Author

Rylee Barnsdale

Rylee Barnsdale's Latest Articles

Kat Layton
Library social worker connects patrons with resources and a listening ear

Ypsilanti District Library’s social worker bridges the gap between patrons and local resources they need — everything from housing support to simply listening without judgment.   

John Counts, author of "Bear County, Michigan."
Former journalist explores darkness, beauty of northern Michigan in short story anthology

John Counts' book, "Bear County, Michigan," blends elements of crime, folklore, and personal experience, drawing inspiration from Counts' time as a police reporter in Manistee.

Attendees at the inaugural National Farm Stop Conference, held last year in Ann Arbor.
National farm stop conference returns to Ann Arbor for second year

Local food leaders from across the U.S. will gather at Washtenaw Community College from March 2-4 for a conference exploring the rapid growth and future of the innovative "farm stop" retail model.

The Urban Collaboratory’s work includes a focus on community water systems and health impacts related to contaminants like microplastics and PFAS.
Public health focus on the built environment improves health for Michiganders

Public health and infrastructure go hand in hand, as organizations across Michigan work to address the built environment's critical role in shaping health outcomes.

In Detroit, a truck drives on Jefferson Ave. while smoke billows from Zug Island.
Wayne County air quality monitors alert residents and inspire clean air action

Wayne County is tackling its air quality crisis with a new network of 100 hyperlocal monitors, launched in partnership with environmental service company JustAir to track pollution in real time.

LifeWays peer support and recovery staff inspire clients to ‘walk the walk’

LifeWays employs peer support specialists and recovery coaches for clients to work with throughout their recovery journeys. 

Immunizations have long spared Michiganders from disease and death

In March 2024, Michigan experienced its first confirmed case of measles since 2019, reporting five unrelated cases throughout the state as of April 10. These cases were only some of many throughout sixteen other states, leading public health officials across Michigan to quickly respond.

Mark Witte
CCBHCs extend mental health care to more Michiganders despite challenges

Michigan was added to the country's list of certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) demonstration states back in the summer of 2020, with 29 counties throughout the lower peninsula operating CCBHCs through their community mental health agencies.

The B2B trail in Dexter.
$3 million in state funds will support completion of Washtenaw County’s B2B Trail

Huron-Waterloo Pathways Initiative Executive Director Kiff Hamp says that there are currently 10 miles left to complete the trail.

Community health worker Lindsay Bechtel
Community health worker on the job at Vantage Plastics

In order to continue their mission of serving the community through sustainability, Standish based materials company Vantage Plastics is now partnering with the Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) to integrate a community health worker (CHW) on site. 

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