Providing readers with the latest news from SEMHA’s Health Equity Division. It covers topics such as health disparities, SDOH, and SEMHA’s efforts to introduce innovative ideas and solutions to enhance health for individuals in Southeastern Michigan.

A Message From our

Chief Health Equity Officer

Dear Friends, Community Members, and Leaders,

Welcome to the first edition of Achieving Health Equity! It is my pleasure to help lead collaborative efforts to eliminate health disparities in southeast Michigan. Whether you are well-versed in health equity-related topics or if you are learning about these ideas for the first time, it is my hope that you understand the crucial need for everyone to have all that is necessary to obtain optimal health regardless of one’s background, geography, or beliefs.

The barriers and challenges to achieving health equity were not created in a short time, but instead have developed over many years because of many complex factors and historical events. Our team understands that the changes needed to remove these challenges will take time and we are committed to working toward meaningful progress in our region and beyond. We also understand that creativity and perseverance are required for success and welcome your brilliant ideas as we do our work.

All aspects of our health are interconnected, and initiating change necessitates collaborative efforts from various sectors of society. We are eager to engage with additional partners across different fields to advance our collective impact initiatives and enhance our partners' capacity to promote equitable work. We welcome you to join us on this path toward a healthier Michigan, and our team is excited to collaborate with you to create a significant impact.

Warm regards,

Lisa Braddix, MPH

Chief Health Equity Officer (CHEO)

Happy National

Public Health Week!

Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health

Public health is more than just health care. When we all come together to support public health, all of us — individuals, families, communities, and the public health field — can achieve the goals of public health.

The American Public Health Association is hosting almost a dozen FREE NPHW events this year, but registration is required. Click here to RSVP today!

Current SEMHA

Programs & Initiatives

---------------Promotion of Health Equity Project---------------------

SEMHA is collaboratively working to address social care needs for individuals in Wayne County. SEMHA serves as the main support for this collaborative project, utilizing Health Information Technology to enhance connections between clinical settings and the community to address both healthcare and social needs.

--------Detroit Community Health Equity Alliance (D-CHEA)--------

This initiative aims to build community coalitions to enhance health outcomes for Detroit residents facing ongoing poverty challenges. Diverse stakeholders have come together to enhance outcomes related to cancer, cardiovascular health, and mental over the next several years.

---------Senior Community Health Worker Pipeline Project----------

SEMHA and the Hannan Center have collaborated to train older adults as Community Health Workers (CHWs). Supported by funding from the Superior Health Quality Alliance, seniors will receive training to provide care coordination and support to their peers, enabling them to age in place. This pioneering initiative program serves as a pilot and will shape future initiatives aimed at bolstering the role of CHWs.

Health Equity in Action

Tune in to see SEMHA’s Chief Health Equity Officer, Lisa Braddix, and Health Officer, Jimena Loveluck, discuss Washtenaw County Health Department’s health efforts!

CHW Appreciation Day

Meet Edwyna Bastiste, a CHIP GRANT Program Administrator with the Wayne County Health Department! Edwyna boasts a decade of experience as a CHW and has been a dedicated member of the Lead Abatement Program since April 2023.

During a CHW Appreciation Day hosted by SEMHA’s Health Equity Division, Batiste became aware of an MDHHS Scholarship opportunity for an upcoming CHW certification course offered by Everyday Life Consulting. Motivated by this opportunity, she applied for and was awarded the scholarship to partake in the training.

“I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity. This chance to refine my skills as a CHW is invaluable. I am enthusiastic about utilizing the knowledge gained to give back to our community,” Edwyna stated.

All SEMHA CHW events are a platform to foster connections, exchange insights, and acknowledge the significant impact CHWs have within our communities.