Through the Nonprofit Spotlight series, Advancing Macomb highlights the work of a Macomb County-based nonprofit. This month, we feature MyCare Health Center.
The need for quality yet affordable healthcare in Macomb County is significant. A recent survey conducted by the Macomb County Health Department revealed that nearly half of the surveyed Macomb County residents believe the cost of their healthcare has made it difficult to access services.
There is a solution.
MyCare Health Center is a registered 501(c)(3) federally qualified health center in Macomb County whose mission is to provide affordable healthcare services for all patients, including the uninsured. The health center offers essential primary care, dental and behavioral health services.
“Nearly 50% of our patients live in poverty, indicating that MyCare is meeting the needs of those most in need of high-quality, affordable care,” said Karen Wood, CEO of MyCare Health Center.
MyCare Health Center offers multiple locations throughout Macomb County, including Center Line, Mount Clemens and Clinton Township. A new fourth location recently opened in Center Line, which focuses specifically on treatment and therapy for behavioral health and substance abuse disorders. More than 80% of the patients served by the center reside in Macomb County.
The center accepts all insurance carriers, including Medicare and Medicaid. It also operates a sliding fee program based on family size and income, making health care affordable and accessible to everyone.
“We do not turn people away based on their ability to pay,” continued Wood. “Cost can be a barrier to care. We treat everyone. This sets us apart.”
MyCare Health Center is driven by community needs and regularly conducts assessments to determine plans and priorities. Their 2021 assessment showed a lack of dental centers in mid- to northern Macomb County for Medicaid patients. The organization collaborated with the Health Resources and Services Administration, community partners and foundations to expand its existing medical and behavioral health center and open a $1.6 million state-of-the-art dental center in Mount Clemens.
The organization is also seeking federal funding through grants to expand behavioral health services at all of its locations and extend its hours of operation.
MyCare also aims to assist more people transitioning from Macomb County jail or prison into the community by providing case management, peer support, medical, dental, behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment and transportation services, and referrals for food, housing and work training. This support will help individuals acclimate to society and lead happy and healthy lives.
“We’re healthcare’s best-kept secret,” said Wood. “We’re doing great things in the community.”
Wood credits the collaborative efforts of its community partners, including the Macomb County Health Department, for much of its success. The two work closely together to address the community’s needs. MyCare Health Center also serves as the medical and substance use disorder provider for Macomb County Community Mental Health.
Recently, MyCare Health Center received technical assistance from Advancing Macomb for grant writing and fundraising. This assistance will help them stay informed about local events in metro Detroit and new funding opportunities.
“Macomb is a really special place to live and work, and we enjoy working with our community partners,” said Wood.
MyCare Health Center routinely welcomes feedback from the community to help improve and enhance its services and understand the barriers the community is facing. Wood also wants the community to know that every MyCare patient, regardless of income or where they live, will be treated with dignity and respect and receive the highest quality care.
“Our mission is to improve the health and wellness of our communities by delivering quality healthcare to all people,” said Wood.
For more information about MyCare Health Center, visit mycarehealthcenter.org.
