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SPECIALTY CARE
Health Equity
We know that Social Determinants of Health play a big role in treating type 2 diabetes. We want to make finding additional resources and support as easy as possible for our practices and patients.
Jump to: MSHIELD Partnership | Health Equity Vision | Food Assistance Resources | Learn about Health Equity
Partnership with MSHIELD
MCT2D has partnered with MSHIELD to focus on improving health equity in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and help practices connect patients with the resources they need.
To address patients’ social health needs, MSHIELD works closely with community hubs across Michigan that provide care coordination services, connect patients to community resources, build community capacity to address health inequities, and drive improvements in population health.
MSHIELD supports CQIs and their member practices by:
- Providing support to plan and implement evidence-based screening and referrals for SDOH needs
- Consulting with practices to improve and build on existing SDOH interventions and screening processes
- Facilitating connections to community hubs, resources, and social care services across Michigan
- Offering education and training opportunities related to health equity
HEALTH EQUITY VISION + GOALS
We envision a Michigan where all individuals have equitable access to the best care for type 2 diabetes regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, insurance coverage or geographic location. Our collaborative efforts will lead to reduced prevalence and complications of type 2 diabetes and improved quality of life for every patient.
MCT2D has created 6 starting Health Equity goals to help us achieve this vision. You can learn more about these goals by downloading our 1-pager.
DOWNLOADStatewide Food Assistance Resources
Lack of access to food is a significant barrier to managing type 2 diabetes. We have compiled a list of both state and county assistance programs below to help connect patients to food in their area.
2-1-1
Call 2-1-1 or visit www.mi211.org
Michigan 2-1-1 is an easy way to find help of all kinds, right in your community. Call, text, or search online to get connected to food assistance.
MI Food Assistance Program (SNAP)
Use the MI Bridges portal to apply for a range of benefits including food assistance through the SNAP program.
Find Your Local Food Bank
The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks and food programs helps millions of people find food and grocery help in their communities every year. Connect with your local food bank to learn about upcoming free food distributions and to apply for national food programs like SNAP and WIC.
Food Finder
FoodFinder is a food pantry locator that shows you when and where to get free food assistance in your area. The map on our home page is a map of food pantries and school meal locations – every pin that appears is a food assistance program nearby.
MI Community Action Agencies (CAA)s
Food Assistance Resources For Seniors (55 and older)
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a meal delivery service for individuals with diminished mobility who are generally aged 60 and older, although age requirements can vary. Find a provider using the link above.
Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH
Learn more here
This program provides residents who are aged 60 or older (and residents who are aged 55 or older who belong to a Michigan federally recognized tribe or urban tribal group) free nutrition education and $25 in coupons that can be exchanged for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods sold at local farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
County-Specific Food Assistance Resources
Please note that this list is a starting point to help patients find and connect with resources. We cannot guarantee the availability or capacity of community resources and social services in a given county.
County | Community Hub Referral | Local MDHHS Office Address (SNAP) | Additional Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
Gratiot | 201 Commerce Drive Ithaca, MI 48847 | ||
Huron | 1911 Sand Beach Rd. Bad Axe, MI 48413 | ||
Isabella | 1919 Parkland Drive Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 | ||
Jackson | 301 E. Louis Glick Hwy. Jackson, MI 49201 | ||
Kalamazoo | 427 E. Alcott Street Kalamazoo, MI 49001 | ||
Livingston | 2300 E. Grand River, Ste. 1Howell, MI 48843 | ||
Macomb | 44777 N. Gratiot Ave. Ste. A Clinton Township, MI 48036 | ||
Manistee | 1672 US 31 South Manistee, MI 49660 | ||
Ottawa/Allegan | 12185 James St., Ste. 200 Holland, MI 49424 | ||
Ottawa/Allegan | 3255 122nd Ste 300 Allegan, MI 49010 | ||
Washtenaw | |||
Wayne | 1801 E. Canfield 3040 W. Grand Blvd. Detroit, MI 48207 |
Health Equity Language
Equality v. Equity
Equity refers to fairness and justice and is distinguished from equality. While equality means providing the same to all, equity requires recognizing that we do not all start from the same place because power is unevenly distributed. The process is ongoing, requiring us to identify and overcome uneven distribution of power as well as intentional and unintentional barriers arising from bias or structural root causes.
80% of our health is determined by non-clinical factors
Defining health equity
Health Equity is the principle underlying a commitment to reduce – and, ultimately, eliminate – disparities in health and in its determinants, including social determinants. Pursuing health equity means striving for the highest possible standard of health for all people and giving special attention to the needs of those at greatest risk of poor health, based on social conditions.
– Paula Braveman, MD, MPH
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the conditions in which we live, grow, work, and play
Evaluating Social Determinants of Health
This guide is meant to introduce concepts central to integrating social determinants of health screening into health practices. We at MSHIELD are always available to discuss the nuances of applying these concepts and strategies to your work.
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ccteam@mct2d.org
Support for The Michigan Collaborative for Type 2 Diabetes (MCT2D) is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as part of the BCBSM Value Partnerships program.
Although Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and MCT2D work collaboratively, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of BCBSM or any of its employees.