Erin McDowell, MPH

Community Outreach Liaison

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Erin McDowell graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in both health science and biology. She was also a member of the swim and dive team. She received a master’s degree in public health (MPH) from Saginaw Valley State University. Erin worked at Sanford Behavioral Health as an intern (Eating Disorder Program) during the week and as a resident support staff on the weekends while completing her master’s degree.

She joined the admissions team at Sanford upon graduation as an access counselor for the Eating Disorder Program. Erin was promoted to lead access counselor and cross-trained in substance use disorder and mental health. She joined the community outreach team as a liaison in 2025.

Erin’s role as a Community Outreach Liaison allows her to make an impact at both the individual and community levels. As someone passionate about public health and macro-level social work, she is excited to help Sanford better understand the behavioral health needs of our communities while strengthening connections with referral partners and service providers. Erin makes transitions between levels of care as smooth as possible for individuals seeking support for substance use, eating disorders, and mental health concerns. Knowing that strong partnerships and coordinated care can improve access to care and outcomes is what makes this work so rewarding for her. 

Outside of work, Erin enjoys gardening, baking, and taking on home improvement projects around the house. She says her fiancé would probably tell you she enjoys home improvement projects a little too much, since she’s always finding something new for them to work on together! Erin also loves open water swimming and spending time with her dogs, whether playing in the yard or taking long walks. She is currently planning her August wedding and embracing this exciting chapter of life. 

 

Erin says, “My decision to work in behavioral health is rooted in both my natural desire to help others and my own lived experience with an eating disorder. Recovery showed me how life-changing access to quality care can be, and it inspired me to help improve those opportunities for others. Sanford’s commitment to expanding access to eating disorder treatment and behavioral health services throughout Michigan drew me to the organization. Being able to support that mission and help connect people with care is meaningful to me.”