Stories from the Midland Area Community Foundation

What about community health in a pandemic? Midland public health group to provide community update

January 22nd, 2021

A collaborative group of more than 35 organizations from all sectors of the community are targeting physical and mental health gaps in Midland County. In light of the pandemic, the group has adapted strategies to effectively address community needs. These efforts are part of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which was initially launched in early 2016 and is celebrating five years of advancements in the community.

The Health and Human Services Council of Midland County invites the public to join them for a virtual update of the CHIP efforts on Wednesday, January 27 at 9:30AM. The informational meeting will be held via Zoom and will focus on community health during a pandemic. Dr. Catherine Bodnar, Medical Director for the Midland County Health Department, will provide an update. Community leaders will present on successes and challenges in the four priority areas: later life quality, substance abuse, healthy weight, and mental health.

 

“Working in collaboration is the best way to move the needle on health issues in our community,” said Sharon Mortensen, Chair of the CHIP Committee and President & CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation. “As we reach the fifth year of the CHIP, we’re excited to share some of the projects and programs that have come out of this collaboration.”The CHIP was developed using data from a variety of local and national sources, such as the Midland County Dashboard, county health rankings, behavioral risk factor surveys, data from MidMichigan Health and others.

“The Community Health Improvement Plan is vital to our economic, social, physical and emotional community wellbeing.” said Dr. Catherine Bodnar, Medical Director for the Midland County Health Department. “I encourage anyone to attend and learn about the progress we’ve made and what’s being done in Midland County, even in the midst of the pandemic.”

To be a part of the update, go to the Health and Human Services Facebook page at www.facebook.com\healthymidland and click on the link or use the following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86501651371. For questions, call Sharon Mortensen at 989-839-9661.