Title
Resolution Authorizing Membership in and Commitment to Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI) Charter 2022 Statement of Commitment ($10,000.00)
Staff
Prepared by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Reviewed by: Michelle Landis, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI) is a voluntary, county-wide collaboration of local leaders focused on improving health and healthcare in Washtenaw County with an emphasis on the low income, uninsured, and underinsured populations. The WHI brings together organizations to generate innovative ideas to improve health and healthcare in the county, identify and share information on gaps and opportunities, and coordinate and leverage resources;
Whereas, The Initiative’s recent successes include 1) declaring race equity as a significant focus in the work of the WHI, it’s working groups, and it’s special projects, 2) facilitating a joint community health needs assessment (CHNA) and investment implementation plan between Michigan Medicine, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, and Saint Joseph Mercy Chelsea, 3) developing a Community Engagement plan to build stronger relationships with community based organizations and community residents, 4) began the process of incorporating voices of lived-experience as “Community Ambassadors” on the WHI’s Steering Committee;
Whereas, There are an estimated 2,749 Ann Arbor City residents eligible for Medicaid or the Healthy Michigan Plan but not enrolled;
Whereas, There are an estimated 828 Ann Arbor City residents eligible for tax credits to purchase coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace but not enrolled;
Whereas, Pursuing voluntary charter membership in the WHI is closely related to previous City efforts;
Whereas, It is advantageous for the City to become a voluntary member at this time to participate with a group on the forefront of recognizing and attempting to address current gaps that exist in the health care system, and as a way to participate with an organization committed to analyzing and preparing for changes that will occur in the County as provisions of federal health care reform take effect;
Whereas, A membership fee of $10,000.00 in FY22 will be funded through the Office of Community and Economic Development, and funding for a membership of $10,000.00 will be considered for each FY23, FY24, and FY25; and
Whereas, Funding in the amount of $10,000.00 is available in the Non-Departmental General Fund budget for this and future membership fees;
RESOLVED, That City Council hereby approve participation as a voluntary charter member of the Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI) under its Charter 2022-2026 Statement of Commitment (Charter);
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized and directed to execute the Charter on behalf of the City;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve payment of the required membership fee expenditure of $10,000.00 in FY22, which is budgeted in the General Fund Non-Departmental budget for FY22; and
RESOLVED, That City Council approve payments of the required membership fee expenditure of $10,000.00 in FY23, FY24, and FY25 subject to appropriation.