State of Health

Ebony Reddock.

Over 40 Michigan organizations join collaboratory to center equity in evaluation practices

Michigan nonprofits, foundations, and other organizations are confronting the ways their evaluations may contribute to further inequity for those they're supposed to serve.

Karl Rock.
Leading the nation, Michigan’s Opioid Treatment Ecosystems save lives through holistic model

A new initiative of the Wayne State University Center for Behavioral Health and Justice is working to change the cultural landscape around substance use disorder and decrease overdose deaths.

Winona Bynum at Old City Acres farm in Belleville.
Michigan’s local food economy rises to meet COVID-19’s challenges

Small Michigan farms have already adapted rapidly to address some of the challenges the pandemic has presented, and local food advocates see many opportunities ahead to continue strengthening local food systems.

People walk and bike down Washington Street in Ann Arbor.
Pandemic prompts Michigan communities to open streets for safer exercise and transportation

Several communities have closed select streets to automobiles, and advocates hope that the pandemic may prompt long-term positive changes in how we use public space for health and fitness.

Michigan National Guard members volunteer at Food Gatherers.
During pandemic, food banks and rescues innovate to feed more Michiganders than ever before

Despite the many challenges the pandemic has presented, food organizations have quickly restructured their operations to meet unprecedented demand. 

Warmline peer support specialist Elizabeth Forejt of Grand Rapids.
Michigan’s mental health “warmline” offers free peer support during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced an alarming increase in mental health problems nationwide. But in Michigan, a newly established mental health “warmline” offers help from certified peer support specialists who can speak from their own experiences with mental health issues.

Arbor Circle therapist Marvin Mckenzie simulates a telehealth visit with a colleague.
Telehealth use surges in Michigan during pandemic, with “tremendous” benefits

Health care visits conducted by phone or videoconference had slowly started to catch on in Michigan in recent years, but now they're the safest way for health care providers to meet with their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tri-County Office on Aging volunteer Robin Barfoot makes a friendly reassurance call from her home.
Friendly reassurance calls help Michigan elders fight isolation during pandemic

COVID-19 has exacerbated the high levels of isolation today's older adults experience. But many providers are working to ease that loneliness by making calls to check in on Michigan’s elders.

Michigan innovators step up to reverse nationwide decline in health journalism

The loss of health journalism has had wide-ranging impacts on the communities health reporters once served. But a variety of innovative solutions have arisen to fill the gap and restore some of the coverage that's been lost.

Susan Salhaney and Ewa Matuszewski at Judson Family Center in Warren.
Improving Michigan’s health care system requires changing how we think about health

The model of integrated health is creating positive outcomes through a more holistic approach to care, but providers say our society is just beginning a larger, necessary paradigm shift.

Our Sponsors

Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

Battle Creek Community Foundation
BINDA Foundation
Southwest Journalism Media Collaborative
Southwest Michigan First
Milestone Senior Services
Consumers Energy

Don't miss out!

Everything Southwest Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.