Dr. Theresa Hastert (right) helped develop the Michigan Community Outreach to Address Financial Toxicity (MI-COST). Ali Fakih (left) is a research assistant with MI-COST, and Cornelius Wilson (center) sits on its Community Advisory Board.

Here’s how Michigan organizations are working to reduce cancer treatment’s crushing financial burden

In Michigan, several efforts are underway to help cancer patients prepare for, manage, and alleviate the financial struggles associated with treatment.

NPLSF and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore staff and leadership gathered in October to test new equipment from Husqvarna’s Professional Battery Products line.
U.P.’s national parks push green initiatives

The U.P.'s three national parks along Lake Superior are part of broader effort to use greener energy sources to help reduce the effects of climate change. 

The Polaris charging station at Hamilton's North Coast Adventures.
It’s electrifying: The U.P. is home to first of its kind electric off-road vehicle charging network

The first electric off-road vehicle charging network is open in the western U.P. Polaris, Inc., a global leader in power sports, has installed four electric chargers along a network of trails. The initiative is part of Michigan's efforts to lead the country in outdoor recreation innovation, vehicle technology and sustainability. 

The new outdoor innovation fund is expected to help inspire startups like Electric Outdoors, which has created a solar-powered campsite.
New innovation fund to help new technologies in outdoor recreation industry

"The Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund will be a gamechanger for innovators and entrepreneurs who exist at the intersection of technology, industry, tourism, and natural resources, and who recognized that quality of life is often tied to the quality of outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP.

Students run a farm stand as part of Partridge Creek Farm's farm to school program in Ishpeming.
Partridge Creek Farm seeks public help to buy truck

“Having a farm vehicle is not just a convenience for us; it's a necessity. It allows us to transport tools, equipment, and supplies between our six community garden sites located all around Ishpeming ... This vehicle is vital for harvesting produce and distributing it to various community programs and initiatives,” said Danielle Sidor, Partridge Creek Farm Community Food Access Manager.

How at-home vaccinations protect the lives of the state’s most vulnerable

The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services has collaborated with Disability Rights of Michigan to support vaccinations for homebound residents.

How data collection is playing a key role in advancing health equity

A new push to gather health care data about people with disabilities is spotlighting a disparity in health care equity that is often overlooked by the medical community. 

Veronica Bilicki oversees the Patient as Caregiver program.
Henry Ford Health program helps unpaid caregivers stay healthy

The Patient as Caregiver project helps unpaid caregivers carry on in their roles, reducing the amount of hired care needed and helping people age at place in their homes.

Kimberly Singh (right), Michigan Oral Health Coalition board member and chief community and governmental affairs officer for My Community Dental Centers, chats with Dental Assistant Kortney Jones.
Oral health care is inaccessible to many Michiganders. This coalition is working to change that.

The Michigan Oral Health Coalition brings together a multitude of Michigan oral and general health partners to collaborate on improving oral health for all Michiganders, especially those who have barriers to access. 

Josh Williams
Addressing the Gap: The need for increased mental health support for LGBTQ Michiganders

With all the positive work being done, the fact remains that 51% of LGBTQ Youth in Michigan are afraid to talk about their mental health with someone else. 

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