Brianna Foley, Research Assistant for the Center for Precision Public Health, has been named the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) 2024 Collaborative Partner of the Year. This award recognizes individuals who have exhibited the ability to build interagency capacity and partnerships at the State or community level and collaborate with the MDHHS and Substance Use, Gambling and Epidemiology (SUGE) to accomplish strategic goals.

Foley earned her bachelor’s degree in political science in 2020 and her master’s in public policy in 2021, both from Michigan State University. She has experience in topics such as behavioral health, social inequalities, and policymaking and evaluation.

MDHHS has named Foley an invaluable partner due to her work organizing and facilitating the Michigan Prevention Data System (MPDS) for several years. The MPDS is a staff activity reporting system that collects information about the types of programs and activities offered, as well as accumulated recipient data. Foley was recognized for her ability to quickly respond to emails regarding system issues or prevention provider needs, her guidance of all MPDS users through an annual close out process, and her coordination of system action items with the MPHI team. Additionally, Foley led a workgroup that sought to review and update the MPDS User Manual and create a companion manual for Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan (PIHP) staff. Overall, her work has allowed the MPDS to run smoothly and Foley has shown continual excellence in establishing collaborative relationships among MPDS colleagues.

“I am so honored that I was thought of to receive the Collaborative Partner of the Year Award! Working with MDHHS has always been such a great experience and I know that the work we do together will make a meaningful impact on the community,” said Foley.

Congratulations, Brianna Foley!

For more information about MDHHS SUGE, visit: Substance Use, Gambling and Epidemiology (michigan.gov)