In spring 2011, a planning group began meeting to organize the first annual meeting focused on sustainable policy and systems change for community health workers (CHWs) in Michigan. The meeting, Sustainable Funding for Community Health Worker Practice and Utilization in Michigan: Planning the Future, united stakeholders statewide in learning about CHW effectiveness and sustainability from state and national experts. Following that meeting in August 2011, the Michigan Community Health Worker Alliance (MiCHWA) was formed.
Since then, MiCHWA has established itself as the CHW information hub for the state of Michigan. Initially founded as a small stakeholder coalition, MiCHWA’s growth has significantly exceeded initial expectations by Steering Committee and working group members. Interest in MiCHWA’s activities from outside organizations has skyrocketed over the last four years, resulting in an increase in demands for CHW information, presentations on CHW effectiveness, and support for CHW activities. Outside agencies are coming to MiCHWA for information about the CHW role, resources to support CHW employment, and research to make the case for why CHWs are essential health care team members. MiCHWA is excited about these opportunities, and continues to find new ways to engage CHWs and stakeholders in these discussions across the state.