Author

Estelle Slootmaker

Estelle Slootmaker's Latest Articles

Head Start students at St. John's Universal Church of Christ in Jackson learn about cucumbers and dragonfruit in a lesson on mindful eating.
Pilot program in Jackson County aims to support preschoolers’ mental health through mindfulness

A new study will test whether and how mindfulness-based food-body-mind interventions can optimize young children's cognitive function and behavioral health.

Elizabeth Agius, WSU School of Social Work associate director of research administration, with Larry West, Peers to Higher Education project manager.
Wayne State University program helps peer support specialists pursue higher ed in mental health

The Peers to Higher Education program helps peer support specialists find funding and child care to support them in building a career in mental health.

Holly Campbell, deputy director of the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, and Dr. Pennie Foster-Fishman, project leader for the Northwest Michigan Community Health Innovation Region Behavioral Health Initiative.
Northern Michigan health department spearheads effort to expand behavioral health workforce

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan's cross-sector collaboration involves a wide range of stakeholders who are pitching ideas and taking action on recruiting and retaining behavioral health care professionals across the region — and beyond.

MiGen staff and community in MiGen's office space/Senior Center at Affirmations.
Michigan’s first LGBTQ+ senior center is now open in Ferndale – and another one is coming to Detroit

The Senior Center at Affirmations expands programs and services for LGBTQ+ seniors in an accessible, welcoming environment.

Dr. Tiffany Abrego, executive director of behavioral health at the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Michigan and associate professor of psychology at Wayne State University, and Jeremiah Green, whose idea led to the Mentally Fit Program.
Program offering free mental health support for youth aims to create future mental health pros

A new program dreamed up by a Detroit teen is offering free mental health services for young people – and seeking to inspire them to help others by pursuing mental health careers.

Social worker Nicole Klomp serves as a reserve member of the Newaygo Police Department.
From social workers on the force to crisis centers, Michigan is improving behavioral health care

Here's a look at three ways Michigan providers are offering new ways to help people experiencing a mental health crisis.

Lapeer County EMS Education Program Manager Luke Bowen leads a session of the new EMT training program.
Free EMS education program helps ease EMT shortage in Lapeer County

In Lapeer County, east of Flint, a new EMT education program is helping to grow the county's EMT and paramedic workforce.

Photos of Indigenous family food traditions submitted to the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan.
Michigan’s Indigenous children receive culturally sensitive nutrition education through new program

The 13 Moons Curriculum enriches the lives of children up to age 5 with an academic foundation focused on culturally relevant, healthy eating.

Jim Bardenhagen of Suttons Bay-based Bardenhagen Farms is one of many Michigan farmers who sold his produce to Michigan clients through Cherry Capital Foods.
After a Traverse City food distributor’s closure, Michigan farmers work to keep produce in state

Cherry Capital Foods closed in November, leaving Michigan farmers and produce buyers scrambling to figure out what's next. 

Dr. Jennifer Burgess.
Despite its conveniences, telehealth can be frustrating. These doctors are working to change that.

Telemedicine may be confusing, frustrating, or straight-up inaccessible for many patients – so Henry Ford Health practitioners are working to create an easier experience for all.

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