Spotlight Feature: Community Health Services
The Hub for Community Outreach
Across the Health System, people are reaching out to help those in need
The University of Michigan Health System’s Community Health Services has a long history of providing outreach to citizens of Washtenaw County and beyond through partnerships with state and local health organizations. While CHS runs programs such as the Housing Bureau for Seniors, Interpreter Services, Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels, Volunteer Services, Patient & Visitor Hotel Accommodations and School-based Health Centers, it also makes connections for non-CHS programs seeking to provide community outreach.
Jean Dickenson (left) and Betty Jo Kolb prepare to transport meals to homebound residents for Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels.“Often, a department or group within UMHS wants to provide a screening or health fair but is unaware of programs or services already being offered or how to connect with who needs them most in the community,” says Sharon Redmer, R.N., CHS director. “If you are targeting a specific population, such as pregnant women, it would be helpful to know that a subset of our community has low birth weight and infant mortality rates that rival those of Detroit. By contacting us first, we can connect you with external groups who need our services most and with folks internally with similar interests or issues.”
Because CHS participates in public health initiatives to address and improve health outcomes across the nation, it is able to gather specific health data about Washtenaw County that can be used to effectively target populations to meet their health care needs.
Moveable Feasts: Wheels needed
Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels is adding a new delivery route this summer and needs 25 to 30 volunteers. Meals on Wheels serves people of all ages, regardless of income, who are homebound and unable to cook for themselves.
“With our aging population and as people become more aware of our services, demand will increase. This is a great way to give back—volunteers are often the only person a recipient sees every day, many of whom are lonely and socially isolated,” says Beth Adams, director.
Found in Translation
If you serve as an ad-hoc Spanish translator because you speak Spanish, consider taking the Spanish bilingual medical terminology test to be sure your medical terminology is up to snuff, or take the Spanish bilingual assistant training course through Interpreter Services.
“Being bilingual doesn’t necessarily mean you know medical terminology well. These programs help you to interpret medical terminology and remain impartial, providing the best care possible for our non-English speaking patients,” says Michelle Harris, director.
Senior Service
Josephine Taylor (right) and Carolyn Hastings review the various housing options available through the Housing Bureau for Seniors.Each year, thousands of local seniors seek help to maintain appropriate and affordable living arrangements. Many face foreclosure and eviction, and need help navigating legal issues and dealing with crises.
“We are about having our seniors live in safe environments that reduce stress, are clean, safe and help seniors and adult children and relatives,” says Carolyn Hastings, director, Housing Bureau for Seniors. “We are about extending the Health System beyond its walls into the community, helping people day by day.” —JS
Inside View Editorial Advisory Group
Constance Bridges, Office of the Dean, Medical School
Paula Greeno, Office of the EVPMA
Teri Grieb, MSA Office of Research
Judy Hallberg, S.P.H.R., UMMS Human Resources
Kelly, UMHS Human Resources
Erin Koenigsknecht, UMHS Marketing Communications
Eric Kratochwill, UMHHC Office of the CEO
Allison Krieger, Public Relations and Marketing Communications
Rick Krupinski, Editor, Medicine at Michigan
Alisa Morningstar, UMHS, MFit Health Promotion
Sara Nielsen, Safety Management Services
Tammy Nipper, UMMS Human Resources
Juanita Parry, Nurse Recruitment & Retention
Steve Raymond, UMHHC Leadership & Staff Development
Karen Schlueter, Livonia Health Center
Connie Standiford, Medical School Administration
Carole Strong, House Officers Association
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Beth Johnson, editor and senior writer
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