Boosting childhood immunization rates vital to community health

Recent data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services shows that 91% of kindergarteners in 2022 were up to date on their vaccinations, while rates of younger ages are seeing a decline. 

The conference will include four break-out sessions offering a choice among 15 different topics.
AAoM’s “Navigating Autism Today” provides wide range of educational and networking opportunities

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) will host its first “Navigating Autism Today Conference” of the year on Friday, March 8 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

“The Other Mozart” brings the forgotten story of musical prodigy Nannerl Mozart — sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — to the Knickerbocker Theatre stage in Holland on Friday, March 22.
March things to do: Girlfriends’ weekends, polar plunge, St. Patrick’s Day, crafts, films, history

March brings plenty of celebrations, from Mardi Gras to St. Patrick’s Day to Easter. Also on the calendar are crafts, films, history, exhibits, and much more.  

Bysterveld County Park includes trails forwalking, running, or cross-country skiing; a picnic shelter; playground; catch-and-release fishing pond; a grass picnic and recreation area; restroom facility; and paved parking.
4 parks to explore in Allegan County

As the Allegan County Parks Department invites residents to take part in updating its five-year recreation plan, here’s a look at four Allegan County parks that offer an array of outdoor recreation activities.

Holly Campbell, deputy director of the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, and Dr. Pennie Foster-Fishman, project leader for the Northwest Michigan Community Health Innovation Region Behavioral Health Initiative.
Northern Michigan health department spearheads effort to expand behavioral health workforce

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan's cross-sector collaboration involves a wide range of stakeholders who are pitching ideas and taking action on recruiting and retaining behavioral health care professionals across the region — and beyond.

Dr. Kelsey Sala-Hamrick is the Michigan Public Health Institute's MI ACE project director.
200-partner collaborative raises awareness about impact of adverse childhood experiences in Michigan

Partners in the Michigan ACE Initiative are working to raise awareness of the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), prevent ACEs, and foster resilience among children who have experienced them. 

Chris Uhl
What’s next for housing in Kent and Ottawa counties

As Kent County grows faster than the rest of the state, the community looks at ways to address its ongoing housing shortages. Through government entities, upcoming developers like Housing Next, and seasoned community development financial institutions like IFF, Grand Rapids has a collaborative plan in place to address the issue.   

MDHHS staff early 20th century.
State of Michigan public health celebrates 150 years of service to Michiganders

The State of Michigan’s public health system recently celebrated its sesquicentennial: 150 years in service to Michiganders. To mark the occasion, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has shared a nice collection of sesquicentennial information on its website.   

Ford Airport one of first airports to use sign language boards powered by AI

The Grand Rapids airport is one of the first in the nation to try out new technology powered by AI that is being used successfully at train stations in the United Kingdom. 

‘Making people feel special’ is goal of  honored frontline worker

Denver Sincler, with Allegan's Tantrick Brewing Co., and Marolyn Lopez, with Plascore in Zeeland, are among 10 frontline workers honored for going above and beyond.

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