Community Development

Michigan Primary Care Association is working toward 100% access to health care in Michigan and no health disparities. The Community Development Program serves as a catalyst for achieving this goal.

Through the Community Development Program, MPCA assists communities in determining the best approach to provide access to care. MPCA is committed to strengthening existing, and developing new, Community Health Centers. For more information about MPCA's Community Development program, contact Andrea Charlton, MPH, MSW at acharlton@mpca.net or 517.381.8000 x221.

Currently, MPCA serves 31 CHCs across the state, including 28 Federally Qualified Health Centers .

Below are examples of how we work with communities to improve access:

Work With Communities in Early Stages of Community Change

Assess community assets and needs
Facilitate strategic planning with communities
Assist in the development of local leadership around health access
Create inventories of local skills and resources

Create New Access Points

Work with communities to develop primary care sites including FQHCs
Work with communities to expand availability of services, particularly in the area of dental and behavioral health where currently there are widespread problems with access
Provide technical assistance to access other necessary resources

Strengthen the Safety Net

Develop initiatives to sustain and strengthen safety net providers and encourage joint planning and information-sharing
Work with communities to create integrated delivery systems through coordination and collaboration