The Michigan Public Health Advisory Council (MPHAC) has unveiled a comprehensive “Public Health Call to Action” aimed at tackling health disparities and improving the state’s public health infrastructure. This initiative, developed in 2023, seeks to address long-standing issues in Michigan’s health system, with a focus on creating more equitable and resilient health outcomes for all residents.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan, emphasizes the initiative’s two primary goals: strengthening public health infrastructure and improving communication to rebuild community trust. “Of all of our recommendations, the first three are most important: strengthening the relationship between public health and health care, raising awareness of public health for legislators, and increasing the public’s understanding of public health,” Bagdasarian states.
The MPHAC’s approach targets both immediate needs and long-term systemic changes. Key areas for intervention include preventive health, community-centered care, and broader accessibility to health care resources across urban and rural areas. The council’s recommendations were informed by extensive interviews with local public health officers, state legislators, health care providers, and community members.
Marianne Udow-Phillips, council vice chair, highlights the importance of community engagement in the strategy. “Our focus in terms of building trust began with helping equip our leaders in public health so that they can better reach their communities, a true commitment to equity,” she explains.
The initiative also addresses challenges faced by local health departments, including funding constraints and workforce shortages. Jimena Loveluck from the Washtenaw County Health Department notes, “Flexibility in funding is key. We don’t really have flexibility in terms of adjusting funding that we receive for those specific needs and services.”
As part of the Public Call to Action, MPHAC plans to launch a campaign in January to counter health care and public health disinformation, focusing on vaccines, STDs, and mental health. This collaborative effort aims to help Michigan residents make more informed health decisions and create a public health system that serves all communities equitably.
See: “A New Vision for Public Health in Michigan” (December 17, 2024)