Social Determinants of Health are the non-medical factors that affect people’s health and well-being. They include our living, learning, working, and playing environments. Examples include access to quality education, safe housing, nutritious food, job opportunities, and healthcare services. SDOH has a significant impact on the health outcomes of our community members. For instance, people who lack access to healthy food or live in unsafe neighborhoods are more likely to experience health problems. Addressing these factors, through programs such as Community Connections, can help reduce health disparities and improve overall community health. Join us in celebrating #MISDOHMonth2025!
NEED ASSISTANCE? Click the Community Connections HUB Referral button to find the HUB in your area
INTERESTED IN SDOH MONTH? Click the MDHHS SDOH Month Toolkit link for resources.
Community Connections utilizes a proven Pathways Community HUB Institute model to help communities come together to support their under-resourced residents and to improve health and well-being.
Through the use of Community Health Workers (CHWs), this model allows for communities to build a transformative and sustainable community-based care coordination network. CHWs are highly trained to engage with community residents who may be at risk for poor health and social outcomes. They help individuals develop a care plan based on identified risks and needs and then get them connected to resources in order to improve their health.
In northern Michigan, there are six Community Connections HUBs that serve a total of 31 counties.
- Northwest HUB – serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties
- Grand Traverse HUB – serving Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties
- District Health Department #10 HUB – serving Crawford, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Newaygo, Oceana, and Wexford counties
- Central Michigan District Health Department HUB – serving Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola, and Roscommon counties
- District Health Department #4 HUB – serving Alpena, Cheboygan, Montmorency, and Presque Isle counties
- District Health Department #2 HUB – serving Alcona, Iosco, Ogemaw, and Oscoda counties
What happens if a client has a need?
Community Connections Funding Partners
