building a path to economic stability

People living with economic instability are more likely to behave in ways that endanger their health — at times even causing chronic health conditions and premature mortality. The Michigan Health Improvement Alliance prioritizes and supports the work of partners who are taking concrete action to help individuals and families gain ground on economic stability.

Initiatives we’re supporting

Project IMPACT

Arenac County is one of five communities nationwide — and the only in Michigan — selected to participate in a new program funded by Maryland’s de Beaumont Foundation to strengthen economic prosperity by advancing public health and equity.

The program aims to improve preventive care, decrease poverty, and increase employee retention by embedding a community health worker among and focused entirely on Vantage Plastic’s employees and their families. Project IMPACT — Innovative, Multi-sector Partnerships for Community Transformation in Public Health — hopes to catalyze and support partnerships between governmental public health departments and the private sector.

Project Partners:

Central Michigan District Health Department
Michigan Health Improvement Alliance
Vantage Plastics, in Standish
Vantage’s non-profit outreach arm, The WELL Outreach

Learn More about this Project

Regional Food Systems Learning Cohort

With funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance conducted a food systems assessment from December 2021 through June 2022. Such an assessment revealed existing conditions and opportunities for improved food access, food production and consumption, and food-related industry and employment.

As a result, we are supporting a Regional Food Systems Learning Cohort that connects Saginaw- and Bay City-area leaders with others around the state to explore their efforts and identify local possibilities.