State of Health

State of Health is a series about how Michigan communities are rising to address health challengesPrevious coverage examined health disparities and how they affect Michigan's children and seniors and integrated care and its potential to improve Michiganders' health. This series is made possible with funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

Longform Danielle Atkinson, founder and national director of Mothering Justice, has been instrumental in advocating for paid leave in Michigan.
Longform Lunchtime at Oehrli Elementary School in Montague, Mich.
Feature Story Actors Carol Sizer and Bill Klein rehearse "Memory of a Dance," a play about dementia commissioned by the Southwest Michigan-based Region IV Area Agency on Aging to spread community awareness of the experiences of people living with dementia.

PODCAST: Building more dementia-friendly communities


Feature Story Dr. Hank Paulson is a neurologist at University of Michigan Health and director of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
Feature Story Saline resident Jim Mangi is a care partner to his wife, Kathleen, who has Alzheimer's disease.
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


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


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.
Longform Students participate in the LIFT-UP program.
Feature Story SOH Podcast Ep 1

PODCAST: Dementia is not a death sentence


Feature Story SOH Podcast Ep 1

PODCAST: Dementia is not a death sentence


Longform Caregiver Incentive Project (CIP) founder Eric Paad and CIP spokesperson Dorothy Paad.
Longform A mother holds her baby's hand.