October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder of the important role that regular screenings play in protecting your health. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, and routine mammograms remain one of the most effective tools for detecting breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear.

Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment options and outcomes. That’s why keeping up with recommended mammogram screenings is an important part of preventive healthcare.

If you’re due for a mammogram, now is a great time to schedule one. Talk with your healthcare provider about when screening is right for you based on your age, personal health history, and family history.

At Packard Health, we’re committed to helping our patients access the preventive care they need. If you need a mammogram, your Packard Health care team can help you schedule your screening.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take a step toward protecting your health. Schedule your mammogram and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same.

To learn more or discuss breast cancer screening, talk with your Packard Health provider today.

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Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available at Packard Health! As we head into cold and flu season, getting your annual vaccines is one of the best ways to protect yourself from serious illness and stay healthy throughout the months ahead.

Vaccination also helps protect the people around you, including family members, friends, neighbors, and others who may be more vulnerable to illness. When more people are protected, our entire community benefits.

We encourage you to schedule your appointment today and head into the season with added protection and peace of mind.

Call (734) 971-1073 to make an appointment.

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Packard Health was recently recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) for its efforts to improve health and well-being throughout Washtenaw County.

As part of American Heart Association’s Heart Ball supporting the future of cardiovascular care, Packard Health was invited to share its impact story and how community partnerships are helping connect people with the resources they need to live healthier lives.

The event centered around the American Heart Association’s four “Chambers of the Heart”: Discovery, Knowledge, Access, and Advocacy. Packard Health was selected to represent the Access chamber, recognizing the organization’s work to reduce barriers to care and improve access to health and wellness resources.

Representing Packard Health at the event was Rebecca Fleming, Director of Programs and Community Health Initiatives, who spoke about the organization’s work through the Washtenaw Behavioral Health Project, an American Heart Association grant initiative focused on cardiovascular and whole-person health. Fleming was joined by Steve Sarns, a longtime supporter of both Packard Health and the American Heart Association, and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, who attended the event in support of efforts to improve community health and well-being.

Through this initiative, Packard Health partners with the Ann Arbor YMCA, Jewish Family Service of Ann Arbor, and behavioral health providers to help patients access resources that support healthier lifestyles. The program provides eligible patients with tools and services such as blood pressure monitors, YMCA memberships, and nutrition consultations, helping address both physical and behavioral health needs.

The event also featured representatives from the Discovery, Knowledge, and Advocacy chambers, each recognized for their unique contributions to improving health outcomes. Together, their stories highlighted the important role that research, education, access, and advocacy play in building healthier communities.

Packard Health is honored to have been recognized by the American Heart Association and grateful for the opportunity to share how partnerships and innovative programs are improving health and well-being across our community.

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Every recovery journey is unique.

For individuals living with a substance use disorder, recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. It looks different for each person and can involve many forms of support, treatment, and connection along the way.

“The process of recovery is highly personal and occurs via many pathways. It may include clinical treatment, medications, faith-based approaches, peer support, family support, self-care, and other approaches. Recovery is characterized by continual growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness and managing setbacks. Because setbacks are a natural part of life, resilience becomes a key component of recovery.”
– SAMHSA

At Packard Health, we have the privilege of supporting people in recovery every day, both in our local community and across Michigan.

Many patients know us as their primary care provider, but they may not realize how much of our work focuses on supporting individuals with substance use disorders. On any given day, our team is caring for patients who are just beginning their recovery journey as well as those who have been in recovery for years.

Through partnerships with organizations such as Dawn Farm and Home of New Vision, we help connect patients with the care and resources they need. Our Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program continues to grow, providing evidence-based treatment and lifesaving medications that support long-term recovery. We also partner with the statewide OPEN Warmline, helping expand access to support and treatment for people throughout Michigan.

Recovery is about more than medical care.

It’s also about connection, encouragement, and having someone who understands what you’re going through. That’s why our peer recovery coaches play such an important role in our work. Their compassion, experience, and dedication help patients navigate some of the most challenging stages of recovery.

This Recovery Month, we’re celebrating the resilience, strength, and determination of everyone who is working toward recovery or supporting a loved one on that journey. Recovery deserves recognition, not just in September, but every day of the year.

If you know someone in recovery, take a moment to acknowledge their hard work and wish them a Happy Recovery Month. 💜

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Changes to Medicaid are on the horizon, and we want to make sure our patients have the information they need to stay informed and maintain their health coverage.

While some patients may be impacted by upcoming Medicaid changes, many Medicaid enrollees will not see any changes to their coverage. The most important step you can take right now is to make sure your contact information is current with the State of Michigan.

Update your mailing address, phone number, and email address in  MI Bridges or through your loca llocal Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) office. Keeping your information up to date ensures that the state can reach you if any changes affect your eligibility or benefits.

At Packard Health, we understand that navigating health coverage can feel overwhelming. Our team is committed to helping patients understand what these changes may mean and connect them with resources and support.

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Packard Health is grateful to announce that we have received a grant from The Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation to support our Beyond Incarceration program, which helps people preparing for release from the Washtenaw County Jail connect with the resources they need to successfully return to the community.

Beyond Incarceration provides individualized support and care coordination, connecting participants with healthcare, behavioral health services, recovery resources, housing support, transportation assistance, and other essential services. The program is designed to help people navigate the challenges of reentry and build a stronger foundation for health, stability, and recovery.

The support of the Towsley Foundation will help Packard Health continue providing these critical services and expand opportunities for individuals leaving incarceration to access the care and support they need.

The transition from incarceration back into the community can be difficult, particularly for people facing barriers to healthcare, housing, transportation, and recovery services. Beyond Incarceration helps bridge those gaps through one-on-one support and connections to trusted community resources.

The program was recently featured by Concentrate Media’s On The Ground Ypsi and 89.1 WEMU, bringing attention to the importance of reentry support and the impact Beyond Incarceration is having in Washtenaw County.

We sincerely thank the Towsley Foundation for their investment in this work and their commitment to building healthier, more equitable communities. Their support will help ensure that people returning from incarceration have access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to move forward and thrive.

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National Make-A-Will Month is the perfect time to start the conversation with your family, loved ones, and trusted advisors about your wishes, your legacy, and the plans you’ve made to protect the people who matter most.

While many people put off writing a will, the reality is that having one can provide peace of mind, clarity for your family, and an opportunity to create a lasting legacy. At Packard Health, we encourage everyone to take this month as an opportunity to plan for the future.

Why Having a Will Matters

A will is much more than a legal document. It allows you to make important decisions about your future and helps reduce uncertainty for those you care about most. Yet many people delay creating a will because of common misconceptions.

Create a Legacy Through Your Will or Estate Plan

National Make-A-Will Month is also an opportunity to think about the impact you want to leave on the causes that matter most to you.

By including Packard Health in your will or estate plans, you can create a lasting legacy that helps ensure access to high-quality, compassionate health care for our community for generations to come. Estate gifts help support vital primary care services, behavioral health programs, food pantries, and other essential resources that improve the health and well-being of families throughout our region.

A gift through your will or estate plan allows you to make a meaningful difference without affecting your current financial needs. It is a powerful way to reflect your values and extend your commitment to community health long into the future.

There are several different ways to include Packard Health in your will – no matter which one you choose you are making an impact. See samples of language that you can use in your will or trust.

Take the First Step This August

National Make-A-Will Month is the perfect opportunity to take the first step toward protecting the people and causes you care about most. Whether you are creating your first will or updating an existing one, taking action today can provide peace of mind tomorrow.

As you consider your plans, we invite you to explore how an estate gift to Packard Health can help strengthen the health of our community while creating a legacy that reflects your life’s values and purpose.

For questions about including Packard Health in your will, please contact us. We’d be honored to talk with you about a giving option that reflects your values, fits your goals, and helps ensure a healthier future for our community.

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As part of National Health Center Week, Packard Health was pleased to welcome U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and U.S. Representative Analilia Mejia (NJ-10) for a discussion with staff and board members about the vital role community health centers play in improving access to care and the potential impact of upcoming federal Medicaid changes. Representatives Dingell and Mejia have been outspoken about concerns that proposed Medicaid reductions could affect patients, healthcare providers, and communities nationwide.

During the visit, Packard Health leaders shared the challenges community health centers are facing today and the concerns surrounding future Medicaid policy changes. The conversation focused on how Medicaid helps connect patients to primary care, behavioral health services, preventive care, and chronic disease management, and how changes to the program could create barriers to care for many individuals and families.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of strong local partnerships in advancing community health. Packard Health works closely with healthcare providers, schools, social service agencies, housing organizations, and other community partners to address both medical needs and the social factors that influence health outcomes. These collaborations help ensure patients have access to coordinated care, supportive services, and resources that promote long-term health and well-being.

National Health Center Week is an opportunity to recognize the essential work of community health centers and the partnerships that make that work possible. Packard Health was grateful for the opportunity to share the experiences of our patients and care teams and to demonstrate the important role community health centers play in strengthening the health of our region.

We thank Representatives Dingell and Mejia for taking the time to visit Packard Health, engage with our staff and board members, and discuss the future of healthcare access for the communities we serve.

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Photos by Doug Coombe

Packard Health’s Beyond Incarceration program was recently featured by Concentrate Media’s On The Ground Ypsi and 89.1 WEMU, helping bring attention to the critical support available for individuals returning to the community after incarceration.

In the Concentrate article, reporter Lee Van Roth spoke with Rebecca Fleming, Packard Health’s Director of Programs and Community Health Initiatives, and Jessica Slone, Reentry Coach for the Beyond Incarceration program. The story highlights how the program connects people preparing for release from the Washtenaw County Jail with healthcare, behavioral health services, recovery resources, housing support, transportation assistance, and other essential services.

Jessica also joined Lee Van Roth for an interview on WEMU’s On The Ground Ypsi, where she discussed the challenges people face during reentry and the importance of trusted relationships, community support, and access to care. She shared how her lived experience helps her build connections with participants and support them on their path toward stability and recovery.

We are grateful to Concentrate and WEMU for helping shine a light on this important work and the impact of strong community partnerships.

Read and listen to the coverage:

• Concentrate:“Beyond Incarceration: New program offers supportive services for people leaving Washtenaw County Jail”
• WEMU:“#OTGYpsi: Packard Health’s ‘Beyond Incarceration’ initiative connects former inmates to supportive services”

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Packard Health is pleased to announce that we have received a grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to help Washtenaw County residents keep their Medicaid health coverage.

The funding will support our Medicaid redetermination and work requirement assistance program, which will help patients navigate upcoming changes to Medicaid renewals and reporting requirements. The goal is to make sure eligible individuals do not lose their health insurance because of paperwork challenges or other administrative barriers.

Personalized Support for Medicaid Renewals

About 5,000 of Packard Health’s 15,500 patients rely on Medicaid for their healthcare coverage. This grant will allow us to expand our patient support services by funding a dedicated enrollment specialist who can help patients understand Medicaid requirements, gather needed documents, complete applications, and report work activities when required.

The program will also provide reminders through phone calls, text messages, mailings, patient portal messages, and in-person visits. Patients will have access to one-on-one support and educational materials available in multiple languages.

Reaching Patients Most at Risk

Special attention will be given to patients who may face extra challenges, including those with limited English proficiency, disabilities, housing instability, limited internet access, caregiving responsibilities, or irregular work schedules.

Advancing Health Equity in Washtenaw County

Over the two-year grant period, Packard Health expects to assist about 400 Medicaid-enrolled patients at our Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti health centers. By helping patients maintain their coverage, we can ensure they continue to receive primary care, behavioral health services, addiction treatment, and other essential healthcare services.

We are grateful to the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan for its support and partnership in helping us advance health equity and improve access to care for our community.

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