MDHHS: more than $8 million for Healthy Community Zones

MDHHS: more than $8 million for Healthy Community Zones

by | Apr 1, 2025 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2025

CONTACT: Laina Stebbins, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS announces more than $8 million for Healthy Community Zones

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has awarded more than $8 million to 20 organizations to build Healthy Community Zones in Chippewa and Saginaw counties and the City of Detroit.

By funding multiple organizations in each of these regions, MDHHS is investing in place-based, community-led solutions to reduce racial disparities in chronic disease.

“By investing in community-driven solutions, we are empowering local organizations to create environments that support healthier lives,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Healthy Community Zones will help ensure that all families – regardless of where they live – have greater access to resources that promote well-being and long-term health.”

MDHHS received applications from 38 organizations, with funding requests exceeding $15 million. Healthy Community Zones’ multi-year initiative will allow organizations the opportunity to apply for continued funding after the initial funding period of 18 months, which begins in April 2025.

The following grant awardees received funding:

  • A Girl Like Me, Inc.
  • Birth Detroit
  • Brightmoor Connection
  • Chippewa County Health Department
  • City of Detroit
  • Covenant Medical Center, Inc.
  • Crossroads of Michigan
  • Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network
  • Detroit Parks Coalition
  • Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District
  • Give Merit
  • Henry Ford Health System
  • Michigan Health Improvement Alliance, Inc
  • Project Healthy Community
  • Ruth Ellis Center Inc.
  • Saginaw Community Food Club and Kitchen
  • Sanctuary Farms
  • Stand with Trans
  • The Salvation Army
  • Urban Racquet Sports Foundation

Funded organizations proposed locally tailored strategies to make physical activity, nutrition and social cohesion more easily accessible for community members. Some examples of the innovative ideas receiving support include:

  • Gardening education programs that connect families with nutrition experts and farmers to learn how to grow, harvest, store and cook fresh produce.
  • Enhancements to childcare centers with accessible walkways, trails and play equipment to encourage active play.
  • Infrastructure improvements and technical assistance to increase participation in the 10 Cents a Meal
  • Multimedia campaigns aimed at promoting breastfeeding initiation and duration.

Healthy Community Zones funding is made possible through investments of the Michigan Racial Disparities Task Force, created per the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-55.

To learn more, visit the Healthy Community Zones website.