5 Critical Updates: What The Ingham County Health Department Is Doing Right Now In Lansing, Michigan (2025)

The Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) remains the central pillar of public well-being for Lansing and the surrounding communities, and as of late 2025, the department is deep into several major, transformative initiatives. The ICHD is not just reacting to immediate crises; it is proactively implementing a multi-year strategy to tackle deep-rooted health disparities and improve essential public health services across the entire county. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute look at the department’s most critical programs, new funding allocations, and key strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond, ensuring residents have the most current information available.

The core mission of the ICHD, located primarily at 5303 S. Cedar St. in Lansing, MI, revolves around preventing illness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and protecting the community from environmental and infectious disease threats. With a focus on health equity and community collaboration, the department’s current work is heavily centered on the 2025-2027 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), an action-oriented blueprint designed to address the most pressing health needs identified in the region.

The Ingham County Health Department's 2025-2027 Strategic Blueprint

The ICHD’s work is constantly evolving, driven by community needs assessments and emerging public health challenges. The key areas of focus are defined in collaboration with partners like the Capital Area Health Alliance and Mid-Michigan Health Department. The most significant development is the launch of the new Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which is setting the agenda for the next three years.

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1. Launch of the 2025-2027 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)

The new three-year CHIP is the ICHD’s definitive roadmap for improving the health of all Ingham County residents. This plan is highly action-oriented, outlining specific goals, objectives, and actions to address priority health issues. The groundwork for this plan was laid at the CHIP Priority Workshop, which was hosted by Healthy! Capital Counties on January 15, 2025, bringing together stakeholders to define the most critical areas of focus for the region.

• Key Focus Areas: While specific final goals are being implemented, the plan is built on the foundation of chronic disease and injury prevention, emergency preparedness, and addressing social determinants of health.
• Collaborative Effort: The CHIP is a joint effort, ensuring that resources from the ICHD, local hospitals (like McLaren), and other community organizations are aligned for maximum impact.

2. Critical Funding for the Opioid Crisis and Harm Reduction

In a major commitment to combating the ongoing opioid epidemic, the Ingham County Board of Commissioners approved a significant spending plan for funds received from opioid litigation settlements. A portion of this critical funding is directly allocated to the Health Department for a two-year contract focused on substance use disorder programs.

• Emerging Needs Fund: A dedicated $100,000 has been set aside as an "emerging needs fund" to rapidly deploy resources for harm reduction.
• Naloxone Distribution: A primary use of these funds is for the purchase and distribution of essential harm reduction supplies, most notably naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), which is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
• Mental Health Awareness: This effort is also tied to broader campaigns, such as the one launched by the City of Lansing's HRCS department in September 2025, to promote mental health and raise awareness on opioid misuse and prevention.

3. Advancing Health Equity with New Community Councils

Recognizing that health outcomes are unequal across different populations, the ICHD has prioritized health equity as a core principle. This is being implemented through the establishment of new, dedicated community organizations.

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• Ingham Health Equity Council (HEC): The ICHD, in partnership with the Capital Area Health Alliance, created the Ingham Health Equity Council to directly address and reduce health disparities within the county. This council is a key entity in shaping how public health services are delivered to vulnerable populations.
• Black Doula Cohort: In a major step for maternal health equity, the ICHD is supporting the expansion of the Ingham County Black Doula Cohort, with next steps planned for May 2025. This initiative aims to expand access to culturally responsive maternal care, a vital service for improving birth outcomes in the Black community.

4. Essential Public Health and Infectious Disease Services

While long-term planning is underway, the ICHD continues to manage and respond to immediate public health threats, including infectious disease control and community immunization efforts. The department's role as the local authority for disease surveillance is critical in protecting the Lansing area.

• COVID-19 Preparedness: The ICHD remains vigilant regarding the coronavirus, with Health Officer Linda Vail consistently reminding the community of the importance of COVID-19 safety measures. Test results and case counts are constantly monitored and communicated to the public.
• Vaccine Clinics: To prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, the department is hosting targeted clinics, such as a walk-in MMR Vaccine Clinic in April 2025, to protect the community from measles, mumps, and rubella.
• Sexual Health Services: The ICHD provides essential preventive and primary care, including comprehensive STI/HIV screening and treatment. These services are supported by a full staff, including social workers and nutritionists.

5. Updates to Community Health Centers and Resources

The physical locations and accessibility of ICHD services are vital for residents seeking care. The department manages several community health centers to ensure primary care is available to all, regardless of ability to pay.

• Willow Community Health Center Move: The ICHD is managing the temporary relocation of the Willow Community Health Center from its long-time location on South Pennsylvania Avenue in Lansing. This temporary move is to ensure continuity of care while the department plans for the future of its community resource centers. Residents are advised to check the official ICHD website for the most current updates on the new temporary address and hours of operation.
• Ingham Community Health Centers (ICHC): The ICHC network continues to be a leader in inclusive healthcare, having previously been recognized as a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equity by the Human Rights Campaign’s Health Equity Index.
• Emergency Alerts: For immediate threats to health and safety, the City of Lansing utilizes the Ingham County RAVE Alerts system, which the ICHD uses to quickly notify residents about critical public health emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ICHD Services

The Ingham County Health Department is a vast public health organization, and residents often have questions about its core functions and how to access essential services.

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What is the main address and phone number for the ICHD?

The main ICHD location is at 5303 S. Cedar St., Lansing, MI 48911. The primary phone number for general inquiries is 517-887-4311. It's recommended to call ahead for specific clinic hours or to confirm the location of services like the Willow Community Health Center, given its temporary relocation.

Does the ICHD offer environmental health services?

Yes, the ICHD provides comprehensive environmental health services, which fall under its main portfolio of services. This includes restaurant inspections, well and septic permitting, and addressing public health nuisances to protect the community from environmental hazards. These services are a key component of the department's chronic disease and injury prevention efforts.

What is the role of the Regional Health Equity Council?

The Regional Health Equity Council (HEC) was established with grant funding secured by the ICHD in 2022. Its role is to serve as a high-level, collaborative entity that focuses on systemic change to achieve health equity across the region, aligning with the goals of the 2025-2027 CHIP.

How can I get a vaccine from the Ingham County Health Department?

The ICHD regularly hosts vaccine clinics for various immunizations, including MMR, flu, and COVID-19. Residents can often access these through walk-in appointments, such as the specific MMR clinic held in April 2025. It is best to check the official ICHD website or call their main line for the most current schedule of immunization clinics.