Healthy Communities

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.

Latest in Healthy Communities
MyMichigan Medical Center Sault celebrates 100 years serving community

MyMichigan Medical Center Sault is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Over the years, the hospital has grown to meet the needs of the community, evolving from a small hospital to a medical center capable of providing top-tier care.  

Boosting childhood immunization rates vital to community health

Recent data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services shows that 91% of kindergarteners in 2022 were up to date on their vaccinations, while rates of younger ages are seeing a decline. 

Melvin Henley
Growing Michigan Together Council addresses housing and other concerns across the state

Established by Governor Whitmer, the Growing Michigan Together Council works to develop a long-term plan of action to address many issues of concern across the state. Different goals include jobs, talent, and people; infrastructure and places; PreK-12 and higher education, and revenue. Block by Block spoke with the Executive Director of the Growing Michigan Together Council and Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, and Melvin Henley at Community Economic Development Association of Michigan to hear about the council’s report.   

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.

Inventing the Outdoors was originally on exhibit at the Michigan History Center.
The man who opened the U.P. to the world

Webster Marble changed how early 20th century Americans viewed the outdoors. An exhibit honoring his legacy has found a permanent home in Escanaba. “For a region that is working hard to retain and attract talent and to encourage entrepreneurs, Webster Marble reinforces the ‘can do’ U.P. attitude," says Vickie Micheau, executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce,

Chris Uhl
What’s next for housing in Kent and Ottawa counties

As Kent County grows faster than the rest of the state, the community looks at ways to address its ongoing housing shortages. Through government entities, upcoming developers like Housing Next, and seasoned community development financial institutions like IFF, Grand Rapids has a collaborative plan in place to address the issue.   

MDHHS staff early 20th century.
State of Michigan public health celebrates 150 years of service to Michiganders

The State of Michigan’s public health system recently celebrated its sesquicentennial: 150 years in service to Michiganders. To mark the occasion, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has shared a nice collection of sesquicentennial information on its website.   

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.

Washtenaw County CMH staff. Top row L-R: Valerie Bass, Dr. Montgomery Brower, Andrew Grier, Shad Jordan. Bottom row l-R: Shannon Ellis, Margaret Carmalt, Angela Burchard, Jeff Beckley, Melisa Tasker
Washtenaw County Community Mental Health takes SUDs seriously

WCCMH, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), can provide comprehensive mental health and substance use services to all county residents no matter their insurance status. 

Our Partners

Enbridge logo

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything Upper Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.