The MHA Health Access & Community Impact Office Hours series kicked off Nov. 24 with a session highlighting 211 and its role in addressing food access amid ongoing challenges related to food insecurity. Sarah Kile, director of community and partner engagement, Michigan 211, provided an overview of the 211 system, available outreach tools and what hospitals can expect when coordinating with 211 on regional needs.
The session also included remarks from the Food Bank Council of Michigan, which provides regional food bank coordination, resource management, data trend tracking and direct support, including assistance with applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through its statewide helpline at 1-888-544-8773.
The MHA is working to schedule a follow-up session with 211 that will highlight regional data collected from recent calls, which have seen a 200% increase in the last few weeks.
Session slides, the recording and key resources are available on the MHA Member Forum. The office hours series supports hospital teams working to better connect healthcare and community services by sharing strategies, exchanging insights and collaborating on issues affecting community health.
Members with questions may contact Ewa Panetta at the MHA.