Transforming Michigan’s Health: How Our Built Environment Boosts Public Wellness

The “Yours, Mine, and Ours — Public Health” series showcases how Michigan’s public health agencies work to keep our communities healthy and safe. It highlights issues affecting our physical and mental well-being in homes, schools, and workplaces.

Public health and infrastructure are closely linked. Across Michigan, many organizations are improving our built environment to enhance health outcomes. They focus on providing access to safe housing, clean drinking water, nutritious food, and healthy spaces for physical activity. These efforts aim to remove barriers to health, promote fairness, and inspire lasting change in communities.

Lynn Sutfin from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) emphasizes the importance of addressing the built environment. She states, “The built environment significantly influences health outcomes and quality of life.” By enhancing access to fresh food and safe places to exercise, we can help prevent chronic diseases and improve overall well-being.

One of the key initiatives is the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Strategy, which aims to improve community health by addressing underlying issues like the built environment. Sutfin explains that this strategy targets social and economic opportunities, fostering better health for everyone.

To combat housing instability, the MDHHS has partnered with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to launch the Good Housing = Good Health Program. This program funds community health workers who assist residents in finding housing resources.

Another significant organization is the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF). They focus on providing accessible health information on food and exercise. Director of Communications Mary McGuire points out that many people don’t feel safe exercising outdoors, which affects their willingness to stay active.

Programs like Rec-Connect help connect families to resources during summer. Initiatives like Storywalk® and Safe Routes to School ensure children have safe paths to walk or bike to school, promoting health and active lifestyles.

Improving infrastructure is complex, especially with limited resources. The Urban Collaboratory at the University of Michigan collaborates with local stakeholders to identify challenges in community environments. Director Curt Wolf explains that they want to help translate university research into practical solutions that enhance residents’ quality of life.

The Urban Collaboratory also prioritizes environmental justice, particularly in areas impacted by industrial pollution. Their work often focuses on water safety and health-related issues like microplastics and PFAS contaminants.

Both Wolf and McGuire recognize that making meaningful changes takes time and financial investment. However, improving our infrastructure and the built environment is essential for better health outcomes. They believe in the potential for ripple effects, where addressing one issue can lead to improvements in others, fostering a healthier community.

Ultimately, the aim is to inspire healthier eating and increased physical activity. By providing education and resources, these organizations hope to make a positive impact on public health. For more information about how public health initiatives are evolving in Michigan, visit the MDHHS and Michigan Fitness Foundation websites.

Lynn Sutfin sums it up well: “Living in a safe home free from environmental hazards is crucial for the well-being of Michigan’s residents.” This commitment to promoting health and safety continues to guide public health efforts across the state.

Rylee Barnsdale is a journalist from Michigan, dedicated to sharing the stories of local residents. Photos are by John Russell, featuring Mary McGuire, Lynn Sutfin, and Curt Wolf.