Starting Thursday, veterans in need can turn to the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System for food assistance.

Veterans, spouses and caregivers can sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through VAAAHS.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – On Wednesday, both University of Michigan Hospital and St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor were named on Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2021 list. University of Michigan Hospital ranked 23 out of the top 200 hospitals in the world and was the only Michigan hospital to make the global shortlist. AdSaint Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor hospital joined 2,000 hospitals from 25 countries on Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals 2021 list. Credit: Saint Joseph Mercy Ann ArborSt. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor also made it onto the United States list ranking at 334, and its sister hospital in Chelsea ranked 64. Both Ann Arbor hospital systems performed “above average,” according to the 2021 list.

Individuals are seen being monitored for 15 minutes after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at Michigan Stadium on Dec. 31, 2020. ANN ARBOR – For the second straight week, Michigan Medicine has announced it can only provide COVID-19 vaccine appointments to those receiving their second shot due to a limited vaccine supply. Only those who received their first dose through Michigan Medicine are able to receive their second dose at the health system’s vaccine clinics. Michigan Medicine asks those waiting for their first dose to check back next week to see if new appointments are available. The Washtenaw County Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccine page also has updated information and a vaccine request form for those who are eligible.

A nurse holds vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine above a deep freeze cooler at Michigan Stadium on Dec. 31, 2020. ANN ARBOR – Michigan Medicine announced in an email to staff on Monday that it has expanded the Phase 1A COVID-19 vaccine priority group after administering more than 11,000 vaccines since Dec. 14. Based on recommendations from the state, those now eligible for a Phase 1A vaccine at University of Michigan include:Anyone serving in a role at Michigan Medicine or University of Michigan who works in a clinical setting (i.e. hospital, ambulatory clinic, home care) and is not able to work exclusively remotely is able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine now as part of Phase 1A. Michigan Medicine is administering vaccines seven days a week.

ANN ARBOR – VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System on Tuesday morning received 975 initial doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. VAAAHS was selected as one of 37 VA medical centers across the U.S. to receive the first shipment of the vaccine. “We’re proud to be among the first medical centers to receive the initial doses of the vaccine,” Director Ginny Creasman said in a statement. Those who receive the vaccine will get it in two doses, 21 days apart. Veterans seeking more information can sign up for the VA’s COVID-19 Vaccine Keep Me Informed tool, visit its Coronavirus Vaccine FAQs website, contact their healthcare provider or visit their facility website.

ANN ARBOR On Tuesday, U.S. News and World Report released its 2020-21 rankings for the best hospitals in the nation and Michigan Medicine is one of the top 20. At Michigan Medicine, our commitment is to our patients, first and foremost, Marschall Runge, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president for medical affairs at the University of Michigan, said in a statement. Mott Childrens Hospital was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the top-ranked childrens hospital in Michigan. For its rankings, U.S. News & World Report evaluated 4,554 community hospitals but only 134 -- just under 3 percent -- were ranked as having at least one specialty. Our national ranking is truly an honor, Jeffrey Desmond, M.D., chief medical officer of Michigan Medicine, said in a statement.

Mott Childrens Hospital has once again been recognized as one of the top childrens hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Mott is also the only childrens hospital in the state of Michigan to rank among the nations best in all 10 pediatric specialties released in the 2020-2021 Best Childrens Hospitals rankings, including:Cardiology and heart surgeryNephrologyOrthopedicsNeurology and neurosurgeryGastroenterology and GI surgeryCancerNeonatologyPulmonologyUrologyDiabetes and endocrinologyOf the nearly 200 medical centers assessed across the country, Mott was one of only 24 hospitals to rank in all 10 specialties. The annual rankings highlight the top 50 childrens hospitals in the U.S. Like what youre reading? To determine the rankings, U.S. News & World Reports relies on a yearly survey of pediatric specialists and clinical data. The U.S. News rankings are one measure of our clinical teams dedication to world-class care, patient safety and family centeredness, Mott chief clinical officer Chris Dickinson, M.D.

ANN ARBOR The University of Michigan House Officers Association and Michigan Medicine have reached a tentative agreement following negotiations. U-Ms HOA, which represents residents, interns and fellows throughout the healthcare system, has 1,300 members. The HOA will vote on the three-year collective bargaining agreement this week with votes tallied on Thursday. Negotiating via video conferencing was a first," Robin Tarter, HOA Executive Director said in a news release. I applaud the leadership and collaboration of negotiating team members. Like what youre reading?