LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is on the hunt for social media-savvy residents to help boost access to basic needs like housing, transportation and food. To do this, they are looking to actively engage community residents through its Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Community Influencer Program.

This initiative aims to encourage community engagement, address issues like food insecurity and affordable housing, and promote health equity by harnessing the influence of local advocates across Michigan. Currently, MDHHS is seeking additional participants for this program.

Health Department searching for 35 residents to assist in raising awareness about access to essential services.

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MDHHS is looking to recruit 35 influencers from diverse backgrounds across the state, with a specific focus on engaging community health workers, including family advocates, navigators, and outreach workers. However, the program is open to anyone interested.

Potential candidates will undergo a background check and will be assessed based on their ability to enhance community health, their network within the community, and their availability for program commitments.

At the heart of the SDOH strategy lies the involvement of a diverse group of trusted community members. These individuals serve as authentic representatives whose insights are instrumental in enhancing SDOH programs and service delivery.

Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS Director, emphasizes the significance of continuous learning from trusted community partners in shaping social determinants of health policy, saying in the MDHHS press release about the program, “By actively involving these engaged community members, MDHHS will improve awareness and access to resources, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for all Michigan residents.”

How does program work?

According to MDHHS, the program operates through three key phases including listening, reflecting and acting. Community influencers will engage in brief questionnaires, surveys, meetings, and community events to share valuable feedback.

Feedback gathered during the listening phase will be carefully reviewed and interpreted by the SDOH team. Insights shared will be analyzed to identify community-driven solutions and strategies tailored to diverse needs.

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MDHHS will then integrate feedback into programs and policies, closing the loop by transparently communicating outcomes to community influencers. This ongoing dialogue aims to foster collaboration and trust between MDHHS and the community.

Currently, the SDOH Community Influencer Program is comprised of 43 individuals across Michigan, representing various populations and communities facing SDOH challenges.

Those community influencers, and the new ones chosen, will serve as conduits for community needs, maintaining a working relationship with MDHHS and local partners. Their role involves providing feedback on programs and sharing community experiences to address challenges hindering happy and healthy lives.

A small amount of compensation is included.

Because MDHHS acknowledges the invaluable contributions of community influencers, they have developed a compensation plan where participants receive a monthly compensation of $75 for active participation in meetings, focus groups, surveys, and social media engagement. Attendance at in- person orientation sessions will be compensated with an additional $100.

Michigan residents aged 18 and above with an interest in enhancing community health and well-being are encouraged to apply for the program by visiting: michigan.gov/SDOH.