Join Over 500 U-M Employees Promoting Well-Being as MHealthy Champions

University of Michigan’s MHealthy Champions: Fostering Well-Being Across Campuses

At the University of Michigan, over 500 dedicated staff members are actively working to integrate well-being into their daily professional lives. This diverse group includes a customer service representative from Michigan Medicine Parking and Transportation, a lecturer from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and a registered nurse at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

Known as MHealthy Champions, these volunteers play a crucial role in promoting connection, sharing wellness resources, and fostering healthier workplace environments across the university’s three campuses and Michigan Medicine.

Currently, applications are open until July 31 for active, benefits-eligible employees interested in serving as an MHealthy Champion within their department, unit, or area. Employees in various work environments—whether in-person, remote, or hybrid—are encouraged to apply.

Karen Schmidt, senior director of Health and Well-being Services at MHealthy, emphasized the significant impact of these champions, stating, “MHealthy Champions directly improve individual, team and university well-being, enhance work environments and enrich our communities.” She also mentioned the announcement of Human Health and Well-being as the upcoming theme year under the Look to Michigan campaign, highlighting the champions’ role in embedding a culture of well-being.

For Doris Anyim, a registered nurse at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, becoming an MHealthy Champion was about improving both personal well-being and patient care. “The spark that ignited me wanting to become an MHealthy Champion is because I really wanted to improve patient outcomes,” Anyim said. “I’ve always been of the belief that in order for us to give the best patient care and have the best outcomes, we also have to be the best that we can be for ourselves.”

MHealthy Champions dedicate about one or two hours per month to their role, serving a two-year term. With support from MHealthy and their supervisors, champions:

• Collaborate with MHealthy to customize activities for their respective areas.
• Support the health and well-being objectives of their areas.
• Communicate opportunities and motivate participation in well-being activities and programs.
• Enhance connection in the modern work environment.
• Complete necessary steps to qualify for funding for programs and events.

To aid them in their responsibilities, champions have access to:

• A dedicated MHealthy Wellness Coordinator for setting wellness goals and executing tailored programming.
• Learning and engagement opportunities led by subject matter experts, covering various well-being topics.
• An exclusive online portal providing training and learning resources, educational materials, and a peer network for support and sharing experiences.

Interested employees should submit their applications by July 31. Before finalizing the application, MHealthy will confirm the candidate’s supervisor approval.