Michigan Public Health Week Partnership - Spotlighting Public Health & Reaching Legislators Without Becoming a Lobbyist or Breaking the Piggy-Bank

Sustainable funding is a growing concern at all levels of public health - local, state, and federal. Every year public health-related organizations spend considerable resources in an effort to inform legislators that funding for public health programs in America is both vital and beneficial. At the state and local level, the need to keep public health programs on the radar of legislators is crucial, as there are fewer resources available to provide the essential public health services our communities rely on every day. The Michigan Department of Community Health along with several public health organizations in the state joined forces to develop a low-cost, sustainable, and effective award program that aims to do just that. The Michigan Public Health Week event through the Hometown Health Hero Award and health policy Champion Award has demonstrates to state legislators the importance and tangible benefits of public health in Michigan while recognizing the accomplishments of individuals and organizations in the arena of public health. This presentation describes the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership, its ongoing award program, outreach to state legislators – and ultimately - the program’s sustainability.