"circle of care": Balancing system and organizational priorities with community needs in order to build a healthier community in the new center/midtown area of detroit, MI

The American Hospital Association has highlighted the need for nonprofit hospitals and health systems to have open and honest discussions with community members regarding their needs- above and beyond the provision of medical care. One such mode is Circle of Care, a community and health system partnership developed by the Interfaith Health & Hope Coalition (IHHC). The collaboration links leaders of the faith community to representatives of health systems, community, and social and human service agencies. The New Center/Midtown Circle of Care (NCMCOC) in Detroit, Michigan was convened in March 2011 by IHHC in collaboration with the Henry Ford Health System, Institute on Multicultural Health. Targeting neighborhoods within a 3-5 mile radius of Henry Ford Hospital (HFH) which are predominantly African American with an annual household income of $23,000, and 15% uninsured HFH patients, NCMCOC is an ideal partnership to address unmet needs of an underserved population. Beginning primarily as a group focused on information-sharing, the NCMCOC evolved into a process of strategic envisioning for a healthier neighborhood. Through a series of discussions regarding social determinants of health, including a shared viewing of the PBS documentary, “Unnatural Causes,” participants completed a strategic plan and began working on several action items, including mapping New Center/Midtown “place” boundaries; accessing more in-depth needs assessment information for the area; and asset mapping. The group is currently completing a work-plan to survey and disseminate information on community assets, while engaging New Center/Midtown stakeholders to take part in and support the process.