Author

Estelle Slootmaker

A working writer since 1992, Estelle Slootmaker currently is a book editor, solutions journalist, Issue Media Group series editor, and children's book author. She released her new children’s book, Places Where The Sun Don’t Shine in August 2025.

An unashamed tree-hugger, Estelle chairs The Tree Amigos, City of Wyoming Tree Commission. She and her hubby—artist and guitarist Eddie Killowatts—love dancing to new wave, Michigan's outdoors, going to book and record stores, growing and cooking healthy food, and hanging out with their terrible terriers, Bindipaws Bowie McCrykie and Skipper D. Doodog.

Estelle's Latest Articles

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. 

Memes used by the Berrien County Health Department and Spectrum Health Lakeland to promote COVID-19 awareness.
In COVID-19 crisis, Michigan’s public health pros leverage social media for good

The COVID-19 pandemic is the first public health crisis of the social media age, and public health officials have used social media platforms to spread important knowledge and fight misinformation.

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.

The City of Grand Rapids’ Neighborhood Match Fund offers COVID-19 resiliency grants

The City of Grand Rapids’ Neighborhood Match Fund (NMF)  is providing focused support for community projects that help Grand Rapids’ most vulnerable residents meet their basic needs for resiliency, wellness, and safety in light of COVID-19.

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.

Meals on Wheels driver Lamar Ellington gives Beverly Sullivan, 79, a meal delivery for her mom, Ellen Dennis, 97.
Here’s how Michigan helps elders stay where they want to be: at home

Three out of four people aged 50 and older want to remain at home. While it's the most cost-effective solution for elder care, it does still present some challenges. Here's how Michigan providers are addressing them.

Carrie Hays McElroy and Michelle Moccia.
Michigan providers adopt age-friendly health system model to give elders better care

A Michigan hospital is one of five pioneers nationwide for the model, which aims to engage older adults directly in finding out what matters most to their health care.

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