The all-member WHI Stakeholders meeting on Monday, February 26 featured representatives from Huron Valley Physicians Association, Integrated Health Associates (IHA), and Michigan Medicine, who shared data from system-wide screenings for social determinants of health needs. Screening domains are shown in the graph below. At IHA, social isolation, food security, and childcare were the areas of highest need. At Michigan Medicine, the highest needs were unemployment, financial strain, and food security.
Phillip Bergquist from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also updated the group about a new on-line portal social service resources, including state benefits. In the past, state residents used the Mi Bridges platform only to apply for state benefits. Today, the platform has been revamped to allow residents to search for services by geography, store and revise documents, and track benefit information and reapplication dates. Another important addition to the platform for community organizations is that they can use it to track referrals they have made. The new Mi Bridges platform has been pilot tested since the fall of 2017, and will roll out state-wide in the next six weeks. Visit the Mi Bridges Partners webpage to learn how to sign up as a community partner.
Finally, Hassan Hammoud from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, shared updates to the 2-1-1 call center that serves Washtenaw County. Hammoud shared data about referral requests recieved in the fourth quarter of 2017 and recent updates intended to better address requests. Although 2-1-1 still receives most requests via phone, interactions via the online database, the chatting system, and emails have increased over time. WHI members met in small groups to discuss the ways they currently use 2-1-2, and the need to spread the word about 2-1-1 as a resource for local residents, including through WHI member organizations.