The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is a principal department of state of Michigan, headquartered in Lansing, that provides public assistance, child and family welfare services, and oversees health policy and management.
In April 2015, the Department of Human Services (DHS) was merged with the Department of Community Health (DCH) to create the Department of Health and Human Services.[2]
Department of Human Services
Initially called the Department of Social Services, DHS was created in 1965 and went through several rounds of name changes until 2004, when it was renamed to the Department of Human Services.[4][5]
In August 2007, Governor Jennifer Granholm named Ismael Ahmed to replace Marianne Udow as department director effective September 10, 2007.[3]
100 employees were laid off due to budget cuts in January 2015.[6]
In January 2021, Governor Whitmer named Elizabeth Hertel as department director. Hertel was serving as the Chief Deputy of Administration at MDHHS from 2019 until she was appointed as Director.[7]
Department of Community Health
The Department of Community Health was created in 1996 through an executive order merging Department of Public Health (as Community Public Health Agency), Department of Mental Health, Medical Services Administration from the Department of Social Services, responsibility for Liquor Control Commission, Licensing, Monitoring and Accreditation and Division of Occupational Health from Department of Commerce, Food Service Sanitation from the Department of Agriculture and many functions of Department of Social Services.[1]
Merger
The merger of the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Community Health was announced by Governor Rick Snyder during his 2015 State of the State address.[2]
Programs
The department has several agencies and programs operating under its management.[8]
The Women, Infants & Children program is a supplemental nutrition program offered to children through age five years, those pregnant, breastfeeding, and post-partum. The program offers a monthly food package, breastfeeding information, access to a registered dietician, among other resources to provide healthy nutrition.
Cash Assistance
Children's Special Health Services
Emergency Relief for Home, Utilities, and Burial
Food Assistance Program[10] The Food Assistance Program (FAP) is the state-administered public assistance program which provides the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)[11] benefits to eligible Michigan residents. Eligibility for FAP is determined by expenses, asset limits, income, and residency requirements.[12] Clients are given a Michigan Bridge Card which is loaded on a monthly basis.[13] FAP recipients may use their benefits at participating retailers throughout the state, as well as select retailers online.[14] Additionally, the free nutrition education and physical activity promotion Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed)[15] is offered to those who receive or are eligible for SNAP, therefore FAP, benefits.
Health Care Coverage
Medicaid
Migrant Services
Housing and Homeless Services
Low-Income Households Water Assistance Program
Refugee Assistance
Adult & Children's Services
Hope For A Home[16] program, which includes both Foster Care and Adoption services to help children find a much needed home.
Abuse & Neglect[17] service allows anyone who is dealing with abuse or neglect, or suspects someone is dealing with abuse or neglect, to report it. All it takes is a call to the number 855-444-3911.
Epidemiology
The Bureau of Epidemiology and Population Health is under the purview of the MDHHS.[18] Past Chief Epidemiologists of Michigan include Professor Matthew Boulton of the University of Michigan.[19]
Bureau of Juvenile Justice
The Bureau of Juvenile Justice is responsible for the operation of juvenile correctional facilities.[20]
