Hunger Blog

The Hunger Blog is an open dialogue that highlights how microfinance, when combined with lifeskills and health services, empowers women to improve their incomes, safeguard their childrens’ health and achieve lasting food security.

Marianne Udow's Bio and Posts

Marianne Udow-Phillips was appointed the Director of the Center for Health Care Quality and Transformation in September 2007. The Center is a joint venture of the University of Michigan Health System and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan with a goal to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of the health care system by conducting demonstration projects in both health care finance and delivery and health status and access to care. Prior to her role with the Center, Marianne was the Director of the Michigan Department of Human Services, appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm effective January 12, 2004. The Department of Human Services directs the operations of public assistance and service programs through a network of local offices. DHS programs include temporary cash assistance, food assistance, childcare, child support enforcement, medical assistance, adoption and foster care services, domestic violence services, juvenile justice services and adult and children’s protective services. Prior to her appointment DHS, she served as Senior Vice President of Health Care Products and Provider Services for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She was also the former Senior Vice President and Vice President of Plans and Operations for Mercy Alternative and Care Choices. She has a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Health, Hunger, & Education

As a Trustee of Freedom from Hunger, I am passionate about their work to address hunger through integration of health programs with microfinance. After all, hunger is inextricably linked to poverty and poor health status. In my view, helping women and families lift themselves out of poverty through micro-finance initiatives while equipping them with the knowledge and tools to improve health status is a true recipe for success. I would love to hear what others think.

--Marianne Udow | 09-28-07 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Categories: Everyday Advocates