Partnering for health & equity

2022 IMPACT Report

Thank you for your partnership.

In 2022, CHRT’s mission-driven portfolio of work evolved to encompass broader cross-sector partnerships, an increased focus on integrating social needs and behavioral and medical care, and a deliberate lens on health equity and disparities across all our work.
‍
Our responsiveness to the changing health care environment through progressive partnerships has enabled us to renew our commitment “to inspire and enable evidence-informed policies and practices that improve the health of people and communities.”

The pandemic exacerbated health disparities, but also created opportunities to participate in numerous community and state-wide partnerships in response to significant concerns about public health and social needs.

CHRT built and strengthened a number of important partnerships designed to improve health in 2022. Examples include our collaborative Promotion of Health Equity initiative in 11 counties across the state; our local Washtenaw Health Initiative with health, mental health, and social service leaders; and our growing regional Healthy Aging at Home Network.

Tony Denton

In 2022, we advanced these initiatives and achieved great progress across many other projects, as well. Of particular note, we:

Expanded innovative health equity projects that help underserved populations improve their health and well-being.

Launched a project to help communities and the state determine how to best spend their opioid settlement dollars.

Analyzed the benefit and cost savings of community health workers and community paramedics.

Graduated our tenth class of health policy fellows, hailing from nonprofits, research organizations, and government agencies.

Published articles identifying telehealth and housing policies to improve the health and well-being of adults aging with disabilities.

In this report, we highlight our 2022 impact.

We are proud of CHRT’s 2022 accomplishments and our work’s impact at the national, state, and community levels.

We thank you--our staff, our clients, our funders, and our many partners--and invite you to continue partnering with us to sustain and enhance positive health equity outcomes.

Tony Denton

Tony Denton, CHRT Board Chair, SVP and Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance Officer, University of Michigan Health – Michigan Medicine

Tony Denton

Robyn Rontal, Interim Executive Director, Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT)

2022 by the numbers

42

active projects managed by our team of three-dozen staff members

$4.3

million to community organizations and project partners

34

new health policy and public health fellows trained

10

new publications on a range of pressing policy challenges

17

presentations to hundreds of policy and decision leaders

26

media mentions, interviews, and research citations spotlighting our work

2022 impact

We are delighted to share just a few of our accomplishments in these areas of focus

access and coverage

pandemic response

Illustration of a older couple embracing

healthy AginG

How can we better support healthy aging?

For older adults and people who are aging with a disability or chronic illness, long term services and supports are crucial.

Payers, providers, patients, and caregivers are calling for more person-centered, coordinated, and sustainable long term care options.

CHRT’s WORK:

CHRT has been working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to improve Michigan’s long term services and supports for Medicaid enrollees. CHRT:

developed a national comparison report to understand trends and best practices in long-term services and supports for Medicaid enrollees and
interviewed Michigan stakeholders and summarized feedback on integrated models, lessons learned, consumer protection, engagement, and behavioral health.

Impact:

In 2022, CHRT's work supported Michigan Department of Health and Human Services staff in their decision-making process, and led to additional stakeholder engagement opportunities.

In the coming year, CHRT will conduct more stakeholder interviews--this time with Michigan Medicaid enrollees--to gather their first-hand experiences, as well as their suggestions for how to improve the state's long-term services and supports programs.

Jaque King photo in black and white

Talk to stakeholders.

To better understand what aging adults need, we've got to talk to stakeholders. In the case of long term services and supports, that means health care providers and payers, public health departments, area agencies on aging, advocacy organizations, and of vital importance, those who need and use the services.

- Jaque KING, Associate Director, Health policy

More healthy aging work:

The Healthy Aging at Home Network coordinates efforts to make sure that seniors have access to the things they need to age in a healthy way. Read more.

A line drawing of a doctor checking a patient with a stethoscope

access and coverage

Can language and design improve health care access and coverage?

When Michigan legislators established Medicaid work requirements, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services used plain language and human-centered design to make the policy easier for enrollees to understand and execute.

While the policy was countermanded at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, CHRT was retained to evaluate the department's communications approach.

CHRT’s WORK

CHRT's research and evaluation team led 11 focus groups and fielded a survey to collect data from community health navigators, who help Michiganders with Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan enrollments, renewals, and administrative requirements.

They found that while navigators felt that the policy, exclusion process, and reporting requirements were far too complex, the human-centered communications made the requirements easier to understand.

Impact

The findings from CHRT's evaluation were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Health Forum.

Based on feedback from navigators, the authors concluded that states should take on more of the Medicaid administrative reporting burden, including reporting requirements for work hours and eligibility determination. Shifting this reporting burden from individuals can help reduce unnecessary loss of health insurance benefits.

Photo of Samatha Iovan

Yes. By removing obstacles to enrollment.

“Public benefit programs and policies can be confusing for enrollees. The findings from this study can guide governmental agencies through the design and implementation of benefit programs to remove unnecessary obstacles to enrollment.”

- Samantha Iovan, Senior Health Policy Analyst

More access work:

reimbursement for community paramedics

CHRT analyzed a local community paramedicine program, highlighted its value, and stressed the importance of ongoing funding. Read more.

Line drawing of a nurse talking to a patient

behavioral health

What can we do about behavioral health workforce shortages?

The United States is experiencing a behavioral health workforce shortage crisis—nearly half of us live in a mental health workforce shortage area.

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline health workers who often live in the communities they serve. Prior studies suggest that CHWs add significant value in healthcare settings, but little has been documented about the roles CHWs fill in behavioral health care.

CHRT’s work

CHRT researchers conducted a qualitative study to better understand the role of community health workers in behavioral health care settings:

reviewed the literature on CHWs in Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs),
interviewed staff at CCBHCs, CHW organizations, and state departments (including the Medicaid office), and
conducted a focus group with representatives from CCBHCs.

Impact

CHRT's researchers found that CHWs could extend the behavioral health workforce by providing:

patient-centered care and case management,
warm handoffs to psychologists, psychiatrists, and SUD providers,
connections to appropriate medical and social services.

Photo of Erica Matti

Community health workers may be the answer.

CHWs are particularly trusted and deeply rooted members of their communities. CHWs could be a relatively low-cost, effective way to extend the behavioral health workforce—opening up a whole new pool of eligible professionals.

- Erica Matti, senior health policy analyst

More mental health work:

mental health MILLAGE SUPPORT

CHRT helps Washtenaw County's Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage implementation through strategic communications and programmatic support. Read more.

COMPLEX SYSTEMS MODELING FOR CRISIS CARE

CHRT applies complex systems modeling to understand and strengthen Washtenaw County's local acute mental health crisis care system. Read more.

drawing of a house keychain with two keys

disability

How can we help people with disabilities find adequate housing?

For people living with disabilities, the U.S. housing crisis is magnified.

Less than five percent of housing is accessible for people with moderate mobility difficulties and less than one percent of housing is accessible for wheelchair users.

Accessible housing units are in high demand, but people with disabilities are also twice as likely to be low-income and to be unable to pay for costly accessibility renovations.

CHRT’s WORK

Since 2018, CHRT has provided research, training, and policy analysis to a national center for excellence on healthy aging for adults with physical disabilities.

CHRT’s interim executive director, Robyn Rontal, is one of the center’s co-principal investigators and CHRT has produced six research papers since participating in the national center.

For this work, CHRT explored national barriers, best practices, and policies related to affordable and accessible housing for people with physical disabilities.

Impact

With a rising number of extremely low income (ELI) and elderly individuals with disabilities seeking housing, the need for affordable and accessible housing is more urgent than ever.

CHRT's policy brief on affordable and accessible housing--which was distributed nationally--recommends local and state policies and practices that could increase such housing for low-income individuals with physical disabilities.

‍

Address compounded housing barriers

“Individuals with disabilities experience compounded housing barriers due to limited employment opportunities, obstacles accessing education and support services, inadequate income assistance, high costs, and extreme levels of housing inaccessibility.”

- Abigail Lindsay, health policy analyst

More disability work:

Telehealth FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Telehealth challenges for people with disabilities and the opportunities policymakers should consider. Read more.

HEALTHY AGING WITH DISABILITY SOLUTIONS

Organizations share common challenges around healthy aging with disabilities and ways to overcome them. Read more.

Drawing of a hand holding a chart with check marks

InteGration

Michigan physicians screen for social needs, but what happens next?

Physicians are well positioned to screen their patients for health-related social needs and refer them to local programs and services to receive help.
‍
CHRT researchers wanted to understand whether Michigan physicians screen their patients for social needs and know where to refer them for community-based social services.

CHRT’s work

In 2022, CHRT shared findings from a survey it conducted of Michigan physicians. The survey focus? How frequently Michigan physicians screen their patients for social needs and refer them to community-based social service providers for help.

While 84 percent of Michigan physicians surveyed reported that they routinely screen their patients for at least one social need, CHRT found that roughly half of the physicians surveyed did not routinely screen patients for key health-related social needs such as lack of transportation, housing insecurity, and food insecurity.

Impact

CHRT presented its findings to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Social Determinants of Health Summit. CHRT's recommendations included:

investing in workforce development, including community health worker training;
teaching physicians about existing referral services, such as 211;
providing financial support to community-based organizations for serving referred patients
improving mechanisms to share social needs data between primary care physicians, specialists, and community based organizations.

Marissa Burke

Many don't know how to refer patients for support.

“With this survey, we were able to give physicians a platform for sharing their experiences with social needs screenings and referrals, as well as their thoughts on what would help their teams advance the work. It is important that policymakers and other healthcare decision makers take physicians’ perspectives into account when designing policies and protocols to address health related social needs.”

- Marissa RurkA wade, Research and evaluation senior project manager

More integration work:

Primary and Behavioral Health Care integration

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is collaborating with community partners to promote the integration of primary and behavioral health care services in three underserved counties across the state. Read more.

police and behavioral health integration

CHRT evaluates Washtenaw County's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion and Deflection program, which provides officers with alternatives to citation, arrest, or incarceration for individuals with behavioral health disorders. Read more.

Community paramedicine IS COST EFFECTIVE

Community paramedicine programs fill significant treatment gaps between primary care providers and emergency care providers. In spite of their cost-effectiveness, community paramedicine programs struggle to secure funding. Read more.

Drawing of scales with a plus sign

Equity

What can we do to better address health related social needs?

Social needs like housing, food, and transportation have an enormous impact on health and wellbeing.

To better serve communities and to enhance equity, medical, behavioral, and social service providers need to be able to make cross sector referrals.

CHRT’s work

For the Promotion of Health Equity (PHE) initiative, CHRT is working with partners across Michigan to build a statewide infrastructure that improves data sharing and addresses disparities.

CHRT provides backbone support for the project, facilitates a multi-disciplinary learning network, and gathers and analyzes data to understand the impact on people and communities.

Impact

PHE is improving health and reducing disparities for Medicaid enrollees in 11 Michigan counties.

Partners from across the state are working to integrate clinical, social needs, and health equity data; enable cross-sector data sharing between medical providers and social service providers; scale social needs service delivery models; and support community information exchange.

Photo of Sharon Kim

We need a statewide infrastructure that makes it easier to connect people to the services they need.

“Bringing together so many regions from across the state, each with their own unique challenges, is unprecedented. We are coming together to support the integration between health and social care services.”

- Sharon Kim, director of health and social equity

More in health equity:

RRTC equity center project launch

Through a newly funded Rehabilitation Research Equity Center, organizations and investigators, including CHRT, are working to enhance the health and functioning of individuals with disabilities. Read more.

Drawing of a doctor giving a patient a shot

Pandemic Response

How does long COVID impact the health of Michigan's residents and economy?

In May 2020, several months into the COVID-19 pandemic, a new COVID-related health issue emerged: lingering symptoms of COVID months after recovery.

This phenomenon, dubbed long COVID, was poorly understood by patients and physicians alike.

CHRT’s work

CHRT researchers surveyed Michiganders to better understand the prevalence and impact of long COVID in the state.

They found that one in every three Michiganders they surveyed self-identified as a COVID long hauler.

They also found that those with long COVID were more prone to financial hardship.

Impact

CHRT’s survey was one of the first studies to investigate long COVID in Michiganders and was cited in a number of news stories across the state.

CHRT shared a series of long COVID recommendations for policymakers and employers, including expanded sick leave and broader access to disability insurance.

Photo of Jonathan Tsao

Through job instability, financial hardship, and more.

“Our ultimate objective is that this report informs state policymakers in their efforts to mitigate the effects of long COVID on Michigan's economy and population health.”

- Jonathan Tsao, Research and evaluation senior project manager

More pandemic response projects:

workforce support

How to better support behavioral health workers during public health emergencies. Read more.

COVID-related disparities

Early findings from NIH-funded social, behavioral, and economic research studies on COVID-related disparities. Read more.

CHRT surveys physicians about their use of and perspectives on telehealth during the pandemic. Read more.

Drawing of a health building with a vehicle in front and two trees

Public Health

How can we strengthen our public health systems to improve population health?

Public health emergencies such as the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic have put a spotlight on the deficiencies in America's public health infrastructure.

What have we learned? Federal, state, and local public health systems can better protect the public’s health with effective collaboration, adequate and flexible funding, and high-functioning surveillance and data systems.

Today, in the aftermath of COVID-19, many public health agencies are exploring ways to strengthen their systems.

CHRT’s work

CHRT interviewed local public health officials, legislators, providers, funders, and additional experts from health plans, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations that work with underserved populations.

In the interviews, CHRT asked what a high functioning public health system looks like and what resources are available to achieve it; how to strengthen relationships with local communities; how public health can present more unified messages; and what gains we could expect from stronger connections between public health and health systems?

Impact

CHRT’s research informed the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Advisory Committee.

The advisory committee analyzed and discussed CHRT's interview findings and developed a set of seven recommended actions.

Each recommendation includes a description of a course of action as well as a way to determine whether that action achieved its intended effect.

Photo of Nancy Baum

Integration can help.

With public health under the spotlight in recent years, experts have been on the lookout for ways to better integrate public health with primary care, behavioral health, and other disciplines.

- nancy baum, director of health policy

More in public health:

Commonwealth Fund integration project

With support from the Commonwealth Fund, CHRT explores avenues for public health and primary care integration through analysis of four states that are leaders in this work. Read more.

Drawing of a bottle of pills

Substance USe

How should we invest Michigan's opioid settlement dollars?

After the national opioid settlement agreement in February 2022, Michigan received $800 million to address the opioid crisis.

Half of those funds were distributed to municipalities across the state for local outreach and prevention and half will be managed by the state.

Both the state and its local municipalities need to know how to best use those resources to address gaps in care.

CHRT’s work

In advance of the settlement, CHRT worked with MDHHS to analyze results from its Opioid Settlement Prioritization Survey, which was distributed to SUD organizational representatives and individuals with lived experience.

CHRT found that respondents primarily wanted settlement funds to be used for recovery support services, prevention programs, and expanding access to medications used to treat opioid use disorder.

Impact

CHRT was asked by the Michigan Opioid Partnership to produce a report to help local communities and the state choose evidence-based programs that will maximize the impact of their settlement dollars.

CHRT will continue to provide information to local governments and the state, and has now been asked to help local communities as they develop and refine their own plans for use of opioid funds.

Photo of Holly Quivera

In evidence-based programs and equitable access.

“While we have a wide array of resources in the state, we still have a lot more work to do to ensure that they are available in an equitable fashion such that those who need them most have reliable access.”

- Holly quivera Teague, health policy analyst

More substance use work:

Backbone support to the whi Opioid Project

In our own community and across the country, opioid overdose deaths have reached epidemic levels. The Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI) Opioid Project intends to change that. Read more.

United Auto Workers peer support pilot

The UAW is working to provide support for union members who are personally struggling with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), or who have a loved-one with SUD. Read more.

Drawing of an open book

Publications

February 10, 2022

Michigan physicians share perspectives on telehealth opportunities and challenges

Terrisca Des Jardins, Melissa Riba, Marissa Rurka, and Karin Teske

May 23, 2022

Results from MDHHS' opioid settlement prioritization survey 2021-22

Samantha Iovan, Marissa Rurka, and Karin Teske

May 24, 2022

Long COVID's impact on Michiganders and the Michigan economy

Terrisca Des Jardins, Melissa Riba, Marissa Rurka, Karin Teske, Jonathan Tsao, and Poonam Yadav

June 24, 2022

Clear language and human-centered design can help Medicaid enrollees keep their coverage

Samantha Iovan, Patrick Kelly, and Renu Tipirneni, MD

June 30, 2022

Physicians' knowledge of where to refer patients for social needs increased; opportunities remain

Terrisca Des Jardins, Melissa Riba, Marissa Rurka, and Karin Teske

August 29, 2022

Telehealth for people with disabilities: opportunities policymakers should consider

Natalie Lawson, Jaque King, and Robyn Rontal

December 6, 2022

Funding community paramedicine is an ongoing challenge, in spite of value and savings

Nancy Baum, Jason Fair, Samantha Iovan, Terrisca Des Jardins, Erica Matti, andd Alexis Ventimiglia

December 12, 2022

Housing crisis is magnified for people with physical disabilities. Here's how we can help.

Jaque King and Abigail Lindsay

December 13, 2022

The value of community health workers in extending the behavioral health workforce

Nancy Baum and Erica Matti

December 16, 2022

Supporting behavioral health care providers during public health emergencies

Samantha Iovan, Brittney Julie, Patrick Kelly, Jaque King, and Kyra Martin

drawing of media laptop to phone connection

Media Mentions

January 27, 2022

Obamacare sign-ups surge in Michigan, uninsured rate hovers just above 5%

Detroit Free Press

JC Reindl

January 27, 2022

Northern Michigan University rural health director to learn at UM health policy fellowship

Radio Result Network

Jack Hall

February 2, 2022

UM health policy expert discusses Medicaid redetermination and SIP legislation

State of Reform

Patrick Jones

March 25, 2022

Home-visit programs save money, free ERS. Many insurers don't cover them

Bridge Michigan

Ted Roelofs

April 11, 2022

Nearly 100 organizations coming to the 2022 Michigan State of Reform Health Policy Conference

State of Reform

Matt Beuschlein

April 15, 2022

Michigan's Medicaid ballooned during COVID. It's about to be pared back

Bridge Michigan

Robin Erb

May 26, 2022

CHRT report details long COVID's effect on physical, mental, and financial health of Michiganders

State of Reform

Patrick Jones

May 29, 2022

Women may be experiencing more long COVID than men. We don't know why.

Michigan Radio

Kate Wells

June 19, 2022

Long COVID answers are coming into focus, slowly

mLive

Justin Hicks

June 30, 2022

CHRT study shows effectiveness of MDHHS outreach methods to Medicaid members

State of Reform

Patrick Jones

September 16, 2022

As Long COVID wreaks havoc on people and the workforce, experts call for more support

Michigan Advance

Kyle Davidson

September 19, 2022

CHRT discusses results from physician survey on screening patients for food insecurity

WJR Food First Michigan

Katie DeBow

September 21, 2022

Researchers seek solutions for Michigan's 700,000 COVID long haulers

Model D Media

Estelle Slootmaker

September 29, 2022

Michigan Senate OKs $565 million for mental health funding

Bridge Michigan

Robin Erb

October 26, 2022

How can Washtenaw County solve its mental health care provider shortage?

Second Wave Media

Rylee Barnsdale

October 27, 2022

Researchers seek solutions for Michigan's 700,000 COVID long haulers

Second Wave Media

Estelle Slootmaker

November 4, 2022

Billing for emergency department psychiatric care

Michigan Media

Heather Catallo

November 10, 2022

Proportion of Michiganders covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance

Detroit Free Press

J.C. Reindl

November 14, 2022

Michigan Health Endowment Fund announces $15.2 million in new grant awards

Michigan Health Endowment Fund

Healthy Aging, News

November 15, 2022

Michigan Health Endowment Fund to give away $15.2 million in sixty new grants

Second Wave Media

Healthy Aging, News

November 16, 2022

How can Washtenaw County turn around a startling rise in opioid overdose deaths?

Second Wave Media

Matt Hill Estelle Slootmaker

drawing of a loud speaker

Presentations

January 13, 2022

Broadband internet access and the health of people with disabilities

IDEAL Rehabilitation Research and Training Center

Philippa Clarke and Robyn Rontal

March 8, 2022

Lessons learned in engaging community-based organizations

Institute for Healthcare Innovation National Learning Action Network

Terrisca Des Jardins

April 11-14, 2022

Translating community-based work to payers for sustainability

American Society of Aging Conference, New Orleans, LA

Deana Smith

April 21, 2022

Addressing the social determinants of health

State of Reform Health Policy Conference, Lansing, MI

Melissa Riba

April 27-28, 2022

Disability and rehabilitation research following the COVID-19 Pandemic

National Association of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers

Robyn Rontal

April 28-29, 2022

Challenges and advantages of various CCBHC models

Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care Convening

Karin Teske

May 25-27 2022

Addressing substance use in the workplace

United Auto Workers Health and Safety Representative Summit

Matt Hill

June 7, 2022

Innovative approaches to the behavioral health workforce shortage

National Conference of State Legislatures Convening

Nancy Baum

July 14, 2022

Healthy aging for adults with long-term physical disabilities

IDEAL Rehabilitation Research and Training Center and ICPSR

Robyn Rontal

July 26-27, 2022

Integrating and sustaining social care within traditional health delivery,

Institute for Healthcare Innovation National Learning Action Network

Terrisca Des Jardins

September 20, 2022

Physician engagement in assessing and addressing SDOH

Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan

Melissa Riba

October 4, 2022

Addressing gaps in the behavioral health workforce

Tampa Bay Thrives Convening, Tampa, FL

Nancy Baum

October 12, 2022

Medicaid policy and healthy aging for individuals with disabilities

Robyn Rontal

October 13, 2022

Integrating community health workers into care coordination

BCBSM Healthy Safety Net Symposium

Ayse Buyuktur

October 13, 2022

Importance of community health workers in health care delivery

BCBSM physician diversity council meeting

Sharon Kim

October 14, 2022

Identifying research to improve public health policy

The Commonwealth Fund public health policy grantee convening

Nancy Baum

October 23-25, 2022

Using technology and care teams to improve maternal and infant health

NCQA 2022 Health Innovation Summit, Orlando, FL

Sharon Kim

November 2, 2022

The impact of siblings on caregiver psychological well-being

Gerontological Association of American Annual Meeting

Marissa Rurka

November 11-12, 2022

Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion and Deflection pilot evaluation

American Evaluation Association Annual Meeting

Jadrienne Horton

November 28, 2022

Overcoming behavioral health workforce shortages in rural America

Kansas State Legislature Special Comission on Mental Health Beds

Nancy Baum, Jaque King

2022 Financial Position

Audited statement
of financial position

December 31, 2022

CHRT Assets table

CHRT Liabilities Table

Sources of
expenditures

12 months ended December 31, 2022 (audited)

EXPENDITURES WITH PASS THROUH

Source of expenditures Pie Chart

Partners

Board of Directors

Tony Denton, Chair
Senior Vice-President and Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance Officer, University of Michigan Health – Michigan Medicine
‍

Lynda Rossi, Vice Chair
Executive Vice President, Strategy, Government, and Public Affairs, BCBSM
‍

Rob Casalou, Board Treasurer
‍Regional President and CEO
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System
‍

Toshiki Masaki
President, Detroit Chapter,
Japanese American Citizens League
‍

Amy McKenzie
Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, BCBSM

Fran Parker
Retired, Executive Director
UAW Retiree Benefit Trust

Todd Van Tol
Senior Vice President
Health Plan Business, BCBSM

Brent Williams
Medical Director, University of Michigan Complex Care Management Program

Terrisca Des Jardins (Ex-Officio)
Executive Director, Center for Health and Research Transformation

Thank you to our funders and clients

ABIM Foundation
Administration for Community Living
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
BCBSM Foundation
Children of the Rising Sun
City of Ann Arbor
City of Detroit
The Commonwealth Fund
Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan
The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation
Henry Ford Health System
Huron Gastro
Institute for Healthcare Improvement

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Michigan Health Endowment Fund
Michigan Medicine
Michigan Public Health Institute
Michigan State Medical Society
Shelter Association of Washtenaw
Tampa Bay Thrives
THC Foundation
Thome Foundation
Trinity Health
United Auto Workers
University of Michigan
Washtenaw County

Staff

Ryan Bartholomew

Ryan Bartholomew

Senior Health Policy Analyst

Nancy Baum

Nancy Baum

Health Policy Director

William Bishop

William Bishop

Community Initiatives Intern

Jennifer Black

Jennifer Black

Project and Compliance Manager

Gudrun Bossmann

Gudrun Bossmann

Associate Director of Finance

Tiffany Brent

Tiffany Brent

Business Development Director

Ayse G. Büyüktür

Ayse G. Büyüktür

Program Manager

Jeni Chapman

Jeni Chapman

Project Manager

Kirsten Cormier

Kirsten Cormier

Administrative Specialist Senior

Terrisca Des Jardins

Terrisca Des Jardins

Executive Director

Dana Elobaid

Dana Elobaid

Communications Intern

Allison Fritsch

Allison Fritsch

CHRT Intern

Emma Golub

Emma Golub

Senior Analyst

Wendy Hawkins

Wendy Hawkins

Health Policy Project Manager

Matt Hill

Matt Hill

WHI Project Manager

Erin Horne

Erin Horne

Community Engagement Program Manager

Jadrienne Horton

Jadrienne Horton

Program Manager

Samantha Iovan

Samantha Iovan

Health Policy Senior Project Manager

Elizabeth Jahn

Elizabeth Jahn

Business and Finance Director

Lisa Jeun

Senior Accountant

Cleoniki (Cleo) Kesidis

Cleoniki (Cleo) Kesidis

Health Communications Specialist

Sharon Kim

Sharon Kim

Director of Health and Social Equity

Jaque King

Jaque King

Associate Director, Health Policy

Brady Kinnersley

Brady Kinnersley

Financial Specialist

Abigail Lindsay

Health Policy Analyst

Kyra Martin

Kyra Martin

Health Policy Intern

Erica Matti

Erica Matti

Senior Health Policy Analyst

Angela Palek

Angela Palek

Senior Financial Specialist

Elisabeth Paymal

Elisabeth Paymal

Senior Communications Specialist

Gregory Powers

Gregory Powers

Senior Project Manager, Communications

Holly Quivera Teague

Holly Quivera Teague

Health Policy Analyst

Sheritha Rayford

Sheritha Rayford

Program Manager

Melissa Riba

Melissa Riba

Research & Evaluation Director

Robyn Rontal

Robyn Rontal

Interim Executive Director

Marissa Rurka Wade

Marissa Rurka Wade

Research and Evaluation Senior Project Manager

Flavia Shuck

Flavia Shuck

Senior Administrative Assistant

Andrew Smentkowski

Andrew Smentkowski

Operations and Finance Director

Deana Smith

Deana Smith

Associate Director, Community Initiatives

Kimberly Snodgrass

Kimberly Snodgrass

Health Communications Analyst

Erin Spanier

Erin Spanier

Communications Director

Karin Teske

Karin Teske

Research and Evaluation Senior Project Manager

Jonathan Tsao

Jonathan Tsao

Research and Evaluation Senior Project Manager

Ivana Tullett

Compliance Specialist

Poonam Yadav

Poonam Yadav

Research and Evaluation Analyst