Our guest is Jenn Harrod, Client Services Manager, Health Net of West Michigan
Being a parent or caregiver is no easy task! This is especially true for expectant parents, seasoned parents, and caregivers of young children as they work to advocate for the needs of their household and for their children.
The recent action of the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade is counter to our organizational vision of health equity, a community where all have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Health Net of West Michigan is committed to advocating for scientifically based public health principles, fulfilling our mission of connecting our community to health-related resources. We support our neighbors in advocating for justice in social and political determinants that create optimal birth conditions. Addressing the root causes of racism and poverty is the only solution that will disrupt the dangerous trend of negative maternal health outcomes for our region and state.
The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision infringes on client self-determination to achieve optimal health, a core component of our care model. Restriction of healthcare access and choice disproportionately impacts low-income individuals, people of color, and those living in under-resourced communities across the United States. This compounds and adds another barrier for individuals across the country to pursue healthier lives and a sense of well-being, further complicating what should be a personal and private decision that birthing people should be able to make in conjunction with their health care provider.
Many states are actively pursuing more restrictive laws around reproductive health services or have trigger laws already in place. A Michigan court of claims judge granted a preliminary injunction in a suit filed to block enforcement of a 1931 anti-abortion state law, placing a temporary hold on the implementation of this regressive law in our state. While details continue to develop surrounding the longstanding impact on reproductive care in our nation, each of us can take personal action as we see fit.
Some actions to consider are:
Health Net of West Michigan will continue to advocate for our community and to imagine a world where true health equity can exist. This includes the right for individuals to have access to information, resources, and services to choose the care they want to receive to make the best decision for their own lives.
Patrick Lyoya, a 26-year-old father, friend, son, and member of our community was shot and killed by a Grand Rapids Police Department officer on Monday, April 4, 2022.
We urge Mayor Rosalyn Bliss, City Manager Mark Washington, Grand Rapids Police Department Chief Eric Winstrom, and Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, as well as others in systems of power to critically examine and address the system of policing that is rooted in white supremacy to prevent the significant and needless loss of Black and Brown lives. Additionally, we urge the release of the original, unedited video footage in its entirety, as well as all related information surrounding the incident. This request upholds the wishes of the Lyoya family regarding the events leading up to the murder of their son and brother. Patrick’s family deserves justice!
While we await the release of dashcam and body cam footage we stand steadfast in the belief that Black Lives Matter and change must come to prevent tragic and often avoidable outcomes such as those that occurred on April 4, 2022. To the Lyoya family, our immigrant and refugee community, we grieve alongside you and echo pleas for Justice for Patrick (Lyoya).
Testimony on December 9, 2021 related to package of bills related to lead.
https://www.house.mi.gov/VideoArchivePlayer?video=HEAL-120921.mp4
Michigan’s diverse population has a wide spectrum of health needs—needs that require an equally wide range of responses. The Health Fund’s final grant awards of 2021 are a snapshot of how Michigan organizations are working to address that diversity of issues with tailored solutions. Some projects are systemic and sweeping; others are community-driven and highly localized. Together, they offer an image of a state that is working tirelessly to fill gaps in care, address disparities, support those providing care, and build healthier communities in every corner of Michigan.
In this round, we’re proud to be awarding $15,002,861 to 57 projects. That includes grants through our Special Projects & Emerging Ideas Initiative and our Healthy Aging Initiative, as well as 19 additional Community Health Impact projects.
The latest episode of On the Evidence focuses on a national initiative aimed at identifying and addressing non-medical factors that affect a person’s health. Doctors, nurses, and other health care providers can use a screening tool, such as a questionnaire, to uncover a patient’s health-related social needs, such as housing instability or food insecurity. Providers can then refer patients in need to community-based organizations with the resources and expertise to help.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed one such screening tool as well as a guide to assist providers who use the tool. The guide was created for the Accountable Health Communities (AHC) Model, a program that includes 28 organizations across the country.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Priority Health recently helped to fight childhood obesity by supporting FitKids360 program run by local health experts who help children and families develop healthy habits by combining basic education about nutrition, behavior and exercise with a range of physical activities. Both Priority Health and FitKids360 look to curb the alarming statistics that 1 in 3 children in the U.S. is overweight, and 1 in 5 children in the U.S. is obese. Here is what one of our friends from Priority Health said about this event:
LANSING, Mich. – As part of National Public Health Week, nine individuals and organizations will be presented with the 2021 Hometown Health Hero and Jean Chabut Health Policy Champion awards for their contributions to protecting and improving the health of Michigan. 2020 recipients are also included below. Hometown Health Hero awards are presented every spring as part of Michigan Public Health Week. By building connections, our communities become healthier, safer, and better for all.
“It’s an honor to award these selfless individuals and organizations whose efforts make Michigan a better place for many segments of our population,” said MDHHS director Elizabeth Hertel. “The Hometown Health Hero awards are a way we can recognize how both small and large efforts make a positive impact on our state.”
2021 Hometown Health Hero Recipients:
A case study in effective advisory board collaboration from the Accountable Health Communities Model.
Health Net of West Michigan is a nonprofit organization in Kent County, Michigan, that aims to create a “community where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.” As an Alignment Track bridge organization participating in the Accountable Health Communities (AHC) Model, Health Net established an advisory board made up of community partners across sectors who strive to create equitable systems change. Health Net’s advisory board focuses on addressing social determinants of health at the community and systems levels, involving community advisors and executive-level representatives from community entities, coalitions, and local government.
Over the past year, the United States has witnessed tremendous health inequities from COVID-19 across populations defined by race, ethnicity, geography, and disability. As part of the pandemic response and recovery, communities have taken advantage of existing multisector partnerships to address individual and community-level health and social needs. Indeed, in the recently released National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, the Biden administration commits to: