The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to build relationships with federally recognized tribes in Michigan to advocate for their needs and assist their citizens through its Office of Tribal Government Services & Policy.
“MDHHS is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the sovereignty of tribal governments in Michigan, providing a clear path to accessing resources and continuing to strengthen our government-to-government relationships,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We are proud of the important work done by the Office of Tribal Government Services & Policy.”
There are 12 federally recognized tribes in Michigan – each a sovereign government with its own governing structure, culture, traditions, laws, regulations and policies. State government shares a responsibility with tribes to provide for and protect the health, safety and welfare of shared citizens.
The Office of Tribal Government Services & Policy is dedicated to working with tribal governments, their citizens and other Native American residents to address specific issues and ensure equity in the services MDHHS provides to all Native Americans in Michigan.
Key accomplishments of Office of Tribal Government Services & Policy include:
Planned and executed a successful Tribal Health Care Workforce Summit designed to attract, retain and strengthen the health care workforce for tribal health centers and programs. It was attended by all 12 tribes and nearly all of Michigan’s colleges and universities as well as certain health professional associations.
Worked with the Community Engagement Unit in the MDHHS Division of Environmental Health to develop a protocol to notify and work with tribal governments when environmental hazards occur.
Consulted with tribal staff to develop a Medicaid reimbursement initiative for doula services and a community health worker reimbursement initiative to reduce barriers and provide reimbursement for tribal health programs.
Met with tribal leaders and frontline staff to share information and seek feedback from tribes about how the state should spend its opioid settlement dollars. Tribal Government Services & Policy staff will manage the release of FY 2025 opioid settlement funds to tribes.
Worked with multiple MDHHS divisions and program offices to help them engage in successful consultations with tribal governments.
Developed annual employee trainings to help employees better understand the unique working relationship with tribal governments.es and elder services.
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