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.

The post Towsley Foundation Supports Packard Health’s Beyond Incarceration Initiative appeared first on Packard Health.

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.

The post August is National Make-A-Will Month: Create Your Legacy and Support Health Care for Our Community 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.

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.

The post Thank you to the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop! appeared first on Packard Health.

At Packard Health, we believe the best care happens when patients and care teams work together — and that starts with listening. That’s why we’re looking for current patients to join our Patient Advisory Committee (PAC).

The PAC brings patients and staff together to tackle real questions: How can we communicate better? How do we make sure every patient feels heard? Your input helps us find the answers.

The best part? You don’t need any special qualifications or experience to join. No credentials, no formal background in healthcare. You just need to be a current Packard Health patient who’s willing to share your experiences, listen to others, and think about how your perspective might help people across our community.

We especially want to hear from patients who reflect the diversity of the people we serve — different backgrounds, cultures, languages, ages, and life experiences. The more voices we have at the table, the better care we can provide for everyone.

Have you ever left an appointment with an idea about how something could have gone better? Have you navigated a health challenge and learned something along the way? That’s exactly the kind of perspective we’re looking for.

This is a real opportunity to shape the care your community receives — and it starts with your story.

Learn more about the PAC and find out how you can join this important team.

The post Join Our Patient Advisory Committee! appeared first on Packard Health.

The post Huge thank you to the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor! appeared first on Packard Health.

Packard Health is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, meaning financial support from the community helps us to continue providing care to help people whose economic, social or cultural conditions might otherwise prevent their access to health care.

If you already shop on Amazon, or are shopping for the first time for Amazon Prime Days, consider switching to AmazonSmile. For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the customer’s selected charitable organization. This way you can score great deals and give back, especially on this year’s Amazon Prime Days, June 21 & 22, 2021!

How to designate Packard Health as your charitable organization:

1. Visit smile.amazon.com. It’s the same as Amazon, but with the option for 0.5% of your purchase price to go to a charitable organization. Be sure to bookmark the page and adjust your app settings if using a cell phone or other device, so you never forget to shop without giving back!

2. Create or sign into your account using your existing Amazon login information. Once you’ve logged in it will ask you to choose your charity of choice. Search and select Packard Health Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

To confirm proper set up when using a browser, Packard Health Inc. should be listed under your product search bar as shown below:

Shopping using the Amazon app:

If you typically shop Amazon using the Amazon app on your cell phone or tablet, your settings need to be adjusted so that AmazonSmile is activated. To activate AmazonSmile on your app:

1. Open the AmazonSmile app on your cell phone.
2. Select “Settings”
3. Select “AmazonSmile”
4. If the setting below the selected charity is currently set to “OFF,” change it to “ON.” This will send you through a few prompts that will confirm your selection.

For questions or assistance in designating Packard Health Inc. as your charity of choice, please email: Sandell_Bennett@packardhealth.org

The post How to Support Packard Health on Amazon Prime Days appeared first on Packard Health.

Packard Health is grateful to be selected (again) as a featured charity in the Probility Ann Arbor Virtual Marathon & “Mile-A-Day” Marathon Challenge “Spring Edition”. Prioritizing behavioral health, including mental health, has never been as important as it is now. The increase in need, especially during the uncertainty that has come with COVID-19, has resulted in offering telehealth appointments and the hiring of our first Director of Behavioral Health.

Due to the lingering concerns of COVID-19, the events leading up to the larger in-person marathon in the fall will be virtual but still every bit impactful. For every designated donation by registrants to Packard Health, Epic Races donates an additional $3. Participation directly helps Packard Health patients who live in your community and are being assisted in overcoming their behavioral/mental health challenges.

Important to know – all movers, not just runners, are encouraged to participate! The goal is to be physically active by completing one mile a day. This can take place just about anywhere but if you want to change it up, there are lots of places to walk in Washtenaw County.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

NOW until February 28, 2021 – Registration for Ann Arbor Mile-A-Day Marathon Challenge WITH swag ($50 + Sign Up Fee); Registration for the all in one day Virtual Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K ($50 + Sign Up Fee)

NOW until March 21, 2021 – Registration for Ann Arbor Mile-A-Day Marathon Challenge WITHOUT swag ($25 + Sign Up Fee)

March 21, 2021 – Virtual All In One Day Events (Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K) via Zoom; Beginning of the 26.2 Mile-A-Day Challenge

April 16, 2021 – Completion of the final .2 (as a group virtually) of the 26.2 Mile-A-Day Challenge via Zoom

NOW until October 24, 2021 – Registration for the fall Probility Ann Arbor Marathon (Price varies by race selection, all prices increase after 4/30/21) & Charity Donations

The post Join Us in Moving to “E-Race the Stigma” this Spring appeared first on Packard Health.

Packard Health, like the rest of the world, has been learning how to best operate during a global pandemic. There have been many curves to navigate and flatten and, contrary to the year itself, clarity hasn’t always been 20/20. But, if nothing else, Packard Health has built a strong team and is overcoming challenges daily.

As the only Federally Qualified Health Center in Washtenaw County, we care for some of the most vulnerable people in the area. Our service area covers two of the hardest hit COVID-19 zip codes in the County, 48197 and 48198. Our central location and loss of a beloved staff member to COVID-19 compelled us to work even harder in response to COVID-19.

At the end of March, Packard Health began offering its 12,000 patients the opportunity to schedule telehealth appointments to avoid unnecessary in-office contact. Since then, Packard Health providers have conducted almost 14,000 telehealth appointments.

Packard Health’s greatest response endeavor began in May with the opening of its COVID-19 testing site at Perry Early Learning Center in Ypsilanti in collaboration with Washtenaw County Department of Public Health and Ypsilanti Community Schools. Since the opening, there has been an ebb and flow of activity, numerous weather concerns for our staff, and two relocations. The first site change was to Second Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, thanks to the generosity of Reverend George W. Waddles, Jr. and his parish.

On November 9, Packard Health moved its COVID-19 testing site to its new drive-thru CarePort at 2650 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor. The repurposed garage is open to patients and the public for COVID-19 testing as well as for flu vaccinations. Shortly following the move, the pandemic took another concerning turn, making our work and response even more critical.

In an effort to better share the realities of our frontline testing site, we kindly asked a member of our COVID-19 testing team, Emily Chapin, to share her experience:

Thank you to our many partners and community as we continue to combat COVID-19 locally. As we continue to increase our understanding of the virus and hone our response to its effects, our top priority will always be to keep our patients and team safe. Our staff appreciates the outpouring of support and understanding as we all navigate this together.

The post Working Toward 20/20 During a Global Pandemic appeared first on Packard Health.

Packard Health is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, meaning financial support from the community helps us to continue providing care to help people whose economic, social or cultural conditions might otherwise prevent their access to health care.

If you already shop on Amazon, or are shopping for the first time for Amazon Prime Days, consider switching to AmazonSmile. For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the customer’s selected charitable organization. This way you can score great deals and give back, especially on this year’s Amazon Prime Days, October 13 & 14, 2020!

How to designate Packard Health as your charitable organization:

1. Visit smile.amazon.com. It’s the same as Amazon, but with the option for 0.5% of your purchase price to go to a charitable organization. Be sure to bookmark the page and adjust your app settings if using a cell phone or other device, so you never forget to shop without giving back!

2. Create or sign into your account using your existing Amazon login information. Once you’ve logged in it will ask you to choose your charity of choice. Search and select Packard Health Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

To confirm proper set up when using a browser, Packard Health Inc. should be listed under your product search bar as shown below:

Shopping using the Amazon app:

If you typically shop Amazon using the Amazon app on your cell phone or tablet, your settings need to be adjusted so that AmazonSmile is activated. To activate AmazonSmile on your app:

1. Open the AmazonSmile app on your cell phone.
2. Select “Settings”
3. Select “AmazonSmile”
4. If the setting below the selected charity is currently set to “OFF,” change it to “ON.” This will send you through a few prompts that will confirm your selection.

For questions or assistance in designating Packard Health Inc. as your charity of choice, please email: news@packardhealth.org

The post Support Packard Health while shopping Amazon Prime Days appeared first on Packard Health.