This month’s SR2S Network Partner spotlight shines on the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). The department, the largest in state government, is responsible for health policy and management of the state's publicly-funded health service systems. Its mission is to protect, preserve, and promote the health and safety of the people of Michigan with particular attention to providing for the needs of vulnerable and under-served populations.
MDCH, and specifically the Cardiovascular Health, Nutrition and Physical Activity Section’s 
Healthy Communities Initiative, has been involved with Michigan’s SR2S program since the 2003-05 pilot program. MDCH works directly with local health departments and trains department staff to assist schools with SR2S planning and program implementation. This assistance includes helping communities form SR2S teams, facilitating planning meetings and community discussions, holding promotional events such as Walk to School Day, conducting SR2S planning activities, and helping school develop comprehensive SR2S action plans.
Through 2011, MDCH has worked with more than 70 schools in 21 counties across the state. Its achievements include coordinating more than 150 Walk to School Days, organizing more than a dozen walking school bus programs, and expanding the Healthy School Action Tool to include SR2S components. In addition, local health departments have helped several communities secure additional funding for their SR2S programs from a variety of national and local sources.
Consider inviting a local health department representative to join your SR2S team. Health department staff can provide expertise and educational materials related to heart disease and obesity prevention, nutrition, and the benefits of daily physical activity. Visit www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132--96747--,00.html for contact information for the health department serving your county.
Michigan’s SR2S program is proud to have MDCH as a partner. For more information on MDCH’s Healthy Communities Initiative, visit http://mihealthtools.org/mihc/default.asp.
