Title
Resolution Authorizing Membership in and Commitment to Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI) Charter and Statement of Commitment ($10,000.00)
Staff
Prepared by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Reviewed by: Marti Praschan, CFO
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) deepening its commitment to health equity by launching a compensated Community Advisory Board and expanding the presence of Community Ambassadors with lived experience on the WHI Steering Committee, 2) facilitating the early completion of a joint Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) between Michigan Medicine, Trinity Health Ann Arbor, and Chelsea Hospital to assess shared health priorities and the impact of COVID-19, 3) addressing critical social determinants of health through initiatives such as a transportation hub for older adults and a shared housing model for seniors, developed in partnership with local nonprofit organizations, and 4) convening local stakeholders and community partners to advance health and social services integration (HSSI), including early development of a pilot Community Care Hub initiative to improve cross-sector coordination.
Whereas, There are an estimated 2,091 Ann Arbor City residents eligible for Medicaid or the Healthy Michigan Plan, but they are not enrolled;
Whereas, There are an estimated 876 Ann Arbor City residents eligible for tax credits to purchase coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace, but not enrolled;
Whereas, The City was a member of WHI in FY22-25 pursuant to approval by Council Resolution R-22-195;
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; and
Whereas, Funding in the amount of $10,000.00 for membership fees is available in the Non-Departmental General Fund FY26 budget; and funding for a membership of $10,000.00 will be considered for each FY27, FY28, and FY29;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve participation as a voluntary charter member of the Washtenaw Health Initiative (WHI) under its Charter 2025-2029 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 approves payment of the required membership fee expenditure of $10,000.00 in FY26, which is budgeted in the General Fund Non-Departmental budget for FY26; and
RESOLVED, That City Council approve payments of the required membership fee expenditure of $10,000.00 in FY27, FY28, and FY29 subject to appropriation.