@MDHHS_Director

Acting Director, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services

michigan.gov//mdhhs
Joined January 2021
  • Tweets517
  • Following203
  • Followers1.3K
103Media
Today is my last day leading @MichiganHHS. Thank you, @GovWhitmer, for appointing me to serve the people of MI. It has been the honor of a lifetime. 🧵
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(4/4) Together we expanded access to health care, strengthened behavioral health services, improved outcomes for families and so much more. I am so grateful for you and for this opportunity to serve our state.
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Replying to @MDHHS_Director @MichiganHHS @GovWhitmer
(3/4) I want to thank the dedicated MDHHS employees who have and will continue to work every day to protect the health, safety and well-being of people across MI.
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Replying to @MDHHS_Director @MichiganHHS @GovWhitmer
(2/4) I believe in the work we do, and I’m so proud of all we have accomplished over the last few years to improve the lives of people throughout MI.
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Proud to join @GovWhitmer and others to break ground for the William Schma House. @MichiganHHS continues to make key investments to ensure people in MI have the SUD recovery supports where and when they need them.
Michigan HHS Dept@MichiganHHSApr 14
.@MDHHS_Director joined @GovWhitmer, other leaders and partners to break ground on The William Schma House, a new housing community in Kalamazoo that will provide safe, affordable homes and on-site support for people working to sustain long-term recovery. bit.ly/4sTaVMB
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.@MDHHS_Director Hertel visited with officials at Hegira Health's newly opened psychiatric residential facility, and DWIHN's Integrated Crisis Care Campus to discuss the state’s continuing commitment to expand access to behavioral health care. More info: bit.ly/4uv6OIz
A group of individuals pose for a group photo.

ALT A group of individuals pose for a group photo.

A group of individuals stand in a room, attentively listening to a person speaking.

ALT A group of individuals stand in a room, attentively listening to a person speaking.

Two people walking together outside a building, engaged in conversation.

ALT Two people walking together outside a building, engaged in conversation.

A group of people wearing construction helmets stands in a partially finished building interior. Some are dressed in business attire, while others wear safety vests. Construction materials and a ladder are visible.

ALT A group of people wearing construction helmets stands in a partially finished building interior. Some are dressed in business attire, while others wear safety vests. Construction materials and a ladder are visible.

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Proud of the progress we've made together to improve access to care.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
@GovWhitmerFeb 26
No state can pick up the massive tab the federal government is dropping on us. What we can do is make health care more convenient and more affordable. Over the past 7 years, that's exactly what we’ve done.
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Great to meet with @MichiganHHS staff in Saginaw Co. to hear how they're doing with the teaming model. Teaming brings together a core team, or pod, of employees to encourage additional collaboration, wrap supports around a family & help keep kids safe.➡️bit.ly/4kOUtue
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Thank you @GVSU for hosting the 2026 Health Economic Insights. Proud to share @MichiganHHS’s — and our partners’ — continued efforts and progress toward keeping kids safe, supporting the health care workforce, and improving access to health care for all people in Michigan.
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As federal changes create new challenges, this budget takes practical steps to protect Michigan’s health care system, bringing new for Medicaid, supporting care workers, expanding behavioral health services, and maternal health. #MIbudget
The FY27 Executive Budget Recommendation is protecting health care through investments in Medicaid, support for 160K+ direct care workers, expanded behavioral & psychiatric health capacity, continued investments in moms and babies, and strengthened community-based care.

ALT The FY27 Executive Budget Recommendation is protecting health care through investments in Medicaid, support for 160K+ direct care workers, expanded behavioral & psychiatric health capacity, continued investments in moms and babies, and strengthened community-based care.

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.@MDHHS_Director this week toured Forgotten Harvest's On-the-Go pantry in Taylor and helped individuals select groceries at no cost to them. MDHHS, with Forgotten Harvest, offers these mobile food pantries on a monthly basis at select offices in Oakland, Macomb & Wayne counties.
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In 2025, @MichiganHHS made a lasting difference for millions of people in MI. Grateful for our employees and community partners who make it possible. Let’s keep the momentum going in 2026!
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Adoption Day is a powerful reminder of what the promise of love, support, and stability means in a child’s life. @MichiganHHS is honored to stand with families and partners helping children find safe, permanent homes. Congratulations to all who finalized adoptions this week!
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No one should go hungry. Resources are available to ensure everyone in Michigan has access to nutritious food during federal delays to SNAP.
Michigan HHS Dept@MichiganHHS31 Oct 2025
Michigan 2-1-1 provides free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services. Visit Mi211.org/Food-Assistance to enter your zip code. The search tool immediately provides details on food pantries and other resources in your area.
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Looking forward to joining national leaders at @CWLAofficial 2026, where @MichiganHHS will present our innovative CSA teaming model and the positive impacts it’s building for families across the state. Learn more: bit.ly/3L1RFvV

MDHHS selected to present teaming model at Child Welfare League of America National Conference

michigan.gov
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The federal government’s delay of SNAP benefits will place people in MI at risk of food insecurity and poverty. SNAP is more than a food assistance program; it’s a lifeline for many MI families.
Michigan HHS Dept@MichiganHHS23 Oct 2025
“The impact of households losing SNAP benefits will be felt around the state,” said @MDHHS_Director. We are strongly disappointed by the USDA’s decision to delay this assistance, and in Michigan we will do what we can to help blunt this impact.” Details: bit.ly/3L1ObcW.
The federal government’s delay of SNAP benefits will place Michiganders at risk of food insecurity and poverty. SNAP, a critical program for families and individuals across Michigan to access food, is the nation’s largest food assistance program and one of the most effective tools to reduce food insecurity. Nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people, receive SNAP benefits. About 43% are families with children and 36% are families with members who are older adults or disabled.

ALT The federal government’s delay of SNAP benefits will place Michiganders at risk of food insecurity and poverty. SNAP, a critical program for families and individuals across Michigan to access food, is the nation’s largest food assistance program and one of the most effective tools to reduce food insecurity. Nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people, receive SNAP benefits. About 43% are families with children and 36% are families with members who are older adults or disabled.

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“The fiscal year 2026 budget will allow the dedicated staff of the MDHHS to continue its critical work of protecting the health, safety and prosperity of Michigan families.” Read @MDHHS_Director’s full statement here: bit.ly/4q2cCa3.

MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel issues statement on passage of FY26 budget

michigan.gov
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
@GovWhitmer7 Oct 2025
Seven budgets down, one to go! The bipartisan, balanced budget I signed today delivers for all Michiganders. It fixes our damn roads, cuts taxes for seniors and working families, provides students free breakfast and lunch, protects public health and safety, and much more.
Gov. Whitmer holds budget bills alongside (left to right)—Speaker Hall, Rep. Bollin, Senate Majority Leader Brinks, and Sen. Anthony.

ALT Gov. Whitmer holds budget bills alongside (left to right)—Speaker Hall, Rep. Bollin, Senate Majority Leader Brinks, and Sen. Anthony.

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MDHHS is committed to ensuring the health and safety of Michigan families and providing timely state guidance to health care providers and residents that adheres to the highest scientific, evidence-based standards. For more info, visit bit.ly/3KgtARP.
Infographic on Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy, endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, outlining the benefits and guidelines of acetaminophen use in moderate amounts.

ALT Infographic on Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy, endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, outlining the benefits and guidelines of acetaminophen use in moderate amounts.

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Great to be back at Andy's Place for the opening of the Mark McDaniel Apartments. Housing is essential to families and individuals in their recovery journey and I'm proud of @MichiganHHS' investments in places that support long-term recovery and strengthen families.
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Great to join @WayneState to break ground on their new Health Sciences Research Building, designed to bring research, clinical care & community engagement under one roof. This project supports goals we care deeply about at @MichiganHHS: improving health care access & outcomes.
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