Michigan’s home visiting programs bring support to new parents
A wide range of perinatal home visiting programs bring professional support to Michigan's new moms and moms-to-be, helping to fill the void of community support and develop vital skills.
Estelle Slootmaker's Latest Articles
Infant mental health programs create better futures for little Michiganders and their parents
Most people don’t really think about infant mental health until they notice its absence – but the difference can be stark to the observer and life-changing for the infant.
Michigan providers pursue holistic model for more affordable and effective healthcare
Integrated care involves not just physical co-location of services that are often isolated from one another, but also broader community-based solutions that promote good health.
Here’s how we can address rural Michigan’s alarmingly high infant mortality and poor maternal health
Substance abuse, lack of access to healthy food, and dwindling birthing hospitals and OB-GYNs all contribute to poor health outcomes for mothers and infants. These organizations and individuals are working to change that.
Urban Michigan initiatives recognize racism as major factor in infant and maternal mortality
Statewide, black babies are three times more likely to die in their first year of life than white babies. But those statistics are even more alarming in many of Michigan's urban centers.
Good Michigan food: The ultimate Rx for good health
Michigan residents are learning about the strong connections between consuming healthful foods and better lifelong health. Programs in Traverse City, Grand Rapids, and Detroit are working to increase access to farm fresh foods so everyone, from kids to seniors, can enjoy better health.
How Michigan’s place-based initiatives are addressing health equity at a regional level
These initiatives forge private-public collaborations to create systemic improvements in health and wellness across multiple counties.
Michigan’s pantries and small farms sow seeds of health equity
Designed to help feed people in times of need, the community food pantry has instead contributed to illness. Now, some Michigan organizations are reworking the charitable food model to provide access to healthful farm-grown foods instead.
How once-vacant sites are becoming hubs for health equity in Michigan
Marginalized Michigan residents are finding health services in easily accessible neighborhood locations, and formerly defunct buildings are becoming bright spots on their blocks.
