The release below will be posted at www.washtenaw.org/health and on social media @wcpublichealth. Spanish translation attached.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, MPH
Public Information Officer
Washtenaw County Health Department
[email protected]
Cell 734-678-7010
Washtenaw County Health Department Seeks Community Members for New Health Equity Council
Members will provide valuable leadership and guidance to address local health disparities
YPSILANTI, Mich., Oct. 20, 2022 – Washtenaw County Health Department is seeking community members to join a new Health Equity Council. Council members will work with Health Department staff and local community organizations (Mexiquenses en Michigan, Second Baptist Church, Educate Youth Ypsi, and Community Family Life Center) to work towards reducing COVID-19-related health disparities in Washtenaw County.
“Working together with local partners and community members has been essential in all aspects of our pandemic response,” said Jimena Loveluck, MSW, Washtenaw County health officer. “There is still work to be done to promote equity and prevent further harm, as COVID-19 and other health issues continue to disproportionally impact racial and ethnic minorities in our county. We encourage those who are passionate about improving health for all in Washtenaw to apply to join the Health Equity Council.”
The Council will focus on areas to reduce COVID-19 disparities such as identifying and overcoming barriers in prevention, providing resources, and addressing social determinants of health (e.g., low income, food insecurity, access to primary care). This work will prioritize neighborhoods and groups who have been hardest hit by the pandemic, including the 48197 and 48198 zip codes, African Americans, Latinx community members, lower-income households, and people who experience other barriers to health resources.
Council goals will include identifying strategies to meet community needs and granting funds to community organizations to reduce and eliminate COVID-19 and other health inequities in Washtenaw County. The Council will meet in the early evenings once or twice a month from November 2022 through May 2023.
To apply, fill out this form by October 30: https://bit.ly/wchec5. The Health Equity Council is seeking a total of 3 community members. Members will be financially compensated for their time. Ideal applicants are members of local communities or live in geographic areas hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Council is part of a $500,000 grant the Health Department received to address the underlying factors contributing to local health inequities. Grant funding is provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Equity and Minority Health in partnership with the Michigan Public Health Institute.
Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs.
Local public health information and updates are always available at www.washtenaw.org/health. The Health Department also provides frequent social media updates (@wcpublichealth) and sends regular email updates, sign up at http://bit.ly/WCHD555.