Janet Olszewski

Janet Olszewski, of Williamston, is Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). The department, created in 1996, consolidated portions of the former Department of Public Health with the Department of Mental Health and the Medical Services Administration. The Office of Drug Control Policy, the Office of Services to the Aging and the Crime Victims Services Commission were subsequently consolidated with MDCH.

Olszewski is a long-time health care executive for the State of Michigan. She was appointed MDCH Director by Governor Jennifer Granholm effective on January 1, 2003.

With a FY 2008 gross appropriation of $12.0 billion and approximately 4,300 employees, MDCH is responsible for health policy and management of Michigan's publicly funded health systems. Services are planned and delivered through several integrated components:

• Medicaid health care coverage for 1.5 million Michigan residents.
• Mental health and substance abuse services are provided through contracts with 46 Community Mental Health Services Programs. These programs, which serve as Preferred Health Providers, manage Medicaid funded specialty services across the state. They provide community-based behavioral and mental health services and supports to persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive disorders.
• The department contracts with 45 local public health departments that assess health needs, promote and protect health, prevent disease, and assure access to appropriate care for all citizens.
• The Office of Drug Control Policy administers federal funds in Michigan for drug law enforcement, treatment, education and prevention programs.
• The Office of Services to the Aging promotes independence and enhances the dignity of Michigan's older persons and their families through advocacy, leadership, and innovation in policies, programs and services.
• The Michigan Crime Victim Services Commission administers the crime victim rights fund, investigates and processes applications for crime victim compensation, and administers federal Victim of Crime Act grants.

Olszewski served from 2000 to 2003 as Vice President for Government Programs and Regulation at M-CARE, a non profit managed care company owned by the University of Michigan. She was responsible for the company's Medicare products; state contracts for the Medicaid, MIChild and Kids Care programs; compliance with state regulatory requirements; and implementation of benefit changes across all product lines.

Prior to joining M-CARE in 2000, Olszewski spent 23 years with the State of Michigan. She began her state government career with the Office of Services to the Aging in 1977. From 1985 to 1991, she assumed leadership roles in two divisions of the former Department of Public Health. She was acting director of the department's division of services for crippled children during 1991 and 1992. She led the department's managed care quality assessment and improvement division from 1992 to 1997. From 1998 - 2000, she was Director for Medicaid Quality Improvement and Customer Services.

Olszewski is a graduate of Boston University and earned a master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan.

Olszewski has received the Public Official of the Year Award from the Michigan Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Special Recognition Award from the Michigan Hospital Association and the Legacy of Leadership Award from the Michigan Primary Care Association. 

She serves on numerous Boards and Commissions, including the Southeast Michigan Medical Education Taskforce, the Greater Detroit Area Health Council, Michigan Homeland Protection Board, the University of Michigan Depression Center National Advisory Board, the Access to Care Coalition, the ASTHO Taskforce on Policy and Governance and the Council for Labor and Economic Growth.

E-mail Ms. Janet Olszewski