Project Title: North Central Community Health Innovation Region SDoH Accelerator Plan Development Project
Applicant Organization Name: District Health Department #10 (DHD#10)
Address: 521 Cobb St., Cadillac, MI 49601
Project Director Name: Erin Barrett, B.S, CHES, Public Health Planner
Contact Cell Phone Number: 248-778-6702
Email Address: ebarrett@dhd10.org
Grant program funds requested in the application: $125,000
The purpose of the project is to collaborate with multisectoral partners within the North Central Community Health Innovation Region to develop an implementation-ready Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Accelerator Plan to reduce disparities in health outcomes related to chronic disease in ten rural counties in north central Michigan. Compared to the State of Michigan, the population of the proposed project area is older, less educated, and poorer; it engages in higher rates of health risk behaviors; and experiences striking health disparities, including increased disability, morbidity, and mortality. Proposed Service Region: Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Oceana, and Newaygo Counties in Michigan (DHD#10 jurisdiction) and Arenac, Clare, Isabella, Osceola, and Gladwin Counties in Michigan (Central Michigan District Health Department jurisdiction)
The two priority SDoH priority areas chosen to reduce health disparities and inequities and improve health outcomes related to chronic disease are: 1) Community Clinical Linkages; and 2) Social Connectedness. The Leadership Team convened for this project includes two local health departments, two hospital health systems, two community mental health agencies, two federally qualified health centers, and two Disability Networks who are members of the North Central Community Health Innovation Region steering committee. This team will be expanded to form a cross-sector collaboration to improve population health and health equity, as described in the Association of State and Territorial Health Official’s President’s Challenge charging local health officials to mobilize community advocates and partners to make lasting system and policy changes that improve living conditions at the community level. This project will address the needs of populations in the region who are affected by disparities, which includes, people with disabilities, people living in rural communities, and people affected adversely by persistent poverty and inequality.
The outcomes of this project will be 1) increased collaboration and engagement across multi-sectoral partners, and 2) a completed implementation ready SDoH Accelerator Plan, including all required components.
Proposed Project Director, Erin Barrett MPH, MCHES (.30 FTE), DHD#10 Community Health Coordinator/Planner. Other key personnel are, Lacy Morris B.S., Public Health Planner (.20 FTE) , Emily Pokorski, MPH, Epidemiologist (.10 FTE), Sarah Oleniczak, MPH, MCHES (.05 FTE), DHD#10 Deputy Health Officer, Anna Reetz, B.S., CMDHD Health Educator (.20 FTE).
All components are in place for development of a successful implementation-ready SDoH Accelerator Plan that will reduce disparities and improve health outcomes in populations experiencing numerous health disparities and high rates of chronic disease. This project includes experienced staff; established positive relationships among stakeholders, engaged partners, and documented need.