The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is  excited about the efforts of two Kent County Health Department (KCHD) employees - Aaron Toffoli and Laruen Czarnowczan- who are are part of the Sexual Assault Prevention Action Team (SAPAT).

To determine the success of the teams’ efforts, a survey was developed asking questions of local law enforcement partners about attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding sexual violence. The in-depth nature of the survey takes a comprehensive look at perceptions of law enforcement and responsiveness to assist victims/survivors. 
The survey and the work being done by the SAPAT team is being hailed as a “Success Story” by the CDC. The CDC shares these stories with other local health departments nationally and often seeks the authors inputs for further education and training that the agency makes available to all public health practitioners.

Free vaccines and $5 heartworm testing? The hundreds of people lined up in the cold with their furry friends knew this vaccine clinic was different from the ones we have been hearing about for the last two years. On Saturday, March 12, 143 dogs and 61 cats were provided free and discounted vaccines at St. Alphonsus church in Grand Rapids. Thanks to donations and grants from Petco Love and the Bissell Pet Foundation, area pets received free rabies vaccines and deeply discounted microchips, flea/tick prevention, and heartworm vaccines. The event was a partnership between The Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS), The Humane Society of West Michigan, Harbor Humane Society, Grand Rapids Pitbull Alliance, Creston Cat Community and C-Snip. “Our hearts are full knowing just how many animals were served,” said Angela Hollinshead, Director at KCAS. “All these volunteers who came together to keep pets happy, safe and in their homes is heartwarming. This is why we do what we do.”

Known as the “Vaccine Queen of Kent County” by her colleagues & counterparts across the state, Mary Wisinski will be retiring from her position as the Immunization Program Supervisor for the Kent County Health Department on April 15^th.  Mary’s dedication as a public health nurse and her contributions to the immunization program have always been above and beyond.  Mary is a strong advocate for public health and an even stronger ambassador for routine vaccinations, nursing education and nursing practice.  Mary is frequently the go-to for nursing and vaccine related questions.  While at the helm of the vaccine program, Mary has been a leader for the department through multiple vaccine preventable disease outbreaks within the community including, H1N1, measles, hepatitis A and now with the COVID-19.  Through it all, Mary is a beacon of hope and perseverance to her entire community.  Her passion for vaccinations and commitment to public health is unmatched.  She is a true asset to our department and our community. Her presence, knowledge and experience will be greatly missed.  We wish Mary all the best as she starts this next journey.