State of Health

State of Health is a series about how communities and organizations are addressing Michigan's health challenges and concerns This series is made possible with funding from a building coalition of funders, including Delta Dental Foundation and Michigan Health Endowment Fund

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.

MiGen Executive Director Angela Gabridge and Program Director Kat Mehrer.
Detroit nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ older adults adopts new name reflecting statewide focus

The Ferndale-based nonprofit MiGen is working to create safer, healthier communities for LGBTQ+ older adults across Michigan.

AARP Michigan volunteer Howard Pizzo, AARP Michigan Communications Manager Mark Hornbeck, and AARP Michigan State Director Paula Cunningham on the Lansing River Trail.
Special report: Michigan prepares for a rapidly aging population by becoming more “age-friendly”

We took a look at several Michigan initiatives that are working to create new age-friendly support systems as the state ages.

Dr. Lynn Todman and Dr. Willie Lawrence at the Center for Better Health and Wellness.
Center for Better Health and Wellness tackles health disparities beyond COVID in Benton Harbor

Established to address COVID-19-related health disparities, the center has pivoted to address additional unique health needs in predominantly Black Benton Harbor.

A man uses the care.coach tool, currently being deployed by Grand Rapids-based Care Resources PACE.
New health care technologies improve outcomes for Michiganders of all ages

We took a look at several innovative health technologies, ranging from an app that screens pregnant people for substance use to a device that tracks stress responses to make it easier for older adults to get around.

Shonte' Terhune-Smith is a doula health educator, lactation consultant, and birth doula practicing in Genesee County.
Michigan’s new Medicaid coverage for birth doulas brings benefits and new challenges

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has been bolstering support for Michigan doulas through its Doula Initiative.

Grand Rapids Assistant Planning Director Jay Steffen describes these new benches in Grand Rapids' Creston neighborhood as a "direct result" of Michigan's Age-Friendly Action Plan.
Michigan Age-Friendly Action Plan aims to make it easier for adults to age in place

Michigan's Age-Friendly Action Plan has established a blueprint that's helping Michiganders ages 50 and older remain connected, feel respected, and live more independently within their communities.

Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, founder of the Women-Inspired Neighborhood Network: Detroit.
Detroit initiatives combat high Black infant mortality rate with dignity and compassion

Black infant mortality rates in Michigan are consistently two and sometimes even three times higher than in white communities.

Christine Vanlandingham, Region IV Area Agency on Aging CEO.
New program offers physical and behavioral health care at home for Southwest Michigan’s older adults

The Region IV Area Agency on Aging's Integrated Care at Home program aims to reach 100 community residents in 2023 and continue to grow that number in the years ahead. 

Aisha Sanders, owner and creator of Wicksup Candle Co. in Oak Park, explains the candle making process to a Food and Friendship Connections group.
Program brings friendship, needed resources to older adults living with HIV in Detroit and Lansing

Seventy-five Detroit- and Lansing-area residents have benefited from a pilot program called Food and Friendship Connections, which offers meals, transportation, and community for older adults living with HIV.

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