Michigan Health Improvement Alliance

As we reflect on the past year, we're filled with gratitude for the invaluable partnership and support of our collaborators. Together, we've made significant strides in improving health outcomes across our region. We've secured more than $1.8 million to support community development initiatives addressing critical health issues such as access to healthy food, substance use disorder treatments, and public health services. By uniting over 35 organizations we've created a powerful force for positive change in central and eastern Michigan. Looking ahead to the new year, we're excited about the potential of our collective efforts. With more than $15 million in grant proposals submitted, we're poised to continue driving large-scale initiatives that will contribute to shaping our region's future. With each individual and organization bringing unique strengths and perspectives, our region will truly Bloom and Thrive Together. Here's to another great year!

Rural school districts are essential to community growth. They serve as hubs for education, social interaction, and economic development. We're excited to partner with the STANDISH STERLING COMMUNITY SCHOOLS and FED Design/Builder to transform a former elementary school into the Sunrise Community Resource Center. This project, funded by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, will expand services and programming to promote overall growth and well-being within the community. Last week, Architect Todd Seidell and FED Estimator Chad Carstensen conducted their initial site visit to develop design ideas for expanding public health services at the center. #communitydevelopment #ruraldevelopment #publichealth #Michigan

The Bay City Child Care Advisory Board, convened by the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance, has announced a second round of mini-grants to support child care businesses in the City of Bay City. To fill out a pre-application, follow this link: https://lnkd.in/g3j_PSA7

Congratulations to our board member Dr. Kikano. What an incredible honor!

Our CEO, Heidi Tracy, was invited to the UA Local 190 training facility in Ann Arbor last week to witness President Biden sign the Good Jobs Executive Order, which focuses on creating more skilled labor jobs with fair wages. 

The Bay City Child Care Advisory Board, convened by the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance, has announced a small grants program for child care providers in Bay City to help expand capacity and open more child care slots within the city limits. Read more here: https://bit.ly/4geIDXJ

Our food systems consultants John Fisk and Kristine Ranger, co-directors of the Northeast Michigan (NEMI) Healthy Food Project, will be hosting a NEMI Regional Food Summit on Sept. 18, 2024. This free one-day event is designed to build understanding of the regional food system, make regional linkages and foster collaboration in northeast Michigan. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3SnmBYs

We're excited to announce the appointment of Heather Bauman as our director of advocacy for community impact. In partnership with The W.E.L.L. Outreach, Bauman will work in the rural communities of east and central Michigan to ensure everyone has equal access to receive affordable, convenient and safe health care and child care; live in vibrant neighborhoods and communities; and be a part of a healthy workforce and economy. Read more: https://bit.ly/3xzB3p8

Saginaw CAP and the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance are looking for community feedback for a potential $10-$20 million funding opportunity through the EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change grant program. The EPA is looking for community-driven projects that address climate challenges and reduce pollution while strengthening communities. We are targeting projects in Saginaw and Bay City, and your input is crucial for our region to compete in this nationwide competition. Please use this link to complete the survey: https://lnkd.in/gMEmQ_FT

Check out this webinar from our friends at The Rippel Foundation! This is a great opportunity for our partners in community health improvement.