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NEWSLETTER | January 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.

UNITE group releases community health investment plan The investment plan follows the group’s recent needs assessment report, which outlined priority health issues for Washtenaw County. This marks the third time that Michigan Medicine, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, and St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea have collaborated on a joint needs assessment, maximizing the impact of their investments in community health. Read more

WHI launches new website, timeline to reflect on ten years of collaboration The WHI launched in 2010 as local leaders prepared for the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. However, what was originally seen as a six-month project has now reached its 10-year milestone. The timeline and website reflect on how WHI members have strengthened our county’s safety net, and improved the health of our most vulnerable citizens. Read more

Help your clients stay healthy this winter during the COVID-19 and flu "twin-demic" Vaccination is safe, effective, and free. The COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for everyone age 5 and up, while the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and up. And our health department is offering both at the same time. Take a look at our vaccine infographic and share with others. See the infographic

WHI featured in news article spotlighting a decade of impact Published by Concentrate, the story covers the WHI's history from 2011 to present. The article highlights how the work has evolved and expanded beyond the group's initial mission and features quotes from the WHI's Healthy Aging, Opioid, and Medicaid/Marketplace Outreach and Enrollment work group co-chairs and members. Read more

WHI Member 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 pantry stocks canned foods, produce, frozen vegetables/meat, and household supply items. Job Help: The center has computers, a fax machine, copier and scanner, as well as resume assistance, and financial coaches.  Services (cont): WIC: The center provides special supplemental food and nutrition programs for women, infants, and children under age five. Executive director: Laura Seyfried Address: 710 East Main Street, Rooms 229 & 231, Manchester, MI 48158 Phone: (734) 428-7722 Website: https://manchestercrc.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CRCManchesterMI48158 Learn more

News of Note

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County celebrates 30 years, over 7,500 youth-adult pairings, Jaishree Drepaul-Bruder, Concentrate   Washtenaw County program helps Black residents win rightful ownership of inherited homes, Jenn McKee, Concentrate  Partnership between Washtenaw County sheriff and community mental health strengthens crisis response, Jaishree Drepaul-Bruder, Concentrate  Ypsi's Parkridge Community Center offers free laptops, computer literacy classes thanks to grant, Sarah Rigg, Concentrate Two Ypsilanti nonprofits create new solutions for clients' baby care needs, Sarah Rigg, Concentrate A lifeline for primary care amid a crisis in youth mental health, Kara Gavin, Michigan Health Lab New 24/7 Washtenaw County substance use hotline to launch Jan. 1, Lucas Smolcic Larson, MLive University of Michigan job applications will no longer ask about criminal history, Nick Kaleba, University Record COVID transmission ‘exploding’ in Washtenaw County, driven by omicron, Lucas Smolcic Larson, MLive

Grant Opportunities

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, Capacity Building to Support Racial Equity and Social Justice Work in Washtenaw County.   Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Community Health Matching Program. Deadline: January 19, 2022   Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Investigator Initiated Research Program. Deadline: January 19, 2022   Harry and Margaret Towsley Foundation. Grant opportunities in health & human services. Deadline: February 4, 2022   James R. & Anita Horne Jenkins Family Foundation. General Grant. Anticipated deadline: Feb-Mar 2022   Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Community Health Impact. Anticipated deadline: January 25, 2022   Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Behavioral Health Initiative. Anticipated deadline: Spring 2022   Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Nutrition & Healthy Lifestyles. Anticipated deadline: Spring 2022   Ethel & James Flinn Foundation, Various opportunities in mental health care and services. Anticipated deadline: Mid-July 2022   W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Opportunities for Thriving Children, Equitable Communities, and Working Families. Deadline: Rolling

Community Resources

Flu vaccines are now widely available at area health care providers, pharmacies, and events. Visit vaccinefinder.org for local options. Winter overnight accommodations at the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) are in effect through April 1, 2022, pending weather conditions. Call 734-662-2829 or click here to learn more. Michigan’s State of Health podcast discusses the myriad ways that COVID has exposed our state health system's flaws and resulted in positive change. Learn more. SafeHaven™ ensures physicians and providers can seek confidential assistance and support for burnout, career fatigue, and mental health needs. Learn more. Free help navigating health insurance options is available from MMOE group members. This year’s open enrollment period ends Jan 15, 2022. Contact the Washtenaw Health Plan at 734-544-3030 or whp@washtenaw.org.   MiHIN is hosting virtual workshops about social determinants of health and cross-sector data exchange on January 18: Health Providers and January 25: Government and community development organizations.   Become certified in mental health first aid through a free virtual course, made possible by the Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Millage. There are two upcoming opportunities: January 24 and February 25, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. 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.   Free rapid COVID testing added to drive-thru clinics in Washtenaw County. Read.    Find COVID vaccine appointments

WHI calendar

WHI Steering Committee Cancelled to spend time finalizing 2022 priorities   Washtenaw County Healthy Aging Collaborative January 14h @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm   WHI Opioid Project January 18th @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Additional WHI events

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