State of Health

State of Health explores how communities, organizations, and leaders across Michigan are working to address the state’s most pressing health challenges. The series highlights innovative programs, partnerships, and solutions improving health and well-being for residents across the state. Funding for this series comes from a growing coalition of supporters, including Delta Dental Foundation and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

Leadership program helps dental directors improve care in underserved communities

Program supports dental leaders in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana with skills to manage clinics, improve care, and advocate for underserved patients.

Indiana health center trains local residents as dental assistants to fill workforce gaps

HealthLinc, a federally qualified health center in Valparaiso, covers training costs while preparing local residents for dental assistant jobs, strengthening workforce pipelines and expanding access to care.

How a sisterhood of dentists is expanding public health across Metro Detroit

A collective of African American women dentists delivers public health care, mentorship, and trust to underserved patients across Detroit, Wayne County, and Macomb County.

Health equity, representation drive Detroit dentist’s mission

Once inspired by a high school mentor, Dr. Michele Bloxson now advances health equity through public dentistry and trauma-informed care.

The Davies Project expands care by connecting families to oral health

With Delta Dental Foundation’s support, The Davies Project, based in Lansing, removes transportation barriers, helping families access dental care as well as critical medical appointments for seriously and chronically ill children and expectant women.

Detroit Schools Health Hubs
How one school system bridges the care gap with innovative Health Hubs

Detroit’s Health Hubs embed medical, behavioral, and dental care inside schools, ensuring students receive essential services and thrive in class.

Dental hygienists hit the road to expand oral care

Three hygienists across Michigan use foundation-funded vans to deliver preventive dental care to underserved children and families.

dental therap
Dental therapy offers Michigan an innovative path to expand essential oral health care

Michigan introduces licensed dental therapists to address provider shortages, empowering students to deliver vital community care.

NEOMED launches dental program to improve statewide oral health access

NEOMED's new Bitonte College of Dentistry will embed dental students in Ohio communities to improve access and address shortages in rural and urban oral health care.  

Heart of West Michigan United Way Chief Administrative Officer Becki Postma, Kent County Community Action Director Gustavo Perez, and Heart of West Michigan United Way Eviction Prevention Program Manager Alyssa Bryan.
Kent County Eviction Prevention Task Force addresses unmet needs behind evictions

Evictions plummeted during the pandemic and soared again after federal protections ended. That led a coalition of Kent County organizations and individuals to form the Kent County Eviction Prevention Task Force.

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