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.

The post Medicaid Changes Are Coming: Stay Informed and Stay Covered appeared first on Packard Health.

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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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.

The post Representatives Debbie Dingell and Analilia Mejia Visit Packard Health During National Health Center Week appeared first on Packard Health.

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.

The post Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Supports Medicaid Access at Packard Health appeared first on Packard Health.

Washtenaw County continues to see a significant number of cases associated with the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting communities across Michigan. According to the Washtenaw County Health Department, as of July 16 at 3 p.m., 500 cases have been reported in Washtenaw County, with 25 hospitalizations. Statewide, as of July 20 there have been 6,148 reported cases and 102 hospitalizations.

Investigations by the CDC and FDA have tracked a potential source to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, both sold at retail locations and served at Taco Bell locations in Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. Taylor Farms are voluntarily recalling all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, which includes Marketside-brand product available at Walmart. See the full information on all Taylor Farms recalled products.

This investigation is ongoing and more information will provided by the CDC and FDA as it becomes available.

What Is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Symptoms typically develop several days to two weeks after exposure and may include:

• Frequent watery diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Weight loss

The illness can last for days or even weeks if left untreated.

What To Do If You Have Symptoms

If you are experiencing ongoing diarrhea or other symptoms of cyclosporiasis:

✅ Contact your healthcare provider. Packard Health is here to help. Contact Packard Health for evaluation and treatment recommendations: 734-971-1073

✅ Antibiotic treatment is effective. The recommended treatment is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim).

✅ Rest and stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids is important to prevent dehydration, especially if symptoms are severe.

Food Safety Recommendations

Because lettuce and salad greens remain a focus of the investigation, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends taking extra precautions when purchasing and preparing produce.

Support Local Farms

This outbreak is a reminder of the value of knowing where your food comes from. When possible, consider purchasing produce from local farmers markets and small farms. Local growers often offer greater transparency about growing practices and provide an opportunity to ask questions directly about how produce is grown, harvested, and handled.

Supporting local agriculture also helps strengthen our regional food system and the small businesses that help keep our communities healthy.

Up-To-Date Information

For more information about the outbreak visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website for the latest updates:

• Michigan Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Information
• MDHHS Press Release, July 13 (available in multiple languages)

The post Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Update: What Washtenaw County Residents Need to Know appeared first on Packard Health.

Residents across Washtenaw County are experiencing dangerous air quality as smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires continues to affect Michigan. State air quality officials have placed the entire state in the Hazardous air quality category because of high levels of fine particle pollution carried south by wildfire smoke. The air quality may have improved slightly since Thursday, but these dangerous conditions are expected to continue through the weekend. Exposure to smoke can affect anyone, but it can be especially harmful for people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, children, older adults, and pregnant individuals.

What Does “Hazardous” Air Quality Mean?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to show how outdoor air quality may affect your health. A hazardous AQI means the air is unhealthy for everyone and can increase the risk of serious health problems.

Before spending time outside, check the current air quality in your area:

👉 Check the AQI at AirNow: https://www.airnow.gov/

How Wildfire Smoke Can Affect Your Health

Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can travel deep into your lungs and enter your bloodstream. Exposure may cause:

• Coughing or a sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
• Chest discomfort

People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions may notice their symptoms get worse.

How to Protect Yourself

• Stay Indoors When Possible
  • Keep windows and doors closed.
  • Use air conditioning if available.
  • Avoid activities that can make indoor air worse, such as smoking, burning candles, or using aerosol sprays.
    

• Improve Indoor Air Quality
  • Use an air purifier if you have one.
  • Use high-efficiency air filters in your HVAC system when possible.
  • Consider building a DIY air cleaner using EPA guidance.
    

• Limit Outdoor Activities
  • Move exercise, sports, and other activities indoors when possible.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
  • Limit time outside, especially when air quality levels are at their worst.
    

• Take Extra Care of Sensitive Groups
  • Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with heart or lung disease are more likely to experience health effects from wildfire smoke. These groups should take extra precautions and stay in clean indoor air whenever possible.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact Packard Health or your healthcare provider if smoke exposure is making it harder to manage a chronic condition. Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Severe or constant coughing
• Dizziness
• Confusion or changes in awareness

These symptoms may be signs of a serious health problem.

Stay Informed

Air quality can change quickly as weather patterns shift and wildfire smoke moves across the region. Packard Health encourages everyone in Washtenaw County to monitor AQI levels regularly and take steps to reduce smoke exposure.

By staying informed and taking simple precautions, you can help protect yourself and your family while the smoke affects our community.

The post Air Quality Alerts and Wildfire Smoke: Steps to Protect Your Health appeared first on Packard Health.

Packard Health is grateful to the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop for its generous support through two grants that will help us address critical community needs and expand access to care for the patients and families we serve.

The Emergency Grant will provide flexible funding to help patients overcome barriers that can prevent them from accessing healthcare services. These funds will support emergency needs such as transportation assistance to and from medical appointments, including bus cards and gas cards, and will allow us to provide necessary medical equipment to patients facing financial challenges. By helping meet these urgent needs, the grant will enable more patients to access and benefit from the healthcare services they need.

We are also honored to receive an Anne M. Hayes Memorial Fund Program Grant to support Healing Brothers United, Packard Health’s program focused on promoting mental health and wellness for Black men and boys. These funds will be used for Healing Brothers United’s school-based mentorship project which provides positive role modeling and meaningful connections, creating supportive spaces where participants can build resilience, develop leadership skills, and strengthen their overall well-being. This funding will help us continue and expand this important work in our community.

At Packard Health, we know that health is influenced by more than medical care alone. Transportation, access to essential resources, mentorship, and mental health support all play vital roles in helping individuals and families thrive. These grants from the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many of our patients and program participants.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop, its volunteers, donors, and supporters for their commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community. We are proud to partner with organizations that share our vision of creating a healthier, more equitable future for all.

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All Packard Health locations are closed today in observance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates a pivotal moment in American history.

June 19, 1865, marks the day when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to deliver the long-overdue news of freedom to more than 250,000 enslaved Black Americans – over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom was not experienced equally or immediately, and that the path to justice has always required both resilience and perseverance.

Today, Juneteenth is recognized across the United States as a time to reflect on the legacy of slavery, honor the strength of Black communities, and celebrate freedom. It is a day to learn, to listen, and to uplift the stories and contributions of Black Americans that have shaped our nation.

This year, we also celebrate Opal Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” on her 100th birthday. Ms. Lee’s tireless advocacy played a critical role in the movement to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday, which became official in 2021. Her dedication reminds us that one individual’s determination can create lasting, meaningful change.

We encourage you to take time today to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth and to continue learning about its history and impact.

Learn more about Juneteenth and Opal Lee

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We love seeing our community out and active this summer — and we want to make sure you stay safe while doing it!

Lyme disease cases in Washtenaw County jumped 65% from 2024 to 2025 — that’s a significant increase, and it’s a good reminder for all of us to take a few extra precautions when we’re spending time outdoors. The good news? A little awareness goes a long way. Here are some simple steps to help protect you and your family:

• Dress for it. When you’re hiking, gardening, or just spending time in grassy or wooded areas, wear long sleeves and long pants. Tucking your pants into your socks isn’t the most fashionable look, but it works! 
  
• Use bug spray. Choose an EPA-registered repellent with DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 and apply it to exposed skin and clothing before heading out.
  
• Do a tick check. Make it a habit to check yourself, your kids, and even your pets after any time outside. Pay close attention to spots ticks love to hide — behind the knees, in the hair, under the arms, and around the waist.
  
• Remove ticks quickly. If you find one, don’t panic. Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it as soon as possible. The quicker it comes off, the lower your risk.
  
• Hop in the shower. A shower within a couple of hours of coming inside can help rinse off any ticks that haven’t attached yet.
  
• Tidy up your yard. Keeping your grass mowed and clea

If you do get a tick bite, keep an eye out for a bull’s-eye rash, fever, fatigue, headache, or muscle aches in the days and weeks that follow. These are common early signs of Lyme disease, and they can show up anywhere from 3 to 30 days after a bite. The great news is that when it’s caught early, Lyme disease responds very well to treatment.

Learn more about tick prevention, Lyme disease symptoms, and treatment at the Washtenaw County Health Department.

If you’re concerned about a bite, schedule an appointment with your provider and get checked out!

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