U-M Health Community Health Service Grant Program

The teams at University of Michigan Health (U-M Health) take a multi-pronged approach to reverse the impacts of social determinants of health (SDOH) and address health equity challenges within the communities they serve. One of their successful efforts is the U-M Health Community Health Service Grant Program, which allocates funds to address community health needs, including mental health and substance use disorders, obesity, and pre-conceptual and perinatal health, among other needs. The grant program has allowed U-M Health to foster new community partnerships and increase focus on preventive and public health efforts. Over the last six years, the health system has allocated more than $16 million to address community health needs. These investments have led to more than 9,300 mental health and substance abuse appointments; more than 90 medical students and residents trained on the impact of nutritious food on hunger and health; and 175 individuals receiving resilience and positive parenting skills. As an anchor institution, U-M Health aims to reduce socioeconomic barriers to health and community wealth through investments in infrastructure, local hiring and suppliers.