Nine Southeast Michigan organizations awarded over $1.1 million from the Total Health Care Foundation

(DETROIT, Mich. — May 8, 2023) From helping to provide free student heart checks, to financial health coaching, to improving maternal and infant health, the Total Health Care Foundation has awarded nine Southeast Michigan organizations over $1.1 million in grants. The grant recipients share Priority Health's vision in improving the lives of Detroit and Southeast Michigan residents by addressing the social determinants of health (SDoH) facing their communities such as food and housing shortages, economic stability and physical/mental health issues.

Formed as part of the merger agreement between Priority Health and Total Health Care, the Total Health Care Foundation has committed to providing millions of dollars' worth of grants over the next few years to support organizations committed to improving the lives of individuals they serve. To date, the Total Health Care Foundation has given more than $12 million to more than 80 organizations serving the Detroit and Southeast Michigan areas.

"Priority Health and the Total Health Care Foundation are thrilled to be able to invest in these organizations so they can continue to expand and push their initiatives forward to help address concerns within their communities," said Shannon Wilson executive director of the Total Health Care Foundation. "We are committed to helping improve the health and well-being of the people of Detroit and the most effective way to do that is by investing in organizations that are making a difference and successfully transforming lives.”

The recipients of this round of Total Health Care Foundation grants are:

  • Beaumont Student Heart Checks - Every year, students die from sudden cardiac arrest due to abnormal heart structure or abnormal rhythms. To help detect young people who are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest, Beaumont offers free student heart checks for students between the ages of 13-18.
  • Brightmoor Connection - Brightmoor Connection has operated successfully as a Client Choice Model since 2011. They recognize there is a need to expand the model in response to what is happening in the community regarding food insecurity. The pantry is positioned to evolve from client-choice model service to focus on a food cooperative model. The food cooperative model will build on the more than a decade of demonstrated agency, including self-governance, sound operations, fiscal management and widespread community support, building out self-determination.
  • DLIVE - Supports Social Determinant of Health Service delivery - will focus on developing pathways to employment, addressing housing insecurity, financial health coaching, mental health counseling, and health education.
  • Emmanuel House - Provides support for the Rapid Response Housing Program, as well as start-up costs for a building renovation that will have the capacity to service 60-80 men and women and provide 24-hour emergency shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence in Detroit.
  • Hope Village Revitalization - Supports the expansion of programming that addresses social determinants of health, specifically the work of a community health worker and resource navigator, and the operation of a seasonal Community Hub and Farmers Market.
  • Metro-Detroit Black Business Alliance (MDBBA) - The MDBBA seeks to help close the racial wealth gap through the lens of Black entrepreneurship. Their mission is to develop programs and advocate for policies that result in profitable and sustainable Black-owned businesses that are connected to public and private economic opportunities while building trusted relationships. The Capital Connect program provides legal, tax, and accounting support for participants in the program. The program includes several sessions where Black businesses work on and get direct support for their business plan and pitch preparation. They also cover the costs of any additional support they may need from accounting, to tax preparation, credit repair and even legal. During this time, members also craft a growth strategy for their business.
  • Oakland University Healthy Campus Initiative - supports improvements in outreach and training efforts for five university student and employee well-being initiatives aimed at fostering a Healthy Campus: Mental Health, Stress Management and Resource Training, Certified Healthy Department Program, Ergonomic Assessment Program, ACHA NCHA/NFSHA (American College Health Association National College Health Assessment/National Faculty Staff Health Assessment) Student and Employee Surveys and Employee Nutrition Programming.
  • SOS Maternity Network - Supports investigation and implementation of evidence-based practices to improve maternal and infant health disparities across the state by a coalition of 14 health care institutions serving communities from Grand Rapids to Detroit

Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are evaluated by the Total Health Care Foundation Board quarterly. If you are interested in learning more about the Total Health Care Foundation or in applying for a grant, please email THCFoundation@thcmi.com

About Priority Health:

With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.