Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has received a $2.25 million grant to aid a project focused on transitioning youth with epilepsy into adult healthcare systems. The Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) will collaborate on this initiative, which aims to improve the transition process for young individuals with epilepsy.

"The transition from youth to adulthood can be particularly challenging for young people and their families, especially for those with conditions like epilepsy. This project aims to enhance coordination across various systems to ensure a successful transition for these youth, while also offering vital support to their families," stated Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "By collaborating with four major epilepsy centers in Michigan, we will provide comprehensive assistance to help young people with epilepsy and their families navigate the shift from pediatric to adult care."

MDHHS estimates that around 13,600 children in Michigan aged 17 and younger are affected by epilepsy. Nationwide, only 23% of adolescents have adequate resources for transitioning into adult healthcare. This program intends to increase that percentage by working with two pediatric and two adult neurology clinics on strategies aimed at improving transitions into adult-serving systems for these youths.

The program will focus on strengthening collaborations between child- and adult-serving support systems, developing a health care transition framework specific to Michigan, and creating a Roadmap to Transition resource guide.

In addition to MPHI, MDHHS is partnering with the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center at Michigan Medicine, and Patient and Family Partnerships, Inc.

For more information about this initiative or other related activities:

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2024/12/04/epilepsy-grant