MidMichigan Community Health Services distributes 175 bike helmets to students at Collins Elementary and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Catholic School
MidMichigan Community Health Services received a $1,100 grant from the Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) today to help provide 175 bike helmets to first and second grade students at Collins Elementary and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Catholic School as part of the Collins Elementary Bi-Annual Safety Day in partnership with Houghton Lake Rotary.
This funding is being made available as part of the MAHP’s Tackling Health Care Disparities in Michigan Grant, which encourages community-based organizations to collaborate and deploy local initiatives aimed at creating better health outcomes and improving health equity.
MidMichigan Community Health Services, a federally qualified community health center serving the Houghton Lake area, plays an important role in this effort by ensuring local children have access to bike helmets and are properly fitted by volunteers on site in an effort to reduce head injuries in Roscommon County.
“Without our partners supporting us on the Collins Elementary Bi-Annual Safety Day, these children would likely not receive a bike helmet,” said Diane Nielsen, director of grants and school-based services at MidMichigan Community Health Services. “Teaching safety and giving our children the tools to actually stay safe is incredibly important in our community and we’re thankful for MAHP’s generous donation.”
Michigan State Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord, who serves the 105th House district, was instrumental in connecting MidMichigan Community Health Services to the MAHP program.
“Every child in the county should be able to play freely, exercise safely and travel securely in and around our community on their bikes,” said Rep. Ken Borton. “MAHP’s grant assistance with MidMichigan Community Health Services will help this effort significantly.”
MAHP is proud to support the grassroots efforts of the health plans they represent and the local community organizations working hard to keep Michigan safe and healthy through their grant program.
“MAHP recognizes the important role local health care organizations play in improving the health outcomes of Michigan citizens, especially our children,” said Dominick Pallone, executive director of the Michigan Association of Health Plans. “We’re honored to partner with MidMichigan Community Health Services to ensure local first and second graders have bike helmets so they can play, exercise and get around safely.”
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