Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2023 CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@ MDHHS pilots community health worker program
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announces a pilot program for community health worker (CHW) services at select COVID-19 Neighborhood Testing sites to address community health needs. CHWs will offer on-demand referral services to essential health and well-being resources including behavioral health and social services. Visitors to participating sites can meet with an on-site CHW to connect with community resources that include food access, housing supports, utilities assistance and health care enrollment.
“We must take every opportunity we have to bring access to health care to residents where and when they need it,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Increasing entry points to care leads to improving social determinants of health and the overall well-being of our communities. We continue to look for innovative ways to keep Michigan residents healthy.”
CHWs are trained public health professionals and trusted members of the community whose goal is to address social determinants of health and serve as links between residents and the health and social resources needed to improve well-being. At the testing sites, CHWs refer visitors to behavioral and health care providers, assist with health insurance coverage, point to Michigan’s 211 program referral helpline and more. CHWs also offer education on healthy lifestyles and habits, and provide education on managing medications or chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
“Based on lessons learned and best practices established over the last few years, it is important to continue our work to address racial disparities across social determinants of health,” said the Hon. Thomas Stallworth, director of the Racial Disparities Task Force and the Governor’s senior advisor for Legislative and External Affairs. “This includes expanding community hubs, enhancing services and public health programs, and providing referrals to resources where its most convenient for our more vulnerable community members.”
The CHW services are currently funded through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant focused on addressing health disparities among high-risk and underserved populations. MDHHS will continue to evaluate ways to support community health needs across the state.
CHWs will be located at these pilot sites:
Wayne County Wayne County Community College District, Northwest Campus 8200 West Outer Dr., Detroit
Bethel Baptist Church East 5715 Holcomb St., Ste. 33, Detroit
Hartford Memorial Baptist Church 14000 W. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit
Genesee County Bethel United Methodist Church B1309 N Ballenger Hwy., Flint
Macedonia Baptist Church G5443 N Saginaw St., Flint
Word of Life Baptist Church 460 W. Atherton Rd., Flint
Muskegon County Christ Temple Church 412 E. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon
Free consultation services up to 45 minutes are available. Walk-ins are taken as space and time allows, and no ID or insurance is required.
The first evaluation of the CHW pilot will occur at the end of May. To learn more about CHWs, visit the Michigan Community Health Workers Alliance website. |
MDHHS pilots community health worker program
