Acknowledging collaborations driving meaningful community health improvements.
The Collaborative Health Impact Award celebrates the power of partnerships in improving community health and addressing health inequities in Washtenaw County. Established in 2021 to mark the Washtenaw Health Initiative’s (WHI) 10th anniversary, the award recognizes local collaborations that have made significant impacts on health outcomes and equity.
Each year, WHI stakeholders nominate and vote for initiatives that exemplify the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact.
2024 nominees
The 2024 Collaborative Health Impact Award nominees showcase diverse efforts to address critical health challenges:
- Expanding Behavioral Health Services in Rural Areas
Focuses on telehealth solutions and mobile clinics to improve access in remote communities. - Supporting Housing Stability for Vulnerable Families
Implements eviction prevention programs through rental assistance and landlord mediation. - Advancing Community Violence Prevention
A multi-agency initiative targeting violence reduction through mentorship and neighborhood engagement. - Enhancing Healthcare Navigation for Uninsured Populations
Provides resource guides, workshops, and advocacy for individuals navigating healthcare systems. - Increasing Access to Healthy Foods in Underserved Areas
Expands fresh produce distribution and promotes nutrition education in food deserts.
2024 Winner: Improving Reentry Services
In December 2024, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Reentry Initiative received the WHI’s 2024 Collaborative Health Impact Award. This initiative bridges pre- and post-release services for incarcerated individuals, leveraging partnerships with over 20 community organizations.
Key achievements include:
- $1 Million Grant: Secured from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Administration to enhance services for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.
- Housing Vouchers: Provided stable housing support for up to 12 months post-release.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Strengthened connections with housing organizations and nonprofits.
- Peer Support Specialists: Hired and trained specialists to mentor individuals during reentry.
- Case Management: Delivered tailored support to address reentry challenges.
- Reduced Recidivism: Achieved significant progress in lowering reoffending rates.
The program addresses barriers such as housing instability, providing solutions like landlord engagement and partnerships with organizations like Avalon Housing, Dawn Farm, and Eastern Michigan University. By focusing on stability and systems-level change, the initiative supports successful transitions and builds hope for better futures.
past award winners
2023 Winner: Behavioral Health Collaborative for Young Black Men & Boys
Funded by the Michigan Health Endowment, this coalition—spearheaded by Packard Health and the University of Michigan School of Social Work’s YBMen Project—addresses behavioral health needs for young Black men and boys in Washtenaw County.
Key accomplishments:
- Supporting nearly 400 young Black men and boys in 2023.
- Establishing a “Black Therapists in Washtenaw County” list to improve access to culturally competent care.
- Awarding nine Catalyst Initiative grants, sparking innovative programs like Fathers for Families, which expanded with a $200,000 grant.
Keith Miller, Managing Director of the YBMen Project, noted:
“We’re proud of the powerful connections and innovative solutions born out of this collaborative, which continues to reimagine how we support Black men and boys.”
2022 Winner: Recovery Opioid Overdose Team (ROOT)
A program of Home of New Vision, ROOT supports overdose survivors with follow-up care and community resources. Highlights include:
- Providing 90 days of case management for overdose survivors.
- Partnering with local organizations to supply and operate naloxone machines in key locations.
- Fostering community awareness about drug poisoning risks.
2021 Winner: Hotelling the Homeless
This collaboration, led by the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, provided safe housing in hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic. By partnering with the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, and others, the initiative:
- Reduced COVID-19 risks for homeless individuals, particularly those with chronic health conditions.
- Enabled access to health services, job applications, and housing resources through stable housing and phone access.
Award process
WHI stakeholders, representing member organizations, nominate initiatives and vote for the winner. Votes are cast confidentially, with winners announced during stakeholder meetings.
Join Us in Celebrating Collaboration
The WHI is proud to honor these outstanding initiatives and looks forward to recognizing future partnerships that drive health equity and community well-being in Washtenaw County.