Author

Estelle Slootmaker

Estelle Slootmaker's Latest Articles

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
Regional Health Collaboratives improving access to behavioral health services

Regional Health Collaboratives are a model for improving a region’s wellbeing and unnecessary medical costs through collaboration and systems change. 

Shawn Edwards, GHS senior director of engagement, diversity, and inclusion
“No-wrong-door” policy welcomes immigrants at Genesee Health System

Immigrants and refugees often face stressors that impact their mental health. Michigan’s community mental health agencies can help.

Students participate in the LIFT-UP program.
Students help ensure farm sustainability and bring local food to cafeterias in UP program

The LIFT-UP program gives students a pivotal role in identifying and addressing barriers to expanding local produce in school cafeterias.

AAoM GR staff
West Michigan welcomes Autism Alliance of Michigan to new office in Grand Rapids area

Autism Alliance of Michigan is opening a new office in the Grand Rapids area.

Dr. Cathrine Frank is one of the co-creators of a new initiative to screen, assess, and treat patients for suicide risk.
Michigan doctors challenge others to join them in a quest for “Zero Suicide”

Two Henry Ford Health doctors want to train health care providers to screen patients for risk of suicide — and connect them with resources to prevent suicide if the risk is high.

Dr. Tolulope Sonuyi, director of Detroit Life Is Valuable Everyday (DLIVE), and Juanita Houston, DLIVE's lead healthy minds coach.
Michigan programs aim to stop violence against youth before it happens

Medical researchers in Michigan are designing innovative programs to intervene in cycles of violence.

A Farmers Market Food Navigator assists shoppers at the Muskegon Farmers Market.
Michigan Fitness Foundation connects families to farmers and fresh, locally grown food

Michigan Fitness Foundation has been working with Michigan farmers and farmers market managers to reduce barriers to accessing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for families on tight budgets. 

Caregiver Incentive Project (CIP) founder Eric Paad and CIP spokesperson Dorothy Paad.
UP nonprofit offers education and support in effort to end caregiver shortage

The Marquette-based nonprofit Caregiver Incentive Project is working to create solutions to Michigan's alarming caregiver shortage.

A family enjoys jump roping along the Lansing River Trail.
Rec-Connect™ makes fitness fun for everyone

Across the state, Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Rec-Connect™ demonstration series is being used in communities to inspire and empower people to engage regularly in physical activity.

Employees at Brody's Be Cafe in Ada, which employs people living with disabilities.
Here’s how three Michigan nonprofits empower people living with disabilities

These nonprofits are taking innovative approaches to supporting and empowering people with disabilities so they can truly achieve the rights promised to them by the law.

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