Health Authority, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine Announce Teaching Health Center in Wayne County

DETROIT - (BUSINESS WIRE) - The Detroit Wayne County Health Authority (Health Authority) and Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSU) have been funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to establish a teaching health center in Wayne County. Teaching Health Centers are central to the Affordable Care Act as a tool expand primary care in medically underserved areas and increase the supply of primary care health providers over time.

The teaching health center grant, which amounts to $21 million over three years, will involve post-graduate rotations through federally qualified health centers, free clinics, community mental health services, and other provider sites. HRSA has approved funding for 85 new primary care positions in internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, and geriatrics.

The DWCHA GME Consortium was created to establish an innovative community-based model for residency training that will enhance physicians' skills and broaden their perspectives in the service of diverse, vulnerable populations. Further, in anticipation of the expansion of the Medicaid-eligible population in 2014, the DWCHA GME Consortium aims to increase the supply of health professionals working in medically underserved communities.