Restoring human trafficking victims, promoting black breastfeeding and strengthening family connections All receive boost from Priority Health Total Health Foundation grants

(DETROIT, Mich. – August 13, 2024) The Priority Health Total Health Foundation awarded $390,000 in grants to help strengthen Southeast Michigan families including nonprofits who promote breastfeeding, support fatherhood, fill in gaps in family services, and rescue and restore human trafficking victims.

The six grant recipients were identified as actively working to provide solutions and improve lives in Southeast Michigan’s underserved population, aligning with the Priority Health Total Health Foundation’s focus to address the Social Determinants of Health which are non-medical variables that affect well-being and health outcomes.

“These nonprofits have demonstrated serious commitment to changing the trajectory of the most vulnerable of those living in Southeast Michigan,” said Shannon Wilson, executive director of the Priority Health Total Health Foundation. “We are honored to partner with our grant recipients to offer more support, services, and resources to the underserved in the Detroit metro area.”

The Priority Health Total Health Foundation grant recipients are:
Aspire Lactation Consulting Program: This fully accredited board-certified lactation training program recruits existing community-based doulas to become certified lactation consultants with a goal to increase breastfeeding among black mothers in Detroit and create diversity among certified lactation consultants.

Black Family Development: With a mission to provide culturally sensitive services to Detroit families, especially for parents of young children, the under or uninsured, and those with behavioral health issues, new services will include a family nurse practitioner, a program called “Dads as Teachers” to help dads connect with their children, and another called “Theraplay” to assist children in developing strong attachment to the important adults in their lives.

Hope Against Trafficking: This Pontiac-based nonprofit works to rescue and restore those who have been trapped in sex trafficking while at the same time building awareness and prevention of trafficking. Survivors, who often fall prey at 12-14 years of age, receive restorative care including help with finishing a GED and preparing for independence.

Wellness Plan Detroit: Comprised of five community based primary care centers in the city, this group provides affordable medical care to the underinsured and the uninsured. They received a grant to create food pantries complete with refrigeration in four of their five locations to counteract food disparities among underserved populations.

Money Matters for Youth: Detroit young people learn financial literacy and responsibility, economics, goal setting and collaboration in annual camps designed to prepare them for personal and professional success, as well as giving back to their community.

Detroit Community Health Connection: This primary care center offering healthcare to the underserved will use its grant funding to add a community health worker to its staff who will serve as a vital link between the healthcare system and the community, ensuring residents have access to the necessary resources and support. Secondly, a community awareness campaign will be launched to educate residents about health issues, preventative measures, and the availability of resources.

The Priority Health Total Health Foundation continues to lead in the area of partnering with mission-oriented nonprofits who are addressing our most vulnerable populations in Southeast Michigan with a total of more than $16.5 million grant monies distributed since 2020.

For more information, please visit priorityhealth.com.

About Priority Health:

With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.