Molina Healthcare of Michigan Commits $25,000 to Michigan Libraries in Support of Community Programs Aimed at Improving Health and Wellness Gaps

Ben Jackey, Ben.Jackey@molinahealthcare.com, (502) 377-9484

LANSING, Mich., October 3, 2025 – Molina Healthcare of Michigan (“Molina”) announced eight separate grants to support libraries in mostly rural areas of the northern Lower Peninsula and the Thumb. Grants will help libraries start or maintain programming meant to mitigate social isolation, provide caregiver support, and offer educational opportunities for community members.

The Molina grants were developed, in part, to address the higher risk of mortality associated with social isolation and loneliness which is similar in scale to known health risks of cardiovascular disease, smoking, hypertension and diabetes. A U.S. Surgeon General advisory detailed the health consequences of poor or insufficient connection, including a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Additionally, lacking social connection increases risk of premature death by more than 60%.

“In these rural communities, the Molina grant program makes it possible for public libraries to offer programs and services that otherwise might not be available,” said Dillon Geshel, interim executive director of the Michigan Library Association. “The scope of need addressed with these grant awards is substantial – from monthly arts programs and caregiving for seniors, to literacy programming for pre-k through high school – and highlights the incredible work Michigan libraries do in service to their communities.”

Summaries of the grant-supported programs are provided below.

Alanson Area Public Library – will fund a monthly program aimed at reducing loneliness for seniors through drawing, painting, sculpting, and other art projects.
Beaver Island District Library – will support three programs: Babies and Toddlers Program builds social and gross motor schools; Storytime is for elementary-age homeschoolers, offering reading, crafts, and stem opportunities; Tween/Teen Café gives youth an avenue to express creativity through crafts and art projects.
Crawford County Libraries – will help fund programs including Safe Baby Sleep, Summer Reading, and Care Giver Corner. The adult services include senior book clubs, exercise classes, and clinics on diet, mental health and NARCAN access.
Frankenmuth Wickson District Library – will enable the launch of the Welcome Baby Program to reduce social isolation for new parents and to support early literacy. Children will receive literary resources and parents will have shared time with other parents during weekly library story times.
Interlochen Public Library –will support the Gather & Grow Program offering intergenerational events like shared meals, games, and story times. Caregivers can socialize or take a break to help ease burnout that comes with the commitment to support those who need regular assistance.
Otsego County Library – will fund the Creative Connections Program providing art therapy and community-building for older adults and those living with disabilities. The programming takes place in two subsidized housing complexes.
Pigeon District Library – will help fund an initiative to bridge generations through community creativity projects, guided by Reminiscence Therapy which improves cognition and reduces depression symptoms. The projects will utilize archived photos to foster reflections from years past to the current day.
Traverse Area District Library –will purchase Stay Sharp Kits, designed for people experiencing memory loss or other cognitive issues related to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory disorders.

“Our dedicated Molina Healthcare of Michigan team sees the effects of isolation and depression when serving members in more rural parts of the state, and we are committed to fostering social interaction for our fellow Michiganders,” said Terrisca Des Jardins, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Michigan. “Some of the most remote areas lack the resources needed to keep individuals connected to their community. We hope to bridge those gaps through these grants.”

About Molina Healthcare of Michigan

Molina Healthcare of Michigan, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace programs in Michigan. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Michigan, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.

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