Matthew Hill

First Federal Guidance Released on Medicaid Work Requirements: What the Early Rules Tell Us and What They Could Mean for Michigan

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The federal government has released its first round of guidance outlining how new Medicaid work requirements must be implemented nationwide. While many operational details are still being worked out, the document provides an important early look at how these changes will reshape Medicaid eligibility ahead of their required implementation on January 1, 2027. These changes … Read more

Data Centers In Washtenaw County: What Does That Mean for Public Health?

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Data centers are coming to Washtenaw County. Here’s what it means for our community. At least three major data centers are proposed or in development in Washtenaw County – one in Ypsilanti Township, one in Saline Township, and one in Augusta Township. Together, they signal that the Washtenaw County area is becoming a part of … Read more

How Immigration Enforcement Impacts Health

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Understanding the Ripple Effects on Individuals, Families, and Communities Across the country, health providers and researchers are increasingly recognizing a connection that is not always visible at first glance: immigration enforcement can shape how and when people access care. While enforcement actions are often discussed in legal or policy terms, a growing body of evidence … Read more

Bridging Health and Social Services: Reflections from the 2025 WHI HSSI Summit

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The Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI) hosted its Health and Social Service Integration (HSSI) Summit on March 18, 2025, bringing together over 100 participants from across key sectors—health care organizations, social service organizations, local and state government, Medicaid Health Plans, and community residents to take on a shared challenge: how can we better integrate systems to … Read more

Community co-design: Exploring a Community Care Hub with lived experience at the center

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In our county, accessing health and social services can often feel like navigating a maze. While resources exist, they are not always well-coordinated, leaving many residents struggling to find the support they need. That’s why the Washtenaw Health Initiative, along with our stakeholder organizations, is exploring the merits of a community care hub model—a shared … Read more

Washtenaw Opioid Summit remembers those lost, celebrates hope and recovery

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The WHI’s Opioid Project partnered with the Washtenaw Recovery Advocacy Project (WRAP) to bring back the annual Washtenaw County Opioid Summit on August 31 and September 1.  With International Overdose Awareness Day falling on August 31st, as well as National Recovery Month kicking off in September, the Opioid Project wanted to remember those lost, without … Read more

ARPA funds are helping the Washtenaw County Health Department bring equity to the forefront of its work

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Within days of the first documented COVID-19 case in the U.S., public health departments across the nation began the biggest pandemic response effort in a century. The pandemic illuminated the critical role of public health in communities across the world. And in many communities, including ours, these lessons were about unaddressed health disparities that existed … Read more

Survey of electoral candidates shares their positions on race equity, mental health, substance use, housing, and more

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The Washtenaw Health Initiative partnered with the Washtenaw Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, Avalon Housing, the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County, and the Women’s Center of Southeast Michigan to conduct a survey that was sent to 59 candidates running for election … Read more