Our Story
Introduction to Michiana Community Health Coalition (MCHC)
The Michiana Community Health Coalition (MCHC), initiated by the University of Notre Dame, represents a collaboration of community health workers, community navigators, and certified addiction peer recovery coaches. This collective effort is dedicated to enhancing public health in the South Bend-Elkhart community through research advancement, educational opportunities for students, and direct community engagement.
The MCHC began meeting over Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to the significant challenges faced by the South Bend region. Many residents were struggling to make ends meet, maintain housing, access food, and receive equitable mental health support during the crisis. Notre Dame students, guided by professors and colleagues, conceived the idea of forming a coalition to serve the community and connect individuals to essential resources.
This collaborative effort includes leaders in the medical field, lead researchers, informed and educated community members, and individuals training to enter community work. Together, they strive to create a robust support network, ensuring that the community's health needs are met effectively and equitably.
Growth and Outreach
Launched in December 2021 with four foundational organizations: Beacon Health System, Oaklawn, St. Joseph County Health System, and St. Joseph County Department of Health. MCHC now encompasses over 30 organizations across St. Joseph, Elkhart, and Marshall counties. This expansion reflects the critical need for community-oriented health outreach and literacy.
Commitment to Health Equity
At the heart of MCHC's mission is a commitment to address the factors leading to unequal health outcomes in the United States. These include challenges like access to quality housing, transportation, and the impacts of poverty, educational disparities, and mental health issues. A testament to its impact, the coalition has already fostered a network to facilitate access to various services, including mental health care, housing assistance, and chronic disease management.
Community Engagement and Collaboration
Members act as crucial links between local populations and health systems, striving to improve access to healthcare and enhance the quality and cultural sensitivity of services provided. Monthly meetings provide a platform for sharing resources and brainstorming solutions, with contributions from community experts, Notre Dame researchers, and the members themselves.
Campus Partners and Achievements
Support for the coalition comes from the Lucy Family Institute for Data and Society, recognizing its potential for fostering collaborative community partnerships. A notable achievement includes securing a National Science Foundation grant for developing technologies to combat childhood lead exposure in the region. Additionally, collaborations with the Center for Civic Innovation and the John J. Reilly Center for Science, Technology and Values have propelled student-involved projects to support the coalition's initiatives and benchmark its work nationally.
Future Vision
The MCHC's vision extends to working with various campus and community partners, driving conversations and actions aimed at enhancing community health and well-being and aligning resources with local needs.