Boards, Commissions and Committees Openings
(Lisa Ampuliski, Board of Commissioners Office)
The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents interested in serving the community through appointment to its boards, commissions and committees. View current vacancies here.
Interested residents may view all current vacancies and apply online for appointment by September 30, 2022. Applicants are able to include a cover letter and professional resume in .PDF file format. For more information, please contact the Board of Commissioners' office at (616) 632-7580.
Kent County Departments Hit the Road to Connect with Disability Advocates of Kent County
(Teresa Branson, Chief Inclusion Officer)
On July 28, Kent County was invited to spend time with staff from Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC) to learn more about their services to create a community that supports access for all. DAKC's mission is to work alongside people with disabilities as they seek to lead self-directed lives and to advocate for accessible and welcoming communities. They are now located at 160 68th Street in the new community Inclusion Center facility that’s home to multiple service providers.
This was a great opportunity to connect with the DAKC team, hear community needs, and identify additional partnership opportunities to help ensure welcoming and accessible places and services throughout Kent County. To learn more, visit www.dakc.us/programs.
Marcela Moralez-Morris appointed to Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice
(Andy Thalhammer, Circuit Court)
On August 2, 2022, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order No. 2022-7, which recreates the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice in the Department of Health and Human Services.
Executive Order No. 2022-7 abolishes the current Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice created by Executive Order No. 2017-12 and recreates the committee in alignment with the requirements of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act. Under the executive order, the committee is tasked with the development and review of the state’s juvenile justice plan.
Kent County's own Marcela L. Moralez-Morris has been appointed to this committee. Marcela works with the 17th Circuit Court where she has served as a Detention Youth Specialist, Juvenile Probation Officer, Juvenile Probation Officer Supervisor, and currently, the Juvenile Services Manager. Marcela will do a great job representing the county and its children, as well as the youth of our State. Her term expires in 2026.
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West Michigan Public Purchasing Alliance Business Expo
(Cal Brinks, Purchasing Manager)
The West Michigan Public Purchasing Alliance (“WMPPA”) is hosting a Business Opportunities Expo October 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Kent County/MSU Cooperative Extension. This is an excellent opportunity for West Michigan small and DBE business organizations to connect one-on-one with WMPPA members in one location and no admission fee. Kent County Purchasing is the host agency and our staff is providing refreshments. Find the brochure here.
Dr. Nirali Bora Recognized for Community Impact
(Sangeeta Ghosh, Corporate Counsel)
Dr. Nirali Bora will be recognized at the India Day Gala on August 19th for her notable contribution to the COVID-19 Pandemic Response. Dr. Bora currently serves as the Medical Director of the Kent County Health Department. She has collaborated with the hospital systems and community agencies to connect, educate, provide resources, and reduce the racial gap and other barriers to health services for the minority community. Dr. Bora was appointed by Governor Whitmer to the Protect Michigan Commission to serve in an advisory capacity to identify barriers to minority groups in accessing or accepting the COVID-19 vaccine and developing an outreach action plan. Congratulations Dr. Bora!
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New Health Department Campaign Aims to Raise Immunization Rates
(Steve Kelso, Health Department)
The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) has launched a public awareness campaign to address falling vaccination rates in the county. The multi-media advertising campaign is made possible through a $300,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
After a competitive bidding process, the KCHD contracted with Grand Rapids firm Well Design Studio to create a campaign around the theme of “The Future is Ours.” The print, digital, and video assets will be seen on billboards, streaming platforms, apps, web pages, as well as traditional media.
The project also updated the VaccinateWestMi.Com website that was originally built for the dissemination of COVID-19 vaccine information. The website now features information on age-appropriate vaccine timelines, links that allow parents to make vaccine appointments for their children, and how to find a local health department clinic. Parents can also find links to information about the COVID-19 vaccine for their children.
People should expect to see this campaign, in English and in Spanish, being widely used throughout Kent County between now and early fall.
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