Washtenaw County Health Report Shows Progress Amid Funding Concerns

Despite ongoing funding uncertainty and rising costs, Washtenaw County health officials say new data shows progress in key areas, including declines in overdose deaths, suicides and gun violence.

The Washtenaw County Health Department’s 2025 annual report paints a mixed picture: measurable public health gains alongside warnings that financial challenges could threaten future services.

“Federal health policy changes, increased food and health care costs, and immigration enforcement are having real and negative impacts here in Washtenaw County,” Health Officer Jimena Loveluck wrote in the report. “This is an incredibly difficult time for many of our community members, as well as public health.”

Even so, local data shows encouraging trends. Deaths from opioid overdoses dropped 25% from 2023 to 2024, while suicides declined by 12.5%. Gun-related deaths also fell to their lowest level since 2019.

Officials credit prevention efforts and expanded access to care.

“Increased access to harm reduction tools, treatment, and recovery support is saving lives here in our community,” Loveluck said.

The department also played a central role in distributing $2.25 million in opioid settlement funds to local organizations and forming a committee to oversee how the money is spent.

Beyond substance use, the report highlights ongoing efforts to improve access to care, especially for children and low-income residents.

A new statewide requirement for kindergarten dental screenings prompted a partnership to provide exams at no cost to families. Officials say early oral health care is critical to a child’s long-term well-being and ability to succeed in school.

The county’s dental clinic, which marked its 10th anniversary this year, continues to fill gaps for residents who struggle to find care.

“Before this dental clinic opened, it was so hard to find a dentist who’d accept Medicaid for adults,” said Kelly Stupple, a Washtenaw Health Project program manager. “This clinic really stepped in and saved the day.”

Public health teams also responded to disease threats, including three separate Legionella outbreaks linked to health care facilities. Working with state officials, staff conducted investigations, issued guidance and helped prevent additional cases.

At the same time, officials are watching troubling trends in vaccination rates. Coverage for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine among young children has dropped significantly in recent years, increasing the risk of outbreaks.

The department has responded by expanding vaccine clinics and sharing guidance with schools and health care providers.

Community-based programs remain a cornerstone of the county’s approach. Health workers helped more than 900 residents navigate food access, housing and health services in 2025, with many clients facing language barriers or financial hardship.

Roughly 30% of those served needed help with food insecurity, while a similar share sought housing assistance. In some cases, intervention prevented eviction.

Mental health outreach has also expanded. The county’s “Wish You Knew” campaign, aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging conversations between young people and adults, reached more than 1.1 million people through social media and community events.

Still, officials say maintaining and expanding these efforts will depend on funding.

“As threats to public health funding continue, we will advocate for resources and allocate them to limit potential negative impacts on our staff and services,” Loveluck said.

Overall, the report highlights ongoing efforts to maintain services and continue meeting community needs.

“We take our responsibilities to protect and promote health seriously, and we will continue to serve all in our community with the resources we have,” Loveluck said.

The entire report can be found at https://www.washtenaw.org/1129/Health-Department