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.

Find Community Resources

Easily search the FindHelp database of thousands of community resources including diabetes programs, food support, transportation, and more.
Enter a keyword and your zip code and click “search”

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
LEARN MORE ABOUT MSHIELDSCHEDULE 1:1 CONSULTATION

Statewide 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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