Dear CHW Members and MiCHWA Stakeholders,
I hope this message finds you well and inspired as we navigate this exciting new chapter together! I am truly honored to step into the role of Interim Executive Director for MiCHWA as of April 2024, and to share with you an update on our journey, our present accomplishments during the past two months, and the promising path ahead!
MiCHWA has always been at the forefront of advocating for and advancing the community health worker (CHW) profession, looking towards the ultimate goal of a sustained and integrated community health worker workforce across Michigan’s health & human service systems. Our commitment to promoting health equity and reducing disparities has forged a strong and dedicated network of CHWs and stakeholders who tirelessly serve their communities. I want to recognize you truly as MiCHWA’s foundation, our strength and driving force, as the fuels for our passionate commitment to a brighter future.
As the Interim Executive Director, I am committed to ensuring that MiCHWA remains a pillar of stability and support for all our CHW members and stakeholders. My personal journey began as a CHW serving individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, and over the past decade, I have dedicated my career to non-profit program development and operations management. With a background in Human Biology and Public Health, combined with Lean Six Sigma credentials, and especially my knowledge and expertise deepened through my previous role as MiCHWA’s Program & Grants Manager, I am fully equipped to lead MiCHWA toward greater heights!
In my first 60 days, here are some key achievements that I have spearheaded on behalf of MiCHWA:
Leadership and Staffing:
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- Onboarded new team members, including a Grants & Program Manager and an Education & Workforce Development Administrator, & Operations and Finance Manager, ensuring we have the right talent to drive our mission forward.
- Celebrated the professional growth and transition of my colleague and friend MiCHWA’s Operations & Finance Manager, Neha Kasalkar, as she transitioned in the role of Director of Finance with Authority Health!
Met with key stakeholders and funders to secure continued support and collaboration.
External Engagement:
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- Represented MiCHWA as a panelist, in partnership with MDHHS BPHASA, at the Michigan Oral Health Coalition Conference, to speak on the value of CHWs and Medicaid Reimbursement
- Supported partners at Wayne County Health Department & Authority Health in wrapping up the COVID CARE Health Catalyst Grant
- Attended the Michigan Health Endowment Fund Doula Initiative Dinner/Listening Session
- Supported our partners at MDHHS Policy & Planning, as it pertains the multi-faceted, ongoing CHW initiatives
- Initiated a fund development plan that will ultimately support our organizational efforts towards bolstering CHW resilience
Embracing the Future: Onward and Upward
As we look ahead, MiCHWA is poised for continued growth and success. Our structured approach ensures we remain agile, innovative, and responsive to the needs of our CHWs and communities.
CHW Appreciation Month and MiCHWA’s 12th Annual Meeting
As we approach CHW Appreciation Month in August, I want to emphasize how vital your contributions are to our collective mission. Your dedication and passion are the heart of MiCHWA, and we are committed to supporting and celebrating you.
We are also eagerly preparing for MiCHWA’s 12th Annual Meeting on October 11th, 2024, in Ypsilanti, MI. Our theme, “Empowering Change: Building a Resilient Future Together,” signifies our commitment to bringing together CHWs, CHW Employers, and Allies to collectively chart the future of the community health worker workforce. This year’s Annual Meeting is one marking significant change – we want to see CHW value reflected in their compensation. We aim to upskill CHWs for a new era. Collectively, we will accomplish this by further developing CHWs’ skills and specializations, driving forward the professionalization of the workforce. Your support will empower CHWs to continue bridging gaps, build upon their professional credentials, and allow them to capture additional funding to continue their crucial work.
I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support and commitment to MiCHWA. Together, we will continue to make a profound impact on the health and well-being of communities across Michigan. Let us move forward with renewed energy and excitement, embracing the opportunities ahead and solidifying MiCHWA’s legacy of excellence!
Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Together, we will achieve remarkable milestones and elevate the CHW profession to new heights!
With gratitude and excitement,
Kareem J. Baig
Interim Executive Director
Michigan Community Health Worker Alliance (MiCHWA)
