NEWSLETTER | March 2022
A voluntary, county-wide collaboration focused on improving health,
health equity, and health care for Washtenaw's low-income, uninsured,
underinsured, and underrepresented populations.
Three guiding principles will inform the WHI's collaborative work. At the February WHI Steering Committee meeting, members discussed the group’s strategic priorities for 2022. They also reviewed the group’s guiding principles and discussed how they will inform the collaborative’s work going forward.
The single point of entry was a key recommendation from a convening led by the Washtenaw Health Initiative. As of January 1, 2022, any resident of Washtenaw County in need of substance use treatment support can call a 24/7 hotline to find information, an immediate screening, or a referral to a community-based provider.
The WHI is hoping to improve its community outreach and engagement strategies. We're holding two online focus groups on March 30th and 31st and would love to have participation from all of our active member organizations. Please send someone from your organization if you can. Register by March 24 by clicking here.
New podcast series, a spinoff of the State of Health feature story series, explores "reconnecting to care." The podcast's first season includes conversations with Michigan community health leaders about how COVID-19 has helped to reveal major, longstanding gaps in Michigan's health care system, and how it's catalyzed positive action to address those gaps. The podcast is produced by Issue Media Group and made possible by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
In January, WHI Communications Committee member, Erin Spanier, met with Ginny Creasman, the medical center director of the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and a member of the WHI Steering Committee, to discuss how she got involved in veterans’ health, her proudest accomplishments, and what inspires her to continue working for improved health in our community.
 
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 the area, making care extremely accessible to students.
 
COVID-19 care: RAHS offers the COVID-19 vaccine series to any patient aged 5 to 21 at several of their locations.
 
To protect their patients from COVID-19, RAHS takes the following steps:
1) Limiting the number of persons in the health center at any one time
2) Asking screening questions to all who enter the health center
3) Scheduling patients in advance or referring patients to care as needed
4) Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
Services (cont.):
Preventative care: RAHS provides preventative care including yearly and sports-focused physicals, immunizations, sexually transmitted disease screenings, pregnancy testing, nutrition and fitness consulting, and vision services.
 
Chronic condition care: RAHS provides care for the screening and monitoring of chronic conditions, such as asthma.
 
Behavioral health care: RAHS provides individual, family, and group therapy.
 
Executive director: Angie Spence, MPA
 
Address: 3621 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-1633
 
Phone: (734) 998-2163 
 
Website: https://umhs-rahs.org
 
News of Note
Grant Opportunities
 
Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Behavioral Health Initiative.
Deadline (concept paper): March 14, 2022
 
Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Nutrition & Healthy Lifestyles.
Deadline (concept paper): March 23, 2022
 
Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Capacity Building Grant.
Deadline (concept paper): April 21, 2022
 
Anticipated deadline: Mid-July 2022
 
Deadline: Rolling
Community Resources
The Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage published their 2020 impact report.
 
Stay informed about Washtenaw County Community Mental Health service expansions, programs, and other updates through their quarterly millage newsletter. Sign up.
 
The Ann Arbor YMCA is looking for staff, interns, and volunteers for summer camps. Email daycamps@annarborymca.org
Ypsilanti Community Schools’ Jazz in the Parking Lot is accepting vendor spots to showcase organizations and businesses. Learn more.
 
The YMCA is offering free youth and adult mental health first aid classes that teach people how to respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorder. Virtual and in-person options available. Sign up
 
The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office published a 2021 year-end report. Learn more.
COVID-19 information
Washtenaw County COVID-19 vaccine clinic information. Read.
 
Are you or a loved one in need of a ride to a COVID-19 vaccination appointment? Read.
 
Who is eligible for a booster shot? Read..
 
COVID-19 cases in Washtenaw County. Read.
 
WHI calendar
WHI All Chairs Meeting
March 8 @ 10:00 - 11:30 am
 
March 8 @ 4:00 - 5:00 pm
 
March 10 @ 1:00 - 3:00 pm
 
March 11 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
 
March 11 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
 
March 14 @ 10:00 - 11:00 am 
 
March 14 @ 3:00 - 4:30 pm
 
March 15 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
 
March 22 @ 3:00 - 5:00 pm
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member organizations, and more. Share your news via our simple online form.