Welcoming the Michiana Community into Care
Building bridges between the community and health resources to advance research, provide opportunities for student education, and improve public health in the South Bend-Elkhart community
Promoting Community Health and Well-being
Welcome to the Michiana Community Health Coalition (MCHC)
We are a collaborative force dedicated to enhancing the health and vitality of the region. The MCHC is convened by the University of Notre Dame, and comprises frontline public health workers from healthcare, mental health, government, and social service organizations. Through dynamic in-person engagements, we prioritize:
- Aligning Resources and Advancing Research:
Our Coalition members include community health workers, peer recovery coaches, community resource navigators, and case managers. They are experts in the region's available services, resources, and programs, and they are trusted leaders in their communities. The MCHC amplifies the collective knowledge and experiences of our members to align resources with needs, improve collaboration, and support innovative research.
- Community Well-Being and Connectedness:
The MCHC focuses on finding solutions to local public health problems and connecting MCHC members with the resources and support they need. The Coalition serves as a supportive network for frontline public health workers who often work in stressful, under-resourced, and isolating environments.
- Equitable Access to Care:
The MCHC seeks to improve our region's health by addressing the community's most pressing health needs. We convene professionals in the region who help community members access: healthcare and mental health; food, housing and utility support; early childhood education and childcare; resources for community violence and domestic violence; and maternal health and parental education.
Our Coalition in Action
Comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds— community members, Notre Dame colleagues, local activists, students, community health workers, resource navigators, and recovery coaches—we unite to tackle prevalent health challenges and current issues together.
Monthly Gatherings
Pooling knowledge, stories, and resources, we proactively address:
- Access to quality housing, transportation, and healthcare.
- Complexities of poverty, food scarcity, and lack of support.
- Educational disparities and research initiatives.
- Mental, physical, and environmental health concerns.
- Prenatal care, doula birth coaching, and parent/child developmental support.
Community Empowerment
Driven by a collective commitment, we bridge gaps within our community, promoting:
- Student education opportunities, community connection, career advancement, and research expansion.
- Enhanced regional well-being with equitable access to healthcare, transportation, housing and meals.
- Sustainable solutions to systemic barriers, chronic disease management, and environmental concerns.
Join Our Vision
Check for our next meeting!
