Michigan Public Health: Community Conversations

Strong public health begins with listening to communities and working together on locally identified needs. Michigan Public Health: Community Conversations will bring University of Michigan School of Public Health faculty, staff, and students together with local health departments, community leaders, and residents for open, respectful discussions about urgent health challenges.

The initiative will create opportunities for people — including those who may question or distrust public-health institutions — to express concerns, ask questions, share local knowledge, and help develop practical solutions. By meeting communities where they are, the program aims to strengthen relationships, improve health, and rebuild trust in public health through consistent partnership and service.

Audience

The intended audience consists of local health department personnel, local health leaders (i.e., community organizers and organizations), and the public.

What it offers

During the 2026–27 academic year, the School of Public Health plans to co-create four in-person Community Conversations with local health departments across Michigan. Timing and topics will be determined collaboratively according to community needs.

Each Community Conversation will focus on a health issue selected in partnership with local public-health officials and community members.

• Discuss urgent health concerns affecting your community.
• Hear perspectives from residents, local organizations, public-health officials, and U-M experts.
• Ask questions and express concerns in an open, nonjudgmental environment.
• Identify gaps where U-M expertise and resources could support existing local efforts.
• Participate in collaborative problem-solving grounded in community experience.
• Build relationships that can continue beyond a single event.
• Connect local health priorities with research, data, and practical public-health resources.

Impact on the public good

The project aims to deepen understanding of local health challenges, strengthen relationships between U-M and Michigan’s local health departments, and provide communities with more direct access to public-health expertise and resources.

Longer-term goals include:

• Advancing locally led solutions to health disparities.
• Strengthening the capacity of community-based organizations.
• Increasing public understanding of public health.
• Improving communication among residents, health officials, and researchers.
• Supporting public-health policies and programs with community-informed research.
• Rebuilding trust through listening, transparency, sustained presence, and service.

By encouraging civic participation, addressing misinformation, and creating respectful spaces for differing viewpoints, the initiative recognizes that stronger public health and stronger democracy go hand in hand.