Building trust in people and partnerships have been keys for outgoing director of Kalamazoo’s Edison

There have been many accomplishments in the Edison Neighborhood over the past 21 years that Tammy Taylor has been Exective Director. But she says it has been the small things she and the association have done to help people that have meant the most to her.

You’re about to be hearing more from Calhoun County healthcare professionals on COVID-19 frontlines

Calhoun County physicians and nurses who continue to see firsthand the devastating effects of the virus on those who have it and their family members who have watched them die from it are going to be talking about it more than they have so far. 

Live shows at some Kalamazoo bars have returned. The Sexy Toxins are ready.

After a year's hiatus due to COVID-19 precautions, Bell's Eccentric Day is back, Dec. 3. It's one of a number of bars with live shows that are bringing folks out of their isolation. Mark Wedel recently visited the venue to see what a show with COVID safety precautions in place looks like. 

Daniel Dawes
A wake-up call to health inequities from nationally recognized expert in health care policies

In a session that is a collaborative effort between Spectrum Health Lakeland and the Berrien Community Foundation health policy expert Daniel Dawes tells how political decisions and public policy create community conditions that harm our nation’s health unless people take action.

PODCAST: Migrant workers, rural Michigan, and rethinking community during COVID

On this week's episode of Michigan's State of Health, we're digging into how migrant workers have embodied rural Michigan's experience with COVID-19 – and how to improve health care for all rural Michiganders in the long run.

Children’s Nature Playscape construction begins in downtown Kalamazoo

Outdoor play is especially important now during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the new play area on Bronson Park in Kalamazoo will offer that opportunity. Construction will continue throughout 2022.

Joblessness, homelessness, and the pandemic didn’t stop Kalamazoo man from starting his own business

Roosevelt Lee-Fleming learned how to keep expensive sneakers in pristine shape as a teen. Now he's turned that skill into a business of his own. The Drip Sneakers restores shoes for sneaker-heads. It also sells unique women’s apparel.  

PODCAST: Reconnecting to behavioral health care in a time of crisis

On this week's episode of Michigan's State of Health, we're digging into  how COVID-19 helped raise awareness of the importance of behavioral health – and how to support Michiganders through the long-term behavioral health issues COVID is likely to create.

Scott Hutchins, school mental health and Medicaid consultant for the Michigan Department of Education Office of Health and Nutrition Services.
Michigan schools adopt new software to expand mental health services

All 56 of the state's ISDs now have access to a software product for managing behavioral health referrals, screenings, treatment plans, and more.

Where have all the workers gone? Some Kalamazoo observers offer answers

Workers who have quit their jobs or whose job have quit them talk about why they are not going back. An economist and two other people from Kalamazoo who help entrepreneurs build their businesses give their thoughts on where are all the workers. 

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