Pam Lynch, director of Harm Reduction Michigan.

Michigan works to reverse rising substance use disorder during pandemic

Across Michigan, health professionals are racing to understand which communities have been hit hardest by substance use disorder during the pandemic – and how to turn the trend back around. 

Pam Lynch, director of Harm Reduction Michigan.
Michigan works to reverse rising substance use disorder during pandemic

Across Michigan, health professionals are racing to understand which communities have been hit hardest by substance use disorder during the pandemic – and how to turn the trend back around. 

Welcome to Rural Innovation eXchange!

A new project of Issue Media Group, RIX focuses on the talent, entrepreneurship, social innovation and community development that is moving rural Michigan forward. Our goal is to identify and lift up the innovative people who are leading impactful work in rural Michigan. 

The Secret Sky Barn project in Hume Township
Barns become works of art in Michigan’s ‘thumb’

Once common in rural Michigan, barns are disappearing from the landscape. But in one Michigan community barns are turning into works of art. This innovation has not only preserved part of the state's agricultural past but has become an economic tool for Port Austin. 

The UP hosts epic dog sled race this weekend

One of the country's epic dog-sled races -- the UP200 -- is held every February in the Upper Peninsula. A qualifier for the legendary Iditarod, the UP200 lures about 20 mushers every year and draws thousands of people to the start and finish in Marquette.

Khalid el-Hakim
Mobile museum sees Black history on the move in Michigan

Detroit-born Khalid el-Hakim’s mobile museum has evolved into one of the biggest collections of African American history and artifacts in the country. Now the pioneer in Black Museum Studies is touring Michigan, from Bloomfield Hills to Beaver Island. 

Hudsonville resident and interior designer Liz Marie Galvan is building a reputation and a following for her Cozy White Cottage home decor ideas.
This Hudsonville native’s ticket to fame: Getting Cozy

Hudsonville native and interior designer Liz Marie Galvan is building a reputation and a following for her Cozy White Cottage home decor ideas.

Behavior Specialist Marcy Carter asks students at Kalamazoo's Northwood Elementary to discuss their feelings.
Michigan’s Social-Emotional Learning Network helps schools serve the whole child

The new network's members, including superintendents, principals, teachers, and school counselors, are helping Michigan's schools instill social-emotional learning in their school cultures.

The late Myrna Berlet left $5 million to Jackson nature center.
Conservationist leaves $5 million to Jackson nature center

“This gift is why organizations like ours exist, so people have a vehicle to do what Myrna Berlet did, to think about the communities where they lived and worked and owned small businesses and loved."  

Dr. Leslie Pelkey, Cherry Health’s chief medical officer.
Lack of broadband access is a barrier to health care – and Michigan is aiming to eliminate it

COVID-19 exposed Michigan's digital divide, and its sobering effect on residents' ability to access health care during the pandemic. But efforts are underway to address it.

Our Partners

Michigan Health and Hospital Association
MEDC

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything Rural Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.