WHI member organization spotlight: Ypsilanti Community Schools

Year founded: 2013 Mission: YCS is dedicated to developing mindful, engaged, and connected students with the knowledge, skills, and work ethics to prepare them to pursue their career aspirations and contribute to a community that celebrates diversity, equity, and justice. Key services: Services: College and Career Readiness: Free Dual Enrollment Opportunities with Washtenaw Community College … Read more

November 2021 newsletter: WHI 10th anniversary recap, Mark Creekmore talks mental health, health equity project, and more

In October, sixty-five individuals attended the WHI’s 10th anniversary Stakeholders Meeting, which was a time to reflect on the focus of the WHI, what has been accomplished by WHI volunteers over the years, of the progress that’s been made, and of the work that’s left to do.  Read the November newsletter online for this story, and … Read more

WHI member organization spotlight: Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools

Year founded: 1996 Mission: To provide school-based health programs and clinical services that improve the well-being of students, their families, and communities. Key focus areas: Youth physical and behavioral healthcare. Services: Community-based approach: Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools (RAHS) uses community centers throughout Washtenaw County to provide services. Many of these locations include schools in … Read more

The Washtenaw Health Initiative: 10 years in review

The health care landscape has changed a lot since the Affordable Care Act was signed and implemented, inspiring the launch of the Washtenaw Health Initiative ten years ago.  The State of Michigan chose to expand Medicaid through the Healthy Michigan Plan, which brought coverage to hundreds of thousands of additional residents with incomes up to … Read more

WHI member organization spotlight: Manchester Community Resource Center

Year founded: Late 1980s Mission: To serve individuals and families in need by offering effective programs that improve their lives, promote volunteerism, and enhance the welfare of the Manchester community. Key focus areas: Food assistance, MIBridges application assistance, computer lab/resume to help with job applications, WIC, financial literacy, and more. Services: Food Pantry: The food … Read more

WHI Member organization spotlight: Shelter Association of Washtenaw County

Year founded: 1982 Mission: Ending homelessness, one person at a time. Key focus area: The SAWC provides residential and nonresidential programs, diversion services, short-term case management, and healthcare to a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness. Services: Individuals are provided shelter and can access services including meals, case management, medical care, and most importantly … Read more

October 2021 newsletter: Catherine McClary and equity work, WHI 10th anniversary, homelessness collaboration, and more

The new Health Equity Project aims to reduce health disparities for vulnerable residents in five counties, including Livingston and Washtenaw. The WHI’s Mi Community Care (MiCC) project, supported by the Center for Health and Research Transformation, will implement strategies to reduce inequities associated with social needs on behalf of the Health Equity Project. Read the October newsletter online for this story, and more, … Read more

September 2021 newsletter: Trish Cortes talks community partnerships, Opioid Project events, Healthy Aging Collaborative, and more

By the end of the decade, one in four residents in Washtenaw County will be age 60 or over. The Washtenaw County Healthy Aging Collaborative, sponsored by the Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI) and Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B), is developing strategies to meet their needs. Read the September newsletter online for this story, and … Read more

August 2021 newsletter: Nominate an organization for our new collaborative impact award, Margy Long talks early childhood development, and more

The Medicaid and Marketplace Outreach and Enrollment (MMOE) workgroup has developed a new client handout, debunking common health insurance myths and connecting county residents to free health insurance enrollment assistance through local organizations. Read the August newsletter online for this story, and more, including: Integrated Health Associates meets community needs through personalized, high-quality health and medical … Read more