Profiles

Claudia Finkelstein MD is an academic general internist, recently retired from clinical practice. She remains at MSU, as an Assistant Professor of Medicine providing faculty and staff support in the College of Human Medicine. Over the past thirty years she has provided patient care, medical education (at the undergraduate and residency levels), and served in…

Matthew Payes is veteran and single father living in Pontiac, Michigan. Matthew has over $10,000 in medical debt from a hospital visit even though he had health insurance.

Taylor Johnson is the mom to George, a six-year-old son with Down Syndrome who relies entirely on Medicaid for his healthcare.

Ian Moore is a rising senior at the University of Michigan studying political science. Currently he serves as Co-President of College Democrats at the University of Michigan as well as being a member of the political team at the statewide Michigan College Democrats.

Paula Thornton Greear, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Michigan.

Dr. Evan Litinas is a Michigan-based physician and cannabis medicine expert with nearly 15 years of experience helping people use weed wisely. He co-owned one of Ann Arbor’s first dispensaries and has been working with the University of Michigan to study how cannabis can help with pain and reduce opioid use. These days, he’s focused…

Melissa Samuel is the president and CEO of the Health Care Association of Michigan (HCAM), which represents nearly 370 nursing facilities and more than 230 assisted living communities across the state.

Jessica F. Simmons is a Reporter & Strategic Communications Producer for COURIER, covering community stories and public policies across the country. Featured in print, broadcast, and radio journalism, her work shows her passion for local storytelling and amplifying issues that matter to communities nationwide.