NEWSLETTER | NOVEMBER 2021
A voluntary, county-wide collaboration focused on improving health,
health equity, and health care for Washtenaw's low-income, uninsured,
underinsured, and underrepresented populations.
It was a time to reflect on the focus of the WHI and the collective accomplishments of work groups over the years. While progress has been made in many areas, presenters also discussed the work that's left to do, including what the future of the WHI will look like. The meeting also included a panel discussion on pressing health challenges in Washtenaw County.
The award recognizes collaborations with a significant and positive impact on community health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The collaboration between the Shelter Association, Washtenaw OCED,
Washtenaw County CMH, and others, housed individuals in hotels to safeguard the health of those experiencing homelessness.
The Health Equity Project hopes to help five regions reduce health disparities associated with housing instability, food insecurity, transportation, and more. CHRT will provide backbone support to the participating collaboratives, including the WHI's MI Community Care Program in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties, and will launch a multi-region learning community for counties to accelerate their progress.
This September, WHI Communications Committee Co-Chair Maria Alfonso met with Mark Creekmore, treasurer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Washtenaw County (NAMI WC) to discuss his journey through juvenile corrections and the field of mental health, learning from past mistakes, and why he believes collaboration is essential for tackling our biggest challenges.

Year founded: 1982
Mission: Ending homelessness, one person at a time.
Key focus area: The SAWC provides residential and nonresidential programs, diversion services, short-term case management, and healthcare for a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness.
Services: Individuals are provided shelter and can access services including meals, case management, medical care, and most importantly help to find permanent housing.
Website: https://www.annarborshelter.org/
Executive Director: Daniel Kelly
Address: 312 W Huron Street Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: 734-662-2829
Facebook:www.facebook.com/DelonisCenter
News of Note
Grant Opportunities
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows.
Deadline: November 12, 2021
 
Center for Health and Research Transformation, Health Policy Fellowship...
Deadline: December 1, 2021

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund.
Deadline: December 10, 2021

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
Community Resources
The Washtenaw County Health Department has flu resources in English, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, and Chinese. Learn more.
 
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is providing free, lead-reducing water filters to Village households served by municipal water and with children or pregnant women in the home or that cannot afford a water filter. Learn more.
 
Winter Shelter programming at the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) begins November 8th. They will open day or overnight weather amnesty if there is severe weather prior. Learn more. 
 
Flu vaccines are now widely available at area health care providers, pharmacies, and events. Visit vaccinefinder.org for local options.
Community Health Services of Michigan Medicine is offering free drive-thru flu shots across the county. 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.
 
Rep. Brabec is holding a mental health listening event on November 15 at the Learning Resource Center. Learn more.
 
The Washtenaw Health Plan is offering free help during this year's annual open enrollment period, Nov 1, 2021 through Jan 15, 2022. Washtenaw Health Plan staff are Marketplace-Certified Application Counselors. To find a trained professional to help navigate the enrollment process call or email the Washtenaw Health Plan at 734-544-3030 or [email protected].
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. 
 
WHI calendar
November 8th @ 10:00 - 11:00 am
 
November 9th @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
 
November 11th @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
 
November 12th @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
 
November 16th @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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