Author

Brianna Nargiso

Brianna Nargiso is a graduate of the Howard University Cathy Hughes School of Communications with a major in media, journalism, and film, and a minor in political science. She also holds a graduate degree from Mercer University.

With a passion for social justice, education, and public health, Brianna has contributed to multiple publications, including Flintside, The Root, 101 Magazine, Howard University News Service, and many others. Her work spans profiles, event recaps, politics, and breaking news, earning her a nomination for a Hearst journalism award.

An active member of the National Association for Black Journalists, Brianna has worked with Teach for America and the Peace Corps. She is now a doctoral candidate at American University, committed to advancing her mission as an international change agent.

Brianna Nargiso's Latest Articles

Rx Kids has provided for the Wright family stability during an unpredictable time.
More than a stipend: Rx Kids is transforming childhood beginnings

Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional cash prescription program for pregnant people and infants, provides financial support to every eligible family within a geographic area, no income requirements, no strings attached. Families receive a one-time $1,500 payment during pregnancy and $500 per month during the baby’s first year of life.  

Cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approach to mental health care.
Commmunity mental health partnerships with first responders a win-win for communities

Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are redefining crisis response through deep partnerships with EMS, law enforcement, and fire departments. These cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approach to mental health care.  

Shelley Roossien, Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist at KDL, leads children through a building exercise.
Inclusive Literacy Alliance fosters early reading in Kent County kids with developmental differences

The Inclusive Literacy Alliance is a collaborative, county-wide effort to improve early reading outcomes for children with developmental differences. Parents, educators, service providers, and advocates are piloting solutions that make early literacy more accessible and effective for children who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, or autistic.

PreK for All ensures that every 4-year-old in Michigan has access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of income.
“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations

Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.    

Lauren LaPine
Medicaid cuts would destabilize mental health care: How Michigan is responding

Proposed Medicaid funding cuts would dismantle critical services, especially for residents facing poverty, mental illness, or substance use disorders — and reduce access to mental health services for all.

Protecting patient rights: How community mental health goes above and beyond

MI Mental Health spoke with Wil Morris, CEO Sanilac County Community Mental Health about how local agencies help mental health patients navigate their rights.

Community mental health delivers care to Michigan’s schools

Michigan's CMHs play a critical role in schools, providing counseling, crisis intervention, and case management to students who might otherwise slip through the cracks.  

Michigan student loan repayment program helping to tackle mental health workforce shortage

Michigan has long faced a critical shortage of mental health professionals, impacting access to vital care for communities across the state. To address this growing challenge, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the Behavioral Health Now Loan Repayment Program, a strategic initiative aimed at attracting and retaining mental health professionals by alleviating the financial burden of student loans.

Nailah Henry
Washtenaw County leads the way with ADAPTS mental health model

ADAPTS project utilizes system dynamics modeling to reshape how communities address mental health needs by offering a comprehensive framework for resource planning and crisis intervention.

"We live here, we work here and we care about you and your family."
A New Vision for Public Health in Michigan

Michigan has stepped forward with a comprehensive Public Health Call to Action, a set of recommendations crafted by the Michigan Public Health Advisory Council (MPHAC) to guide the state’s journey toward a more equitable and resilient health system. 

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