ohiSince 2009, ProMedica’s, “Come to the Table” program has been working to ensure the well-being of communities in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan by creating services and programs addressing basic nutritional needs. The link between hunger and poor health is clear—adults living in food insecure homes have chronic diseases and behavioral health conditions. Food-insecure children suffer an even greater impact with delayed development and poorer quality of life. Health threats resulting from hunger are preventable and ProMedica continues to develop and implement strategies to feed communities including: operating a food reclamation program to repackage un-served food and distribute to homeless shelters; developing a food security screening program to identify hospital patients who are food insecure to ensure they have food and access to resources upon being discharged from the hospital; and the future opening of the Ebeid Institute for Population Health in Toledo, Ohio, which will have a fresh food market and offer job training and health services. ProMedica’s strong community partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels are central to developing these collaborative opportunities. To read more about this innovative program, see this brief summary [link].
State Category: Michigan
Women-Inspired Neighborhood Network (WIN Network): Detroit
In 2008, the CEOs of Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health System, Oakwood Healthcare System, and St. John Providence Health System commissioned the Detroit Regional Infant Mortality Reduction Task Force to develop a plan of action to help more babies reach their first birthdays. The Task Force addresses Detroit’s infant mortality rate, which is nearly 15/1000 live births, among the highest in the nation. Working through a public-private partnership of Detroit’s major health systems, public health, academic, and community partners, the Task Force seeks to tighten the disconnected medical and social services for women. The Task Force and its WIN Network have realized a number of accomplishments as of August 2014 including zero infant deaths among more than 200 babies born to date and the enrollment of 364 pregnant women in the program. Funding for this project comes from a variety of foundations, organizations, and institutions. To read more about this innovative program, see this brief summary [link].