FRAMEWORK

Community partners across a 14-county region recognize the powerful and inseparable link between economic success and health. The region’s health will be much greater with a strong regional economy, which is, in turn, only possible with a healthy population.

The Michigan Health Improvement Alliance, Inc. (MiHIA) is a multi-stakeholder, community collaboration founded in 2007 to achieve a community of health excellence for the 14-county region it serves. This initiative is based on a core belief that solutions to our health and health care problems can be found and designed at a regional level, accelerating regional competitive advantage and sustainability.

Functionally and operationally, MiHIA works at many levels. In some cases, MiHIA acts as the convener for multiple parties, establishing shared goals and objectives, setting collective targets or aligning business plans. In other cases it serves as an assessor, evaluating processes and offerings to reduce redundancies, conducting environmental scans or providing health data. MiHIA also seeks funding to bring resources to the area, facilitating or supporting projects or initiatives that will impact better health and health care in our region.

MiHIA has been leading complex change since it was established. The concept of creating a multi-stakeholder collaborative was a novel one for the region and required building goodwill, gaining trust, articulating the value proposition and establishing a unifying process for all stakeholders.

Under the leadership of Heidi Tracy, Chief Executive Officer, the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance serves a region in central Michigan comprised of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Iosco, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola counties with a population of approximately 800,000 people. This region is one of nine medical trading areas defined by the State of Michigan Department of Community Health.

Implementation of the THRIVE Portfolio requires high levels of regional coordination and commitment across sectors. By activating initiatives, programs, and technology aimed at improving each domain, the region can expect to see positive impact – improvements in health outcomes and economic success.