthier communities.

We must ensure public health and health systems are fully equipped to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and future public health emergencies while also protecting the safety and improving the health of communities.

About Trinity Health


Trinity Health is one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation, serving diverse communities that include more than 30 million people across 22 states. We advocate for public policies that promote Care for the Common Good including expanding health care coverage and care, investing in public health, paying for high-value care, and improving the health of the communities. For more information, visit https://www.trinity-health.org/about-us/.