Features

Feature Story Community Health Workers help people navigate complex health care systems.

Community health workers bring mental health home

Across the state, community mental health agencies enlist CHWs to extend their reach. Washtenaw County Community Mental Health partners with Michigan Community Care (MiCC) in providing CHWs.

Innovation News A technician operates a Sniffer Robotics drone.

Ann Arbor company that uses drones to detect methane leaks closes $2 million seed funding round

Sniffer Robotics' patented “SnifferDRONE” provides an alternative for field technicians who would manually identify and measure methane emissions, which can be a time-consuming and sometimes dangerous process. 

Longform Jim Mangi and volunteer Miriam Vincent at Dementia Friendly Saline's screening of "Singin' in the Rain" at Emagine Saline.

Saline organization works to build community and understanding for those living with dementia

Jim Mangi's struggle to find support after his wife's Alzheimer's diagnosis led him to create an organization for others facing the same challenge.

Longform Charlie Yingling, Tracey Williams, Patricia Tillman-Meakins, Michelle Pardee, Emilie Hock, and Becca Fleming at Packard Health West Willow.

Packard Health to open medical clinic in Ypsi Township's West Willow neighborhood

After nearly five years in the works, a vision for community-embedded health care in Ypsilanti Township's West Willow neighborhood will finally come to fruition in June. 

Partner Content A Farmers Market Food Navigator assists shoppers at the Muskegon Farmers Market.

Michigan Fitness Foundation connects families to farmers and fresh, locally grown food

Michigan Fitness Foundation has been working with Michigan farmers and farmers market managers to reduce barriers to accessing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for families on tight budgets. 

Innovation News Dyuthi Aryasomayajula and Daniel Giddings.

Teacher and student from Ypsi school chosen to participate in international Bezos Scholars program

Bezos Scholars is a competitive leadership development program that annually chooses a cohort of 12 to 17 students from across the U.S. and Africa paired with an educator from the same school.  

Innovation News Students at Erickson Elementary take place in an assembly introducing the My Future Fund program.

All Washtenaw County elementary students to receive $25 in free savings account through new program

Each young participant will start off with a free $25 deposit in a children's savings account, and students from lower-income families can receive an additional $475.

Longform Kaili Dence and Randy Dence in the future location of Whitepine Studios.

Saline art center pursues "more vibrant downtown" in expanded new location

Whitepine Studios arose from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its classes and other programs have quickly become popular.

Longform A DAPCO baby pantry.

Ypsilanti nonprofit marks 26 years of helping women and families find support and stability

Destiny and Purpose Community Outreach's mission is to "assist individuals in becoming stabilized, well rounded, and anchored members of society." 

Partner Content A family enjoys jump roping along the Lansing River Trail.

Rec-Connect™ makes fitness fun for everyone

Across the state, Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Rec-Connect™ demonstration series is being used in communities to inspire and empower people to engage regularly in physical activity.

Innovation News Left to right, students Goddess Smith and Louisa Stuhee; facilitator Angela Knight; and students Connor Sabo-LaPorte, Jaylin Wilson, and Elvin Sahijdak at the first youth data collection meeting for the One Love Symposium.

New EMU credential helps human service professionals relate to those with different experiences

The Human Service Professional course is designed for those studying or working in medicine, education, or law to learn stronger skills in assisting those they serve despite differences in lived experience.

Innovation News A graphic from the United Way of Washtenaw County's new ALICE report.

Report shows more Washtenaw County residents are above poverty level but can't afford basic needs

A new report from the United Way of Washtenaw County finds that 27% of households in the county are asset limited, income constrained, and employed.

Innovation News Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Director Dr. Missy Stults.

Ann Arbor receives federal funding for 10 AmeriCorps members to promote climate change initiatives

The city of Ann Arbor will receive $229,060 to support 10 AmeriCorps members in expanding climate change efforts through community outreach. 

Innovation News Boy does math problems on whiteboard.

Washtenaw ISD partners on initiative to make mathematics more relevant to students' lives

The Tri-County Culturally Responsive Mathematics Summer Institute will relate mathematics to students' lives and interests. It's open to students in Washtenaw, Oakland, and Wayne counties.

Partner Content U.S. Supreme Court Decision confirms rights of people with disabilities including those living with autism.

Autism Alliance of Michigan celebrates Supreme Court decision

U.S. Supreme Court Decision confirms rights of people with disabilities including those living with autism  

Feature Story The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) is the state association representing and advocating for Michigan’s public mental health system and those served by this system.

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan study shows integrated care is growing

A recent study by the Center of Healthcare Integration and Innovation shows that integrated care in Michigan’s public mental health system has not only grown in the last six years but that the initiatives are diverse and available in rural, suburban, and urban committees.

Longform Maxi Chanel performing at Drag Bingo at Conor O'Neill's.

Washtenaw County drag performers push back against critics with positivity-fueled activism

Local drag performers have struggled with a recent wave of national backlash against drag, but they're forging ahead with a mission of community activism, education, and fun. 

Longform A rendering of the future Children's Healing Center in Ypsilanti Township.

Safe recreational facility for immunocompromised kids coming to Ypsi Township

The Grand Rapids-based Children's Healing Center is planning to open its second location here in early 2024.

Innovation News A flyer for the mental health awareness fair.

Ypsi schools and other Washtenaw County organizations to host mental health awareness fair

Along with guest speakers with lived mental health experience, the event will feature community vendors presenting family activities, music, games, therapy animals, and snacks.

Innovation News A show from the Broken Branch concert series.
Hasini and Harshini Anand are members of Corner Health Center's Youth Leadership Council and mental health advocates.

 


   Voices of Youth
Concentrate's Voices of Youth series features content created by Washtenaw County youth in partnership with Concentrate mentors, as well as feature stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth. Click here for a full list of the latest content from this series.