Health and social services integration in Michigan: Regional initiatives

Integrating health and social services is crucial for addressing the complex needs of individuals, particularly in underserved communities. By coordinating medical care with health-related social support services–such as housing, nutrition, and transportation–multiple Michigan initiatives aim to improve health outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of residents. These initiatives can provide valuable foundations, learning opportunities, and … Read more

RSVP now for March 18 Health and Social Services Integration summit

The Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI) is excited to announce its upcoming Health and Social Services Integration summit, taking place on March 18. This full-day event will bring together local and state stakeholders to explore health and social services integration in Michigan. The WHI invites health care providers and payers, social service agencies, economic development organizations, … Read more

2024 Collaborative Health Impact Award Winner: Improving reentry services 

Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Reentry

In December 2024, the Washtenaw community recognized the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Reentry Initiative with the WHI’s 2024 Collaborative Health Impact Award. The goal of this collaboration is supporting individuals transitioning out of jail and reducing the likelihood of their reoffending. More than 20 community organizations collaborate as a multidisciplinary team, including:  Thinking about an … Read more

Addressing transportation gaps in Washtenaw County with non-emergency medical transportation

In Washtenaw County, transportation barriers impact around 25 percent of U.S. adults, creating critical access issues for essential healthcare services. Studies indicate that missed or delayed medical appointments, often due to a lack of transportation, cost the U.S. healthcare system over $150 billion annually. The Washtenaw Health Initiative’s (WHI) latest report dives into the impact … Read more

Community care hub leaders to speak at December 10 stakeholders meeting

Join us on December 10, from 3-5pm, in person or online, to hear from leaders of successful community care hubs in New York, Maine, and the Kansas City region.  These speakers will share information about health, behavioral health, and social service integration efforts in their communities and how the community care hub framework has helped … Read more

Vote now for the WHI’s 2024 Collaborative Health Impact Award

The Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI) believes in the power of collaborations to break down silors and enable organizations to achieve more than they ever could alone. Since 2021, the WHI’s Collaborative Impact Award has recognized collaborations in Washtenaw County that have made a significant positive impact on community health. Voting is now open for the … Read more