Healthy Communities

U.P. Food Exchange celebrates 10 years of supporting local foods, farms

Ten years ago this month, the U.P. Food Exchange formed as an agricultural hub to connect local and varied food projects in the Upper Penisula. The U.P. Food Exchange has been working to improve access to local food and educate consumers, businesses and farmers about the importance of a healthy local food system.  

Latest in Healthy Communities
Sawyer Auger, "It's OK to not be OK"
Community mental health brings Sawyer Auger to Sanilac County: “It’s OK to not be OK”

The Sawyer Auger “It’s OK to not be OK” Tour stops in Sandusky May 26 for a free concert aimed at eliminating stigma around mental illness.  

AAoM Autism Hero Walk
Community mental health in action: 5K stomps out stigma

Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan 5K invites those who walk in unity with loved ones who have died by suicide, those who have their own mental health battles, and those who simply want to raise awareness. Participants include those who walk in unity with loved ones who have died by suicide, those who have their own mental health battles, and those who simply want to raise awareness.  

A man uses the care.coach tool, currently being deployed by Grand Rapids-based Care Resources PACE.
New health care technologies improve outcomes for Michiganders of all ages

We took a look at several innovative health technologies, ranging from an app that screens pregnant people for substance use to a device that tracks stress responses to make it easier for older adults to get around.

Shonte' Terhune-Smith is a doula health educator, lactation consultant, and birth doula practicing in Genesee County.
Michigan’s new Medicaid coverage for birth doulas brings benefits and new challenges

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has been bolstering support for Michigan doulas through its Doula Initiative.

Grand Rapids Assistant Planning Director Jay Steffen describes these new benches in Grand Rapids' Creston neighborhood as a "direct result" of Michigan's Age-Friendly Action Plan.
Michigan Age-Friendly Action Plan aims to make it easier for adults to age in place

Michigan's Age-Friendly Action Plan has established a blueprint that's helping Michiganders ages 50 and older remain connected, feel respected, and live more independently within their communities.

A rendering of the overlook at Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
New visitor center planned for Seney National Wildlife Refuge

A new visitor center and refuge headquarters at Seney National Wildlife Refuge will replace the previous office building – a 1930s-era converted garage to be demolished next month – and the 1964 visitor center that was razed last year. The groundbreaking for this new facility will be held on May 10.

WISD students.
Community mental health collaboration with ISD helps students access mental health supports

Washtenaw Intermediate School District is working to fight stigma and provide mental healthcare to students with help from Washtenaw Community Mental Health.

St. Clair County Community Mental Health
Community mental health youth program promotes physical fitness and healthy eating

St. Clair County Community Mental Health (CMH) Bfit program is geared towards helping children and teens build skills related to physical fitness and good nutrition.

Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, founder of the Women-Inspired Neighborhood Network: Detroit.
Detroit initiatives combat high Black infant mortality rate with dignity and compassion

Black infant mortality rates in Michigan are consistently two and sometimes even three times higher than in white communities.

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