In 2020, Washtenaw County appeared less vulnerable to substance use according to the MI Substance Use Vulnerability Index. But this ranking masked numerous disparities within the county, which is known for stark disparities in health and wealth. In 2023, Michigan unveiled a new Zip Code Level Substance Use Vulnerability Index. To calculate substance use vulnerability, … Read more
In the summer of 2023, members of the Washtenaw Health Initiative’s Communications Committee sat down to discuss the challenges posed by Michigan’s Medicaid redetermination process, including the growing number of Michiganders losing coverage each month. With leadership from staff and administrators at the Washtenaw Health Project, the committee crafted 12 recommendations to streamline the process … Read more
Since 2021, the Washtenaw Health Initiative’s Collaborative Impact Award has recognized local collaborations that have made a significant positive impact on community health. Collaborations between organizations working on similar goals can break down silos and enable organizations to achieve more than they could alone. In the award’s first year, Washtenaw Health Initiative members chose Hoteling … Read more
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Your surroundings are linked to many mental health outcomes. Take a moment to consider your surroundings. Do you feel safe? Do you have access to health care and grocery stores? Does your home support you, both physically and mentally? This Mental Health Month, challenge yourself to look at your … Read more
Read our May newsletter member spotlight, the Corner Health Center. Year founded: 1980 Mission: To inspire 12- to 25-year-olds (and their children) to achieve and sustain healthy lives by providing judgment-free, affordable health and wellness care and education. Key focus areas: Youth access to confidential health care Services: General Wellness Care: Services such as yearly physicals, … Read more
On a Thursday morning in early March, dozens of local stakeholders funneled into a conference room on the east side of Washtenaw County. What were they doing there? They’d come to discuss transportation challenges for the county’s aging population—and ways to address those challenges. Transportation plays a vital role in the lives of Washtenaw’s senior … Read more
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
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
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
In 2021, the Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI) sought to advance health equity and promote innovative programs. Members from dozens of local health, human services, and behavioral health organizations advanced a number of worthwhile objectives.
Our latest impact report highlights workgroup activities and accomplishments, member organizations, and more.