Michigan Department of Health & Human Services

MDHHS is hosting a Virtual Baby Fair offering an opportunity to learn about resources, gather important information and ask questions. This department-wide partnership aims to promote health and safety among new and expecting parents by sharing valuable resources and information. MDHHS hosts two live events annually, usually in the summer and winter. This winter, the live events are scheduled for: Monday, Dec. 2, from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, 9-11 a.m. In addition to the live events, participants can also view the baby fair on-demand, available year-round. The live events provide the unique opportunity to ask questions directly to program experts, while the on-demand option allows participants to access the information at their convenience. Please help promote this valuable resource by encouraging expectant parents in your networks to register for the upcoming sessions. For more information, https://lnkd.in/g54BTyu3

SDOH Summit Updates and SDOH Month Activities While MDHHS will not be hosting an SDOH Summit in 2025, we are excited to announce that we will still be celebrating Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Month this January! MDHHS will use 2025 as a dedicated evaluation year to assess our initiatives and build on our SDOH work, with plans to bring back the SDOH Summit in 2026. SAVE THE DATE: Join us in recognizing SDOH Month! Throughout January, we invite partners to host their own events, webinars, or awareness activities to promote health equity and SDOH work across Michigan. Use the hashtag?#MISDOHMonth2025?to connect with others and show your support. More information will be shared in December.? We also encourage you to explore the SDOH Month Toolkit, which offers resources like graphics, suggested posts, talking points, and ideas to help you get people involved. Whether you’re posting on social media, writing a newsletter, or hosting an event, these resources will help you highlight the importance of SDOH. Click the link below to explore the toolkit: https://bit.ly/SDOHTOOLKIT?

It was great to sit down with Robert Sheehan of Community Mental Health Association of Michigan during their annual conference to discuss Michigan’s behavioral health landscape and our current initiatives. We explored the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services investments to improve access to the behavioral health continuum of care, including the further expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, the development of crisis stabilization units, and efforts to strengthen our state’s workforce. Our state and local partners are critical to ensuring every Michigan resident has access to the care they need where and when they need it. I’m grateful for opportunities like these to take questions, share information, listen and connect with so many of our partners.?

UPDATED POST: link to register has been added. Community Health Workers play a crucial role in reducing disparities. The Community Health Worker (CHW)-Community Feedback Forum (CFF) brings together community members – including CHWs – as well as state and local community partners to provide input on policy and program recommendations to support CHW efforts in Michigan. The next CHW-CFF meeting is scheduled for Tuesday November 12 from 10:00-11:30am. If you would like to attend, please register below: CHW Community Feedback Forum Meeting Registration. https://lnkd.in/g-uCefDP

Community Health Workers play a crucial role in reducing disparities. The Community Health Worker (CHW)-Community Feedback Forum (CFF) brings together community members – including CHWs – as well as state and local community partners to provide input on policy and program recommendations to support CHW efforts in Michigan. The next CHW-CFF meeting is scheduled for Tuesday November 12 from 10:00-11:30am. If you would like to attend, please register below: CHW Community Feedback Forum Meeting Registration. https://lnkd.in/g-uCefDP

Health disparities are driven by a range of factors, including unequal access to quality healthcare, economic instability, and housing insecurity. Discrimination, education gaps, and limited access to healthy food also contribute to these preventable differences. By addressing the root causes of health disparities through action on the social determinants of health, we can create healthier communities for all. Learn more at Michigan.gov/SDOH.

Interested in Child Protective Services, we have immediate openings in our Wayne County office! This special hiring event is a great opportunity to work for MDHHS and make a difference in the lives of children and families in the Detroit area. We will be holding interviews in Mid- October and November for all qualified candidates that pass preliminary backgrounds. For more information on what makes a qualified candidate and to apply use the link below or the QR code in the photo. https://lnkd.in/gGXHMb47

What are health disparities? According to the CDC, Health disparities are preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by socially disadvantaged populations. We can improve health risks and reduce disparities and inequities by addressing social determinants of health. To learn more, visit Michigan.gov/SDOH?

MDHHS is excited to have our HR Director, Mike DeRose speaking alongside Candi Blossom Jones, MPA, SPHR, SHRM-CP and Valerie Capers Workman today at PSHRA24. They will be discussing the important topic of attracting Gen Z to positions within the public sector. This year, 600+ will gather at the premier conference for public sector HR. Learn more → https://bit.ly/4e9O209

Health isn't just about doctor visits—it's influenced by where we live, what we eat, how we get around, and the policies shaping these areas. We integrate health into all policy decisions through Michigan's Phase III Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Strategy, focusing on key domains like housing, food access, and transportation. ·???????Good Housing = Good Health Program:?Stable housing leads to better health outcomes, reducing disparities in our communities. We've improved housing for over 8,200 households, helping nearly 2,740 families with stabilization services. ·???????Food Delivery Program: Our 4-year pilot ensures SNAP recipients in Kent and Wayne counties get nutritious food delivered right to their doorsteps. ·???????Transportation: ?Access to employment, housing, food, and health care rely on transportation availability. We're working across agencies to increase access to safe, reliable transportation, supporting better health outcomes. To learn more about the SDOH Strategy, visit Michigan.gov/SDOH.