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State health officials present accreditation certificate to Grand Traverse County Health Department
Summary
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services presented an accreditation certificate to the Grand Traverse County Health Department and highlighted local programs including Healthy Futures home visits, immunization outreach and integrated WIC/MIHP services.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services officials visited the Grand Traverse County Board to present a local public health accreditation certificate and to outline strengths identified in the last review.
Mike Leahy, a county health department official, introduced Laura Dela Rambellier and Molly Cotant of MDHHS’ Division of Local Health Services. The state representatives said the local accreditation program—first established in Michigan—evaluates powers and duties and is updated every three years in partnership with local public health experts.
MDHHS highlighted Grand Traverse County’s Healthy Futures program, which partners with Munson Healthcare and local providers to support pregnant women and mothers through nurse home visits focused on breastfeeding, vaccinations, follow-up care and blood-pressure monitoring. MDHHS also praised the department’s outreach to people experiencing homelessness and its clinic-based immunization work (seasonal flu and COVID clinics at local churches) and HIV/STI promotional activities.
"Grand Traverse County Health Department conducts outreach for homeless individuals in the jurisdiction, including connecting pregnant women to available services," an MDHHS official said, noting examples such as arranging bus vouchers and fee waivers to improve clients’ access to follow-up care.
Leahy and county leadership thanked state staff for their review and emphasized ongoing collaboration. County staff said they have an accreditation coordinator starting this fall to prepare for the next cycle and that the accreditation process helps ensure consistent standards of care.
Next steps: county staff will continue preparations for the 2026 accreditation cycle and maintain collaborative work with MDHHS to implement recommendations and sustain identified programs.
