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A voluntary, county-wide collaboration focused on improving the health of low-income, uninsured, and under-insured populations.

Highlight Story:

10th anniversary timeline demonstrates the power of collaboration.

The Patient and Protection Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law on March 23rd, 2010. The most sweeping health care reform the U.S. had seen in decades, the ACA was meant to dramatically increase access to health insurance for those without employer-sponsored care, to expand access to Medicaid for low-income Americans, and to encourage states to develop and explore innovative medical care delivery methods designed to lower the cost, and improve the quality, of health care. The federal reforms were clear, but how Washtenaw County would respond was another question entirely.

Recent News

  • WHI member organization spotlight: The Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan

    WHI member organization spotlight: The Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan

    Read our February member organization spotlight, Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan. Year founded: 2000 Mission: To promote self-determination for women and families by providing professional services that build confidence, strengthen connections, and create positive change. Key focus areas: Women’s well-being, including financial and mental health  Services: Personal counseling: Therapy session costs based on household income and … Read more

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  • WHI Steering Committee welcomes new member, makes way for more

    WHI Steering Committee welcomes new member, makes way for more

    Ben Miles has joined the Washtenaw Health Initiative Steering Committee as the institutional representative from Trinity Health – Chelsea Hospital. Miles replaces Nancy Graebner following her retirement as the president of Chelsea Hospital in March of 2022. Graebner served as a long time member of the WHI Steering Committee, informing many of the WHI’s projects … Read more

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  • Public Health Emergency unwinds. What to expect and how to prepare for the change.

    Public Health Emergency unwinds. What to expect and how to prepare for the change.

    On January 31st, 2020—in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic—the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) for the entire United States.  This PHE ensured continuous health insurance coverage and provided states with additional federal Medicaid matches to keep people insured. In Michigan, Medicaid ranks grew … Read more

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Upcoming Events

Annual Report

Our 2021 impact report

In 2021, the Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI) sought to advance health equity and promote innovative programs. 

Our latest impact report highlights workgroup activities and accomplishments, member organizations, and more.

Thank you to our donors, member organizations, and steering committee and workgroup members for making this work possible.

Michigan is restarting Medicaid eligibility requirements. Don’t risk losing your Medicaid, Healthy Michigan, or MIChild coverage. Follow these 3 steps to stay insured and #KeepYourCoverage: https://bit.ly/MDHHS-PHE-Flye

We the People Opportunity Farm (@changingsoil is now hiring 4-6 formerly incarcerated interns to work at their Urban Farm. Interns are paid to complete career, financial & re-entry workshops.

Learn more here: http://ow.ly/bJmo50NhNrj

Or apply now: http://ow.ly/2tMo50NhNrh

Inspirational Educators of Washtenaw County nominations open for 1⃣ MORE WEEK thru 3/17! 🌟

Any public school educator - incl. teachers, parapros, ancillary staff, early childhood staff & more - can be nominated for recognition.

Nominate TODAY: https://bit.ly/WISDInspirationalEducators