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Longform COVID vaccination

Under-recognized frontline workers help spread word on COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, November 11, 2021
Community health workers have been integral to getting the word out about COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness. 
Feature Story Ollie Howie

Joining a movement: New Community Transformation Fund promotes diversity at all levels

Leandra NisbetWednesday, November 10, 2021
The New Community Transformation Fund is an investment fund focused on increasing inclusivity and improving economic equity for POC-owned businesses. Welcoming its first Managing Director, Ollie Howie, the Fund is focused on securing additional capital and completing its first investments.
Feature Story Even under the best of conditions, seasonal and migrant farmworkers toil long, exhausting hours in extreme weather conditions, possibly exposed to pesticides. 

Migrant Legal Aid’s Fair Food Pledge works to alleviate migrant farmworker injustices

Paul R. KopenkoskeyMonday, November 8, 2021
Migrant Legal Aid’s Fair Food Pledge is a partnership with food retailers and produce growers that has set standards for treating farmworkers fairly and ethically.
Feature Story MSOH episode 3 art

PODCAST: Combating older adults' loneliness during COVID – and beyond

Issue Media GroupFriday, November 5, 2021
On this week's episode of Michigan's State of Health, we're digging into how COVID-19 raised awareness of the challenges Michigan's older adults face – and how to better address them.
Longform Dr. Leslie Pelkey, Cherry Health’s chief medical officer.

Lack of broadband access is a barrier to health care – and Michigan is aiming to eliminate it

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, November 4, 2021
COVID-19 exposed Michigan's digital divide, and its sobering effect on residents' ability to access health care during the pandemic. But efforts are underway to address it.
Partner Content The Thumb Blessing Box on the Thumbody Express.

Thumb-area collaboration blesses bus riders with food and more

Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, November 2, 2021
For over a decade, Tuscola County Intermediate School District has worked with Michigan Fitness Foundation to respond to needs in the community by delivering nutrition education and physical activity promotion through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education programs. 
Development News j gracia

More Grand Rapids businesses now eligible for Small Business COVID Adaptation grants

Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorMonday, November 1, 2021
City of Grand Rapids Economic Development Office has expanded eligibility for Small Business COVID Adaptation Program grants to include Grand Rapids Neighborhoods of Focus and six Corridor Improvement Authorities.
Feature Story A Grand Rapids employee at work in the control room of the city's water department.

Project aims to build pipeline to careers in the water industry

Shandra MartinezMonday, November 1, 2021
GRCC, the city of Grand Rapids, and Bay College are partnering to prepare people for careers in the water industry. The project is supported by an EPA grant. 
Feature Story MSOH episode 2 art

PODCAST: From health inequity to a "hyperjump" for Michigan

Issue Media GroupFriday, October 29, 2021
On this week's episode of Michigan's State of Health, we're digging into  how COVID-19 has helped to raise awareness of Michigan's health inequities and the importance of addressing them.
Partner Content Amy St. Germain, a nutrition educator at the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, works as a Farmers Market Food Navigator at the Muskegon Farmers Market.

Food Navigators deliver healthy food to the people

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, October 28, 2021
While many farmers markets draw people to their location to buy local fresh fruits and vegetables, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids takes the farmers market to the people of Muskegon Heights. 
Longform A DIGs workshop on asemma, or tobacco.

Here's how the UP's Debweyendan Indigenous Gardens build health, community, and food sovereignty

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, October 28, 2021
The sprawling community gardens aim to celebrate and preserve the knowledge and cultural identity of tribal people living in and around the village of L’Anse.
Feature Story Sara Magnuson

KDL programming helps parents and caregivers create a strong foundation

Sarah SpohnWednesday, October 27, 2021
When being a caregiver or parent, health is always an important topic. Kent District Library’s programming, focused on mental health, mom’s groups and early childhood reading programs, aims to foster a strong family foundation.
Innovation News Tolar Manufacturing

The City of GR purchases 35 bus shelters to support mobility and accessibility

Allison Arnold, Innovation News EditorTuesday, October 26, 2021
In an effort to support mobility and accessibility, the City of Grand Rapids has purchased 35 bus shelters to be placed along The Rapid transit stops within city limits. The shelters provide light in poorly-lit areas in addition to creating a comfortable environment.
Feature Story GRCC Whitney Marsh with a trophy.

GRCC looking to share decades of awards with former student-athletes

Shandra MartinezMonday, October 25, 2021
The GRCC athletic department wants former student-athletes to have the awards they earned during their time in college. The trophies and awards date back to the 1960s.
Feature Story MSOH episode 1 art

PODCAST: How COVID-19 helped Michiganders reconnect to care

Issue Media GroupFriday, October 22, 2021
Welcome to the Michigan's State of Health podcast, where we'll be sitting down with Michigan health leaders to discuss the myriad ways that COVID has exposed our health system's flaws and resulted in positive change.
Longform Duane Breijak, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers' Michigan chapter.

Michigan agencies seek strategies to address child welfare worker shortage

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, October 21, 2021
Michigan's child welfare workers have served on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the state is currently facing what one industry leader described as a "critical shortage" of child welfare workers.
Feature Story Communities First, Inc. hosted an informative workshop on Oct. 7 in Flint to prepare public input on the redistricting process and maps in their community.

Michigan nonprofits are asking their communities to comment on maps for state redistricting process

MJ GalbraithTuesday, October 19, 2021
We voted for this process so now we need to participate in this process,” says Norman Clement, founder of the Detroit Change Initiative, a member of the MNA coalition of nonprofits. As the public hearings near, read how Michigan nonprofits are helping their communities do just that.
Development News Oak Hill Cemetery

Oak Hill Cemetery is area’s first arboretum: “There are some giants in that cemetery.”

Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorMonday, October 18, 2021
The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and Morton Arboretum have designated Grand Rapids’ Oak Hill Cemetery as West Michigan’s first accredited arboretum.
Feature Story Public Thread "upcycles" scrap fabric to create new products. Industrial sewing skills are in demand for a variety of West Michigan industries.

GRCC launches industrial sewing certificate program

Shandra MartinezMonday, October 18, 2021
GRCC partners with innovative textile ‘upcycling’ manufacturer Public Thread to start an industrial sewing program. Students can earn an industrial sewing certificate program while gaining in-demand skills. 
Longform Medstar Mobile Health Paramedic Nicole Plauman demonstrates an in-home monoclonal antibody IV therapy setup.

More paramedics give proactive, non-emergency care as community paramedicine grows in Michigan

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, October 14, 2021
People usually associate paramedics with emergencies, CPR, and high-speed ambulance trips to the closest hospital with sirens shrieking. But that image is shifting. 
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