1. Alum Deirdre Young weaves career from three fields

    Dentistry, higher education and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) might seem like three separate occupational pursuits, but alum Dr. Deirdre Young found a way to merge them in her career.


  2. When good intentions aren’t enough: creating more equitable partnerships

    The Community Partnership Playbook’s purpose is to guide researchers while supporting and lending authority to community organizations as they advocate for partnerships that will benefit their constituencies.

  3. Barger Leadership Institute Peace leadership retreat set for April 5-7

    The BLI 2024 theme for the Social Transformation Fellows and the Detroit Retreat is Utilizing Technology for Social Good. The retreat runs April 5-7.

    1. UMCI design approved, construction ramps up

      The Board of Regents has approved the schematic design for the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit, a six-story building expected to open in spring 2027. “The UMCI is a catalyst for positive change and, as such, presents itself along Grand River Avenue as a ‘Gateway for Innovation,'” said Hana Kassem, FAIA, Design Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF). 

    2. How ghost streams and redlining’s legacy lead to unfairness in flood risk, in Detroit and elsewhere

      Ghost streams and wetlands are waterways that previously existed but, as urban areas built up, were either buried below the surface or filled in to support development. Detroit has removed more than 85% of the total length of streams that existed in 1905. Most major cities in the United States and Europe have removed similar numbers of streams.

    3. Grant supports tuition-free midwifery program at U-M for underserved areas

      In response to ongoing disparities, the University of Michigan School of Nursing has partnered with Birth Detroit to launch the Michigan Maternity Care Traineeship Program.

    4. Community force: How holistic program is changing Detroit one toddler at a time

      Brilliant Detroit works in 18 neighborhoods in the community by transforming a house in need of repair into a hub. It partners with 160 organizations to deliver early childhood education, family support and food. More than 19,000 children have benefited from the programming. Brilliant Detroit CEO Cindy Eggleton co-founded the organization in 2016 with University of Michigan alums Jim Bellinson and Carolyn Bellinson.

    5. Barbara Israel awarded 2024 ASPPH Practice Excellence Award

      The ASPPH Practice Excellence Award is a testament to Barbara Israel’s effective approach and influence on public health as a scholar, educator and a practitioner. Her dedication not only raises the bar for public health work but demonstrates a passion for community well-being and impactful change.

    6. Detroit residents’ trust in police shaped by history of police contact

      The survey asked about three types of interactions with police: forceful contact, nonforceful contact and no contact in the last year. Detroiters commented on their personal experiences as well as the experiences of their family and acquaintances. A new report analyzing the survey data found 37% of residents had personal or proximate contact with police.