LANSING - Health Departments in seven Michigan counties, including Ingham, have teamed up to tackle Michigan's health problems.

The network is called Michigan Power to Thrive, and it is designed to partner public health officials with community organizers. Michigan Public Health Institute CEO Renee Canady said that it is important for Power to Thrive to get out into communities and talk to people to see what they believe needs to be fixed. She said this can help them live healthier lives.

"We don't want to be in the health department or in an administrative building. We want to be in the community," Canady said.

Michigan Power to Thrive hopes to have a plan for tackling community health issues out in the near future.