Author

Estelle Slootmaker

Estelle Slootmaker's Latest Articles

Here’s how we can address rural Michigan’s alarmingly high infant mortality and poor maternal health

Substance abuse, lack of access to healthy food, and dwindling birthing hospitals and OB-GYNs all contribute to poor health outcomes for mothers and infants. These organizations and individuals are working to change that.

Urban Michigan initiatives recognize racism as major factor in infant and maternal mortality

Statewide, black babies are three times more likely to die in their first year of life than white babies. But those statistics are even more alarming in many of Michigan's urban centers.

Yoga in the park in Dexter.
How Michigan’s place-based initiatives are addressing health equity at a regional level

These initiatives forge private-public collaborations to create systemic improvements in health and wellness across multiple counties.

William Butler is prepared to get his blood drawn at HUDA by his nurse, Val Gamble. Butler has been coming to HUDA for his health care needs since he lost his health insurance four years ago.
How once-vacant sites are becoming hubs for health equity in Michigan

Marginalized Michigan residents are finding health services in easily accessible neighborhood locations, and formerly defunct buildings are becoming bright spots on their blocks.

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