We had terrific new opportunities for impact in 2025, including expanding public health communications across the state, providing educational opportunities for legislators and their staff, and supporting our partners' work in long-term supports and services, disability services, community paramedicine and behavioral health. Our policy briefs and project reports continue to serve as sources of rigorous, evidence-based analysis for decisionmakers and stakeholders.
The NUS-Lancet PRIME Commission is a global initiative aimed at understanding how countries prepare for and respond to pandemics. Twenty countries are participating in the PRIME Commission and contributing to expanding the global knowledge base related to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
CHRT led the design and execution of the U.S. case study, conducting interviews and focus groups with stakeholders across sectors in Michigan. This case study focused specifically on two vulnerable populations: 1) rural migrant farmworkers, and 2) urban racial/ethnic minority groups. CHRT analyzed qualitative data and produced a comprehensive report summarizing lessons learned, with a focus on equity, community experience, and system-level preparedness.
Findings contribute to a global evidence base informing pandemic preparedness policy and will be included in a forthcoming Lancet report that will serve as a primary resource for the 2026 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Pandemics. The work elevates community voices and highlights the importance of equity and trust in effective pandemic response systems.
Services: Qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, data analysis
interviews conducted across Michigan
focus groups completed
cross-sector stakeholders engaged
The MI Health Communications Initiative supports public health organizations by providing evidence-based communication materials to address misinformation on social media and improve public trust. The initiative is designed to expand the reach of accurate health messaging, particularly for organizations with limited communications capacity.
CHRT conducted a qualitative evaluation of the initiative, designing interview guides and leading two waves of stakeholder interviews. CHRT analyzed findings and developed recommendations to assess how the materials are used and how they support public health communication efforts.
Evaluation findings show that the initiative helps organizations save time, expand reach, and strengthen public health messaging. Insights from the evaluation are informing improvements to the initiative and supporting more effective dissemination of evidence-based information.
Services: Qualitative research, interview design, data analysis
interviews conducted across two waves
of stakeholders agreed the project provided immense value
Improved reach and reduced communications burden
This project examined how applied behavior analysis, community living services, and personal care services are delivered to Medicaid beneficiaries in Kent County. The goal was to assess whether service provision aligns with beneficiary acuity and to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
CHRT staffed and facilitated the Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI), which leads a Health and Social Service Integration (HSSI) effort. In 2025, the WHI convened health care providers, behavioral health leaders, and community-based organizations to explore opportunities for stronger coordination and system alignment at the 2025 Health and Social Service Integration Summit.
Findings are helping Network 180 identify opportunities to better match services to individual needs, improve resource allocation, and reduce unnecessary costs. The analysis provides a data-driven foundation for refining service authorization practices and strengthening system efficiency.
Services: Data analysis, health care utilization analysis, literature review
Analysis of service utilization and alignment with beneficiary acuity
interviews with Community Mental Health Service Programs
recommendations developed to improve service alignment and reduce costs
