Michigan’s Health Champions: Celebrating Community Dedication
In the heart of Detroit, an inspiring event took place as the Western Wayne Family Health Centers (WWFHC) presented its esteemed 2024 Community Health Champion Award. This annual recognition is dedicated to honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to support the crucial mission of promoting health equity and access in their communities. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as two incredible recipients were celebrated for their remarkable contributions.
A Leader in Health Care Reform
State Senator Sylvia Santana, hailing from Detroit, was one of the award recipients. As the chairwoman of the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, she played a pivotal role in advocating for the first Medicaid rate increase for Michigan’s community health centers in several years. This increase is a game changer, especially when considering the significant challenges health centers across the state were facing.
“To put it in perspective,” said Linda Atkins, the CEO of WWFHC, “health centers are the safety net for one in every fifteen people in Michigan when it comes to primary care, dental, and mental health services. We could have been forced to cut back our hours, services, or even lay off staff without Senator Santana’s leadership.”
Senator Santana’s hard work took months of dedication to ensure the health and well-being of Michiganders, making her recognition as a Community Health Champion well deserved. “This award is truly an honor, but it’s really a reflection of the collaborative efforts of many who care deeply about our communities’ health,” remarked Santana during her acceptance speech.
A Hub of Health and Learning
The second recipient of the Community Health Champion Award was the Wayne County Community College District’s (WCCCD) Downriver Campus in Taylor, honored for its incredible outreach efforts within the community. President Andy Steeby and Campus Operations Associate Dawn Piper accepted the award, acknowledging the campus’s role as a vital hub for various community health activities.
The Downriver Campus is not only a center for learning but also supported COVID-19 vaccine and testing clinics, alongside hosting meetings and trainings for numerous local health and social service agencies. “The space we have at the Downriver Campus has been invaluable,” said Guadalupe Vivanco, COO at WWFHC. “We compactly fit all our staff meetings and specialized training sessions, which is a game changer for us.”
The collaboration between WWFHC and WCCCD significantly impacted local residents. Thanks to the quick response of the WCCCD Downriver Campus, many individuals were able to access the much-needed COVID-19 vaccines and testing without complications. Residents were grateful for the convenient services provided, proving how crucial such partnerships are in times of crisis.
Impact on the Community
With established health center locations in areas like Inkster, Taylor, Lincoln Park, and Dearborn, WWFHC is committed to providing extensive healthcare services. The center caters to almost 20,000 patients annually, regardless of their insurance status. Services available include adult medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, general dentistry, behavioral health, psychiatry, addiction medicine, and even HIV prevention.
Founded in 2006, WWFHC’s mission is clear: to ensure everyone has access to health care, and this year’s award recipients are shining examples of that commitment in action. The recognition serves as a reminder that the work towards health equity and accessible care is ongoing, with dedicated leaders and organizations paving the way for healthier communities across Michigan.
As we celebrate these health champions, one thing is clear: the strength of community lies in its ability to lift one another up, ensuring everyone can thrive.
