We are Trying to Reach You About Your Health 

The next time your phone rings, it might be the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) asking for your help. We launched a survey to give the County data about the health and habits of Kent County residents.

It is an anonymous, telephone-based health survey of randomly chosen adults. The survey collects data on the prevalence of various behaviors, health conditions, and preventive health care practices. Participants are asked about a variety of health topics, such as tobacco use, alcohol use, diet, physical activity, and many other issues. This year, questions about mental health, economic stability, health care access, and marijuana use have been added to the survey.

Answer with confidence. We are all wary of unknown phone numbers on our caller ID. Here is what you need to know to have confidence that this is a legitimate call:

• It will come from a 616 area code.
• You will be greeted by a live person and not a recording. The person will tell you that they are calling from the KCHD.
• The caller will never ask for your name, address, social security number, or any information that could identify you.

The information collected in the survey cannot be linked back to the participant. Survey data will be used for the Kent County Community Health Needs Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan. (www.accesskent.com/Health/CHNA).

Learn more about the survey at www.accesskent.com/Health/BRFS. If you have questions, please email CHNACHIP@kentcountymi.gov.

According to multiple published reports, an old scam that tries to steal the identities of people who use Medicare are again surfacing across the country. The caller will ask you to confirm your identity by providing them with your social security number, Medicare number, or bank information. Experts say if this happens, you should hang up as quickly as possible because a scam artist will try to gain your confidence.

How to keep your private information private.

• Hang up. If someone calls asking for personal, health, credit card or other financial information or if they ask for money, hang up. If you think the caller may be telling the truth, hang up and call a number you know is genuine. In this case, please call Medicare at 800-633-4227.
• Do not provide any financial payment. Scammers often threaten to take action against you if you do not immediately pay or provide personal information. Government agencies will not threaten you for upfront payments and likely will contact you via mail.
• Slow down and do your research. Scammers prey on fear and want you to act quickly. Before you disclose any personal health information or issue payment, verify the business by researching it online, search for customer reviews, etc.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If someone calls or emails to offer you something free or at a discounted price, it is likely a scam.

While there have not been any reports of these scammers recently working in West Michigan, knowing how to protect yourself is always a good idea, especially while these types of cases are on the rise nationally. 

KCHD Encourages Vaccination During National Infant Immunization Awareness Week

National Infant Immunization Week, April 24 - 30, is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting children who are two years and younger from vaccine preventable diseases. "We have been free of many diseases for years because of safe and effective vaccines," says KCHD Immunizations Supervisor Amy Shears. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions says it has detected a troubling drop in the rate of childhood vaccines during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. While the same phenomenon has been observed throughout Michigan, there are signs in Kent County the tide is starting to change. "In the last quarter of 2022, Kent County vaccine coverage rates for infants have shown a slight increase," says Shears. "This means families are seeing their doctors and and being protected against vaccine preventable diseases."

Vaccines are widely considered to be one of the greatest accomplishments in the advancement of public health in history. Smallpox, polio and measles are now thought to be diseases of the past. As the memories of these once common killers fades into our collective memory so to does the recognition of the value of vaccines. "We can't go backwards," cautions Shears. National Infant Immunization Week is an excellent reminder for parents of children of all ages to talk to their providers and get the correct information to help keep their children and the community healthy." 

Make your appointment at the KCHD by calling (616) 632-7200. 

Kent County Animal Shelter Receives $90,000 From Trust

The Kent County Board of Commissioners accepted a $90,000 donation last week from the Marie B. Schipper Trust to the Kent County Animal Shelter. This gift to the Kent County Animal Shelter is thought to be the largest single donation ever made to the department.

Schipper, a Kent County resident, died November 28, 2021 at age 85. Sheryl Schipper, Marie Schipper's niece and executor of the estate, was in attendance at the Board of Commissioners meeting. "I am sure my aunt is beaming in heaven looking down and seeing what is going on," said Schipper, who described her aunt as a life-long animal lover.

A portion of the donation - $49,594 - will be used to construct a large natural enclosure for the enrichment of our shelter dogs. Another set of funds - $26,500 - are earmarked to replace a 24 year old X-ray machine and the remaining funds will be set aside for the emergency care of animals.

People who are interested in leaving behind a legacy of care and compassion for animals are encouraged to learn more about the Kent County Animal Shelter and to work closely with their estate planners to ensure their wishes are met. 

KCHD Participates In Day at Capitol Event

Several representatives form the KCHD attended the Michigan Association for Local Public Health (MALPH) annual "Day at the Capitol" event during Public Health Week.

The day started with the presentation of the annual county health rankings, a project of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute which measures a wide range of factors impacting population health nationally. Kent County is ranked among the healthiest counties in Michigan, coming in 17 of Michigan's 83 counties. To see the complete county health rankings, click here. Staff also met with state legislators from West Michigan.