Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS commemorates 10 years of screening
newborns for critical congenital heart disease  

LANSING, Mich. – Since April 1, 2014, approximately 982,000 babies have been screened for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service (MDHHS) Newborn Screening Program, allowing for timely treatment of a potentially fatal birth defect. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CCHDs are one of the most significant causes of infant death in the United States.

Every Michigan newborn is screened shortly after birth for more than 50 different disorders through the state’s Newborn Screening Program. In addition to blood spot screening, additional tests for CCHD and a hearing screening are preformed prior to discharge. A simple non-invasive test, called pulse oximetry, measures the amount of oxygen in the blood and helps detect CCHD in newborns. CCHDs may require surgery or catheter intervention in the first year of life.

“Michigan’s newborn screening program is designed to quickly diagnose babies who may look healthy but have rare and often serious disorders that require early treatment,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Failure to detect these conditions can put a baby at risk for death or other serious complications within the first few days or weeks of life. Being able to identify conditions such as critical congenital heart disease allows for early interventions and healthier outcomes.”

As a result of screening, more than 30 babies have been diagnosed with a CCHD and more than 70 babies have been diagnosed with secondary conditions including hemoglobinopathy, hypothermia, infection, lung disease, noncritical congenital heart defect, persistent pulmonary hypertension and other hypoxemic conditions.

Congenital heart defects are the most common group of birth defects, affecting nearly 1% of births per year in the United States. About one in four babies have a critical congenital heart defect requiring immediate intervention.

For more information about CCHD, visit Michigan.gov/cchd.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program offered
to help retain, attract providers through student debt relief

Up to $300,000 available per award to repay educational debt

LANSING, Mich. – As part of the state’s effort to attract and retain talent and expand access to behavioral health services, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering the Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program. Previously known as the MI Kids Now Loan Repayment Program, this program encourages behavioral health providers to offer their services within nonprofit outpatient organizations statewide.   

The program is available to behavioral health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, therapists, case managers and certified behavioral analysts. Those eligible must provide in-person, outpatient behavioral health services through eligible nonprofit practice sites, including public school-based systems and community mental health organizations.  

“Under Governor Whitmer, MDHHS has prioritized expanding access to behavioral health services across Michigan,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We are continuing to offer loan repayment programs to ensure providers have the supports they deserve, and families can receive services when and where they need them.” 

The loan repayment program is open to providers who serve both children and adults, but priority will be given to those who serve children. Eligible providers will be selected to enter into consecutive two-year agreements. The program will assist those selected with up to $300,000 to repay educational debt over a period of up to 10 years. A prioritization system will be used to rank applicants as follows: 

• Priority Group #1: Child providers in a Community Mental Health Authority setting.
• Priority Group #2: Child providers in a public school-based setting.
• Priority Group #3: Child providers in any nonprofit, eligible setting.
• Priority Group #4: Adult providers in a Community Mental Health Authority setting.
• Priority Group #5: Adult providers in any nonprofit, eligible setting.

Current behavioral health providers are encouraged to apply for the loan repayment program. The application period is April 29 through May 24. Further information regarding eligibility, selection criteria, application instructions and frequently asked questions can be found on the MDHHS website.  

Providers should note that guidelines, eligibility criteria and application instructions have changed for the 2024 application cycle. During previous grant cycles, MDHHS has enrolled around 500 providers and awarded $12.3 million in funding to eligible providers. Further information can be found on the program website. Providers who have questions or need more information can email MDHHS-Behavioral-Health-[email protected].   

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2024

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS launches application tracker to allow Michiganders to easily monitor benefits status in MI Bridges

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is announcing the release of a new function to the MI Bridges website where Michiganders apply for benefits like Medicaid, food assistance and more. The new application tracker will allow residents to follow the progress of their benefits application online rather than waiting for a determination letter or having to call into a local office.

Similar to popular trackers used on restaurants and retail websites, residents will be able to log in through their phone or other device to see when their application is received, if an appointment has been scheduled, if additional documents are required and if a decision has been made. At each step, applicants will have quick links available to view more information on what is required for the application to move forward.

“This innovative tool will allow residents to know the exact status of their benefits application 24/7 and help them prepare for any next steps,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director. “In addition to helping Michiganders feel more involved and empowered in their application process, we are hopeful it will also result in lower call volumes to local offices and employee success.”

When an applicant logs into their MI Bridges account, the application tracker will be easily viewed on their client dashboard. For privacy and security, application and benefits information are only shown to residents who are identity-proofed and listed as head of household on the account.

The new benefit tracker will be available on MI Bridges starting today. There will be information prompts available to provide residents with more information about the tracking options available to them. Applicants can also receive assistance through the MI Bridges virtual assistant chat or by calling the MI Bridges help desk at 844-799-9876.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2024

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS seeks additional participants for community influencer program informing social determinants of health strategy

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan community residents are helping to improve access to social care resources like housing, transportation and food as part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) social determinants of health (SDOH) community influencer program. The program fosters community engagement, addresses barriers such as food insecurity and affordable housing and advances health equity by leveraging the power of local influencers from different regions across Michigan. MDHHS is currently seeking additional residents to participate in this program.

MDHHS is seeking 35 influencers from across the state and is specifically recruiting community health workers, including family advocates, navigators and outreach workers. However, anyone is welcome to apply. Applicants will be required to complete a background check and will be evaluated on their ability to improve community health, the network they are involved in within their community and the time they can commit to the program.

As part of the SDOH strategy, the community influencer program brings together a diverse group of trusted community members. These individuals represent the authentic voices of local communities whose input will improve SDOH programs and delivery of services.

“Continuous learning from the perspective of our trusted community partners is a crucial component in informing our social determinants of health policy,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “By actively involving these engaged community members, MDHHS will improve awareness and access to resources, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for all Michigan residents.”

The program is structured around three key phases:

1. Listen: Community influencers will be engaged through brief questionnaires, surveys, meetings and community events to share their valuable feedback. This approach ensures participation while respecting their time and commitments.
2. Reflect: The feedback gathered during the listening phase will be carefully reviewed and interpreted by the SDOH team. The team will analyze the insights shared to identify community-driven solutions and strategies that address the specific needs of diverse communities.
3. Act: In this phase, MDHHS may integrate the feedback received into programs and policies. MDHHS is committed to closing the feedback loop by transparently communicating with community influencers about how their input may result in future actions. This ongoing dialogue seeks to foster collaboration and build trust between MDHHS and the community.

The SDOH Community Influencer Program membership currently includes 43 individuals across Michigan, with representation from various populations and communities facing social determinants of health challenges.

What is a community influencer?

A community influencer is a person who shares input regarding their community’s needs. Influencers will have a working relationship with MDHHS, as well as local community partners.

What does a community influencer do?

Community influencers will provide feedback on programs and share experiences. MDHHS wants to hear about challenges in communities that may prevent people from having happy and healthy lives.

Why should I be a community influencer?

Make a difference in your community. A community influencer can help enhance decision-making to inform policies and improve programs and services that benefit the needs of the local community, such as food insecurity and housing. Input will ultimately help to improve health outcomes and advance equity in Michigan.

Who can be a community influencer?

The community influencer program is open to any Michigan resident with an interest in improving the health and well-being of their community. Influencers must be 18 years of age or older.

MDHHS recognizes the valuable time, effort and expertise shared by community influencers and has developed a compensation plan for their contributions. Community influencers will receive a monthly compensation of $75 for their active participation in meetings, focus groups, surveys and social media engagement. In-person orientation session attendance will be compensated with an additional $100.

We invite community members from across the state to fill out an interest form to apply to become a community influencer and help shape a healthier and more equitable future for our communities.

For more information about the SDOH Community Influencer Program and how to get involved, please visit, Michigan.gov/SDOH.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2024

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS celebrates World Down Syndrome Awareness Day March 21

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is observing World Down Syndrome Awareness Day (DASD) Thursday, March 21.

Down syndrome is a naturally occurring genetic condition in which a child is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. As a result, certain genes on chromosome 21 are over-expressed, impacting an individual in many ways, including varied levels of intellectual and physical disabilities. The date for DSAD was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.

“Children and people with Down syndrome can lead healthy and full lives,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “We encourage residents to learn more about what Down syndrome is on World Down Syndrome Awareness Day and recognize the abilities and talents of people with Down syndrome.”

Down syndrome remains the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States. Each year, about 6,000 babies born in the United States have Down syndrome. In Michigan, 1 in every 817 babies are born with Down syndrome.

DSAD creates a single global voice advocating for rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome. The DSAD 2024 theme is “End the Stereotypes.” Stereotypes about people with Down syndrome can do tremendous harm, causing them to be misunderstood, underestimated and excluded. Down syndrome affects each person differently; no individual is likely to exhibit all the characteristics commonly associated with Down syndrome.

This year, DASD is being celebrated with the Lots of Socks campaign. Participants can choose fun and colorful socks that will get noticed to spark organic conversations about Down syndrome awareness.

To learn more about physical and developmental birth defects, and how to reduce risks, visit the MDHHS website.