Author

Estelle Slootmaker

Estelle Slootmaker's Latest Articles

Michigan Dementia Coalition seeks to maximize quality of life for those living with dementia

For individuals with dementia and their families, a dementia diagnosis can feel like a death sentence. The Michigan Dementia Coalition is working to change that.

Carolyn Wilson administers the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to Dr. Eric Kane at Beaumont Service Center in Southfield on Dec. 15, 2020.
Michigan health care professionals work to assuage skepticism as they roll out COVID-19 vaccines

Health care professionals across Michigan are doing their best to respond to Michiganders' concerns and deliver the vaccine to as many residents as possible.

Dr. Wassim Tarraf has carried out research on COVID-19's impact on people of color.
Michigan grapples with COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on people of color’s mental health

COVID-19 has taken a toll on mental health in Michigan and across the world, but new Wayne State University (WSU) research shows that burden has been heaviest for people of color.

Amy Heydlauff, CEO of 5 Healthy Towns Foundation, spearheaded a ReThink Health collaborative in western Washtenaw County.
Major health care players collaborate to rethink how they invest in Washtenaw County’s well-being

Four organizations are working to cooperatively leverage their combined skills, talents, networks, and financial resources to achieve optimal physical and mental health.

Mariah Martin.
Michigan makes strides towards implementing implicit bias training for all health care workers

The state is currently undertaking a major effort to address implicit bias in its health care sector, developing rules that require implicit bias training for all health care professionals licensed and registered in the state.

A Food Bank of Eastern Michigan distribution at the Martus Luna Food Pantry in Flint.
Emergency food programs are plentiful in Michigan – but many residents are still going hungry

A new report provides a comprehensive look at the state's vast system of food banks and emergency food resources, and why many residents are still falling through the cracks.

Katrina Jones and Janay Clark.
Michigan’s direct care workers confront shortages of PPE and providers as pandemic rages

For these essential workers, social distancing is impossible – and personal protective equipment (PPE) is both indispensable and alarmingly difficult to obtain.

#SaveOurStages campaign demands federal help for independent music venues

Two congressional acts up for consideration in Washington DC may be the only hope for independent music venues to survive until the pandemic subsides and live concerts can again take place.

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.

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