UNITE soon to publish an implementation plan based on recent community health needs assessment

The Unified Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Team Engagement (UNITE) group will soon be publishing an implementation plan based on their recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for Washtenaw County. Review the health systems’ unified Community Health Needs Assessment on any of the following sites: Michigan Medicine CHNA St. Joseph Mercy CHNA The UNITE group … Read more

New WHI project will examine disparities in Annual Medicare Wellness Visit participation

As part of the Washtenaw Health Initiative’s (WHI) commitment to health and racial equity, the organization will facilitate a collaborative data project with Michigan Medicine and Integrated Healthcare Associations (IHA). The goals: To understand differences in Annual Medicare Wellness Visit (AWV) participation across their respective patient populations in Washtenaw County;  To understand the root causes … Read more

WHI Member organization spotlight: Jewish Family Services 

Year founded: 1978 Year joined WHI: 2011 Mission: To promote dignity and inspire humanity.  Key focus areas: Strengthening family life, fostering individual self-sufficiency and promoting improved social and economic conditions. Signature programs:  Aging and Caregiver Support: Help adult clients receive just the right services and support to maintain independence and dignity throughout their lives Employment … Read more

Voice of the WHI: Versell Smith, Jr., Executive Director, the Corner Health Center

In June, WHI Communications Committee co-chair, Liz Conlin, spoke with Versell Smith, Jr., executive director at the Corner Health Center and longtime member of the WHI, to discuss the history of his organization, the health inequities he sees in our community, and the many ways his organization is serving Washtenaw County’s youth and young adults. … Read more

July 2021 newsletter: Versell Smith, Jr. talks health inequities, UNITE readies implementation plan, and more

In June, the UNITE (Unified Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Team Engagement) group published an updated Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for Washtenaw County. This fall, the group will also publish an implementation plan using findings from the assessment. The plan will guide how the hospitals work to address community needs. Read the July newsletter … Read more

June 2021 newsletter: MMOE explains American Rescue Plan, Mental Health First Aid Training, and more

The American Rescue Plan, passed in March, dramatically decreased consumer costs for health insurance offered through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace. However, many of the uninsured still don’t know if they are eligible, if they can afford it, or how to navigate the enrollment process. The MMOE workgroup will offer community presentations … Read more

May 2021 newsletter: Welcome Erin Horne and Dr. Tendai Thomas, Jack Billi talks about 40 years of clinical practice

In April, WHI Communications Committee co-chair Liz Conlin spoke with Jack Billi, University of Michigan physician and faculty member, to discuss his proudest moments after 40 years of clinical practice and teaching and his ongoing passion for getting at the root causes of complex health issues. Read the May newsletter online for this story, and more, … Read more

November/December 2020 newsletter: 2019 Annual Report, New Millage Proposal and more.

The Washtenaw Health Initiative will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2021. TheWHI’s 2019 impact report focuses on the activities undertaken by active workgroups, comprised of representatives from dozens of Washtenaw County organizations that have much to be proud of.   Read the June/July newsletter online for this story, and more, including: New millage proposal aims to tackle … Read more

March/April 2020 Newsletter: COVID-19, New Directors for WHI and more.

WHI member organizations and community partners have assembled a series of directories for community members dealing with the health, economic, and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each with a different focus, these directories list essential resources for those who have been impacted by coronavirus and those who are working to support them. Learn about … Read more

WHI November/December 2018 Newsletter

Read the November/December 2018 newsletter online stories including: Fall stakeholders meeting focuses on community health and human service needs ABLe Change Medicaid and Marketplace Outreach and Enrollment work group kicks off open enrollment efforts (Nov. 1 – Dec. 15) Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation announces Vital Seniors competition winners Michigan Medicine marks 20th anniversary of Community … Read more