Skip to main content

MDHHS awards more than $1 million in funds to innovative health projects

For Immediate Release: October 26, 2015

LANSING, Mich. – In Michigan, 41 projects will receive a boost of up to $35,000 in one-time funds to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of health services thanks to the Health Innovation Grants administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

MDHHS will grant funding for 41 projects across the state for a total of $1,163,000. A priority for Governor Snyder and the department, the Health Innovation Grants are intended to bridge the gap between creative, collaborative ideas and their implementation.

“The response and interest in these grants from organizations across Michigan demonstrates that our communities are eager to develop and implement new approaches to managing health issues in the state,” said Nick Lyon, director of the MDHHS. “Thanks to a competitive and strong field of applicants, I’m confident that the funded projects will go a long way toward addressing current gaps in the delivery of health care.”

This is the third year Michigan has awarded the Health Innovation Grants. Last year, 49 projects were funded for a total of $1.25 million. Organizations that had completed projects from previous years were allowed to reapply. Additionally, organizations were allowed to apply for funding to support replication projects resulting from completed 2015 initiatives.

Michigan has a broad number of public health priorities that can be addressed creatively to shape the future health of Michigan’s citizens. The 41 applicants that were awarded funds through the Health Innovation Grant include projects that address issues such chronic disease, health transportation, mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness, health disparities in children, dental care, and much more.

Applicants may be public, non-profit, and private organizations. MDHHS is looking for projects that have the potential to be replicated and have clearly defined outcomes. Organizations are encouraged to include matching funds in their proposal in support of their intended projects.

The majority of applicants provided matching funds for their project in order to increase the potential impact of the grants. The projects reported a total matching amount of $2,074,000 for a total impact of $3,237,000 in the state of Michigan.

For more information about the funded projects and a complete list of the 41 award winners, visit www.michigan.gov/documents/mdhhs/Health_Innovation_Grant_Awardees_FY16_503854_7.pdf.

###