1602-11942

Michigan: Support to the Voices of Detroit Initiative (VODI) to act as a lead convener in the Detroit community as part of the Grassroots Engagement Strategy. As a community-based coalition of stakeholders, VODI is a safety net healthcare coalition that seeks to provide a voice for the uninsured while investing in community partnerships that improve access to healthcare. The engagement strategy and work plan for Year Two is based on the major themes that VODI learned during year one: Education on Availability and Usage of Benefits; Integration of Primary Care and Oral Health; Access to Care/ Dental Homes; Episodic Dental Care; and Social Detriments (Health Equity/Disparities). VODI’s findings indicated that over 77% of consumers in their catchment area are eligible for coverage through expanded Medicaid or some other subsidized programming, however, utilization does not reflect coverage eligibility. Many consumers are uneducated on the impact oral health has on chronic conditions and their overall health. Oral Health 2020 investment of $100,000 will support four (4) major goals VODI will center on in 2016: 1) Data Collection 2) Oral Health Equity Education 3) Community Resident Engagement 4) Development of Coordinated Priorities Plan. This investment aligns with the Oral Health 2020 focus of improving the public perception of the value of oral health.