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Feature Story Saline resident Jim Mangi is a care partner to his wife, Kathleen, who has Alzheimer's disease.

PODCAST: Building support for dementia caregiving challenges

Patrick DunnWednesday, July 12, 2023
Becoming a caregiver to a person living with dementia is a challenging process. We talked with Michigan caregivers about their struggles, their successes, and the resources and support they need to do their vital work.
Feature Story Courtesy

Advocating for STEAM opportunities this summer in West and SW Michigan

Shanika P. CarterWednesday, July 12, 2023
Throughout our region, supporting STEAM’D (science, technology, engineering, art, math and design) is the focus of organizations and programs that are working to encourage the next generation to pursue opportunities within these industries.
Longform SUDs were a topic of discussion at the June 2023 CMHAM conference.

Opioid settlement dollars will strengthen community mental health response to opioid use disorders

Joanne Bailey-BoorsmaTuesday, July 11, 2023
Medication-assisted treatment, Narcan kits, and recovery housing are some of the programs that could be funded through opioid settlement dollars. 
Feature Story The band Flexadecibel performs at Party in the Park in 2022.

Disability Network West Michigan hosts inclusive Party in the Park on July 28

Kelsey SandersMonday, July 10, 2023
Disability Network West Michigan is making the Party in the Park on July 28 accessible in several ways, from having ASL interpreters to wheelchair-accessible seating.
Feature Story Courtesy of Desmond Jones' Facebook page

Chris Bota and Desmond Jones find their work-life balance in music

Bill LeeSunday, July 9, 2023
Chris Bota has not looked back as he and other members of West Michigan jam band Desmond Jones have toured different parts of the country (Colorado, the West Coast and the Northeast) bringing their unique sound to their audiences.
Feature Story Since being diagnosed with dementia, Monica Downer (center, being interviewed) has become an activist for awareness of her disease.

PODCAST: Dementia disparities in communities of color

Patrick DunnWednesday, July 5, 2023
Dementia is challenging for everyone, but it takes a particularly heavy toll in communities of color. Here's how people living with dementia, researchers, and activists are working to change that in Michigan.
Longform Students run a farm stand as part of Partridge Creek Farm's farm to school program in Ishpeming.

Michigan programs empower kids to be community health leaders

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, June 29, 2023
When kids take the reins, health and wellness programs take off in new and wonderful directions that the adults in charge would never have anticipated. 
Feature Story Photos by Bird + Bird Studio.

Granting opportunities for revitalization in West Michigan

Shanika P. CarterThursday, June 29, 2023
The Right Place, Inc. has returned with the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) 2.0 program grant cycle, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), in granting funding for 13 counties in West Michigan.  
Feature Story Courtesy of Tommy Allen

Building a self-care toolbox is as easy as 1, 2, 3

Tommy Allen, PublisherWednesday, June 28, 2023
Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen has been thinking a lot lately about self-care. He sat down with three West Michigan locals who each have a distinct self-care practice to talk about how they set themselves up for success when it comes to mindfulness. 
Feature Story Cyndy Hund, pictured here with her husband Mike, quit her job due to her dementia symptoms – but it still took her another four years to get a diagnosis.

PODCAST: No more "diagnose and adios": Rethinking dementia diagnosis

Patrick DunnWednesday, June 28, 2023
Getting a dementia diagnosis can be a challenging, years-long process. Here's how Michiganders living with dementia and those who care for them are working to change that.
Feature Story Courtesy of Tommy Allen/ Hoopla can connect to a car's speakers for hands-free listening.

Audiobooks and digital collection enable library patrons to use ‘books on the go’

Sarah SpohnWednesday, June 28, 2023
June is Audiobook Appreciation Month, and the Kent District Library (KDL) provides patrons with a wide range of audiobook and digital resources year round. This collection provides a convenient option for enjoying titles whilst traveling, working, multitasking and more.
Feature Story VoY2

Our Kent County school’s need for improved student understanding

Elsie Ries and Addison WeedTuesday, June 27, 2023
High school students Addison Weed and Elsie Ries have noticed that our school could reap the benefits of greater diversification and inclusive dialogue. They told their story as part of the Voices of Youth project.
Development News Courtesy Vinyl Alchemy

Vinyl Alchemy elevates the full musical experience

Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorMonday, June 26, 2023
A new record shop has opened in Grand Rapids’ Eastown neighborhood. Located at 1505 Wealthy St. SE, Vinyl Alchemy purveys vinyl, CDs, and art and pop culture collectibles. 
Longform Students participate in the LIFT-UP program.

Students help ensure farm sustainability and bring local food to cafeterias in UP program

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, June 22, 2023
The LIFT-UP program gives students a pivotal role in identifying and addressing barriers to expanding local produce in school cafeterias.
Feature Story Courtesy of ICCF

Grand Rapids nonprofits striving to educate and guide homeowners

Shanika P. CarterWednesday, June 21, 2023
In recognition of National Homeownership Month for June, we will look at three Grand Rapids nonprofit organizations that assist first-time home buyers.  
Feature Story MSOH episode 1 image

PODCAST: Dementia is not a death sentence

Patrick DunnWednesday, June 21, 2023
As we kick off the second season of the Michigan's State of Health podcast, we'll introduce you to some of the Michiganders who are working to reframe dementia – including people who are living with dementia themselves.
Partner Content AAoM GR staff

West Michigan welcomes Autism Alliance of Michigan to new office in Grand Rapids area

Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, June 20, 2023
Autism Alliance of Michigan is opening a new office in the Grand Rapids area.
Feature Story Lucia Rios has been honored as the 2023 Media Person of the Year by the WMPRSA for her work as co-editor of the Disability Inclusion series.

Disability Inclusion editor Lucia Rios named Media Person of the Year

Shandra MartinezTuesday, June 20, 2023
Lucia Rios has been honored as the 2023 Media Person of the Year by the WMPRSA for her work as co-editor of the Disability Inclusion series. This multi-year series runs in The Lakeshore WM, Rapid Growth and Second Wave Southwest Michigan.  
Development News Courtesy The Mortals Café + Confection

The Mortals Cafe + Confections brews coffee, tea and mortality

Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorMonday, June 19, 2023
The Mortals Cafe + Confection is a brick-and-mortar expression of the death cafe movement in Grand Rapids.
Feature Story Megan and Andrew Howe enjoy the great outdoors.

Accountant with hearing loss advocates for her success

Kym ReinstadlerFriday, June 16, 2023
Hungerford Nichols accountant Megan Howe talks about navigating her personal and professional life with hearing loss.
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