The MHA brought together the Community Benefit Collaborative members for a daylong kickoff event on Oct. 2 to network and learn from peers across the state conducting community benefit work in chronic disease, behavioral health and maternal health. Agenda topics included creating welcoming spaces to build trust, implementing effective data collection strategies and learning about the Michigan Health Endowment Fund’s initiatives.
The event began with an opening panel featuring subject matter experts in the three areas who discussed implementation, engagement and data collection strategies in community benefit work. Speakers included Katelyn Smoger, director, food as medicine at the farm, Trinity Health; Courtney Latimer, manager, office of community health, education & wellness, Henry Ford Health; and Jennifer Johnson, professor, Michigan State University.
A presentation on creating welcoming and inclusive spaces that build trust followed. Speakers included Gayle Shipp, assistant professor, Michigan State University; and Lenise Freeman, policy analyst, MHA. This discussion focused on the importance of patient-centered care, cultural sensitivity and the connection between hospital reputation and community benefit programming.
Furthermore, program officers Michelle Gagliardi and Sara Wasil from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund shared current efforts in chronic disease, maternal health and behavioral health.
The event concluded with breakout sessions for each topic area to discuss data collection strategies to showcase success. Participants also discussed ways to collect stories that illustrate the impact of their work and highlight the ongoing need for community benefit programs.
Members with questions may contact Nadia Syed at the MHA.
To learn more about community benefit collaboratives, visit the community benefit collaboratives webpage and the October 2025 CEO Report..