LANSING, Mich. – Making fruits and vegetables more readily available, cancer screenings by mail, health coaches and exercise programs are just several of the local initiatives getting funding from the Michigan Department of Community Health.

The MDCH recently announced 44 projects are getting approximately $1.34 million, including a dozen projects in West Michigan.  The grants include:

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—  The Michigan Department of Community Health hopes a new director will usher in a new era for a Kalamazoo hospital, under investigation for alleged abuse of patients.

Jill Krause's first day at the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital is Jan. 7.   Krause has more than 21 years of experience in behavioral health, most recently serving as the director of the adult mental illness division of Network180 in Kent County.

“As a department, we are committed to providing quality care to the patients at Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital,” said Tim Becker, deputy director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “We continue to make important progress in ensuring the safety of our patients and staff, and I am confident that Jill’s experience and leadership will help us carry this momentum forward.”

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- The Grand Rapids Donor Center welcomes your gift of blood for those in need through the holiday season.

Schedule:  Dec. 24, 26, 31 and Jan. 1 and 2 , 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The GR Donor Center is located at 1036 Fuller Avenue in Grand Rapids. Call: (616) 774- 2300 or visit www.michiganblood.org for more listings.