Tackling the Opioid Crisis
The Kent County Opioid Task Force, the Kent County Overdose Fatality Review and County departments and offices are preparing a plan to spend funds awarded from settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors. Kent County expects to receive approximately $11.9 million in total that will be distributed in installments through the year 2038.
The overall spending plan will take into account the opioid use disorder continuum of response and target the highest priority needs of individuals and communities impacted by opioid addiction. Funding will be proposed in five year increments to periodically re-assess the highest priority needs, monitor the evolving nature of the opioid crisis, and examine the effectiveness of the funded activities. After collecting additional feedback from stakeholders, a proposed plan will be presented to the Board of Commissioners for approval this Fall.
 As background, the Kent County Opioid Task Force brings stakeholders together to study the opioid epidemic, provide data and information to the community, and implement efforts to support effective care for and improve outcomes for people in Kent County impacted by opioids. The Kent County Overdose Fatality Review examines cases of fatal overdose to learn about the circumstances surrounding the overdose and ways the systems of support in the county can be improved to prevent future fatalities.
For more information and to provide input, email Rachel.Jantz@kentcountymi.gov
Applause-worthy Achievements: Exceptional Employees Shine at Annual Picnic!
At our recent staff picnic, awards were presented to four of our staff members who showcased excellent service to our community. We are so grateful for our staff and the work they do everyday to help keep our community healthy! Click here to read more about each employee and the award they received.
Congratulations!
(from left to right) Kara Felder, Molly Perez, Tessa Burel and Brendan Earl
Suicide Prevention Program Focuses on Men
In 2023, there have been 63 deaths by suicide in Kent County. Of which, 70 percent were men.
During September's Suicide Prevention Month, the Healthy Kent Suicide Prevention Coalition wants you to know about a program called "Man Therapy Michigan." This program is an evidence-based and research-backed campaign that seeks to reach men before they reach a crisis point. Additionally, the Healthy Kent Suicide Prevention Coalition is integrating Man Therapy into it's suicide prevention interventions.
Barb Hawkins Palmer of the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) says, "Man Therapy is an upstream approach to preventing suicide for the highest-risk men who don't often receive support."
The campaign and the 24/7 digital platform is aimed to encourage men to think differently about their mental health and to take action. You can learn more about Man Therapy Michigan and its unique approach by clicking here.
We can all help prevent suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 to be connected to the national suicide and crisis hotline.
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We Want to Hear From You!
The KCHD is working with Health Net of West Michigan and Tyus Consulting, LLC to collect information on the community’s understanding of a concept called Community Information Exchange (CIE). A CIE is a network of health and social service providers who use technology to make referrals, track the outcome of those referrals, exchange data, and communicate with each other to address the health and social needs of community members.
Several focus groups have been conducted with representatives from community-based organizations and the next step is to gather information from residents through an electronic survey. The survey is available in English and Spanish and should take about seven (7) minutes to complete. Here are the survey links:
Those who complete the survey are eligible to receive a $10 electronic gift card.
September is National Food Safety Month
September is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as National Food Safety Month, which encourages consumers to educate themselves on food borne illness and preventive steps to prevent these illnesses. Food safety involves farmers, manufacturers, delivery drivers, restaurant chefs, home cooks, and everyone between.
Take an active role in preventing food borne illness in your household by washing your hands and produce thoroughly, separating raw animal foods (examples: raw chicken or eggs) from ready to eat foods (example: apples), using separate utensils for each, cooking foods to the appropriate temperatures, and cooling leftovers properly. Even when out to eat, minimize your risk by paying special attention to items that may be served under-cooked or raw, and cooling leftovers properly.
These steps, in combination with food safety practices from every level of the food industry, significantly decrease your risk for food borne illness. For more information on National Food Safety Month and additional ways to decrease your risk, visit Food Safety Education Month | FDA or Food Safety Home Page | CDC
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Septic Smart Week is September 18-23
More than 1 million homes and businesses in Michigan depend on septic systems to treat wastewater. A failed septic system can contaminate groundwater and release harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that can eventually end up in local waterways.
The observance of Septic Smart Week is to bring awareness to the importance of proper septic system use and maintenance. In general, homeowners who have septic systems should have their system inspected once every three years by a qualified professional.
Taking the following steps can preserve the life of a septic system:
- Fats, grease, and solids should not be disposed of in the sink.
- Do not flush disposable diapers or wipes.
- Tree roots, shrubs and cars can damage a septic drain field.
- Septic tanks should be pumped at regular intervals as recommended by a professional.
Michigan Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is offering a one-hour webinar on September 18 to find out more about the use and care of your septic system. You can register for the webinar here.
New Email Address for Communicable Disease Division
Our Communicable Disease Division has a new email address - cd_epi@kentcountymi.gov - for residents to contact our team. Types of emails to send to this inbox may include, but are not limited to:
- questions requiring a response by clinical staff,
- general inquiries or questions,
- foodborne Illness complaints, or
- Freedom of Information Act requests.
This email follows the KCHD confidentiality policy by encrypting any email sent to this inbox that contains personal health information. It is checked and responded to regularly by the appropriate staff person.
FDA Approves New COVID Boosters
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have approved two updated COVID boosters for the Fall of 2023. The updated vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNtech are effective at targeting EG5, the most dominant COVID variant currently in the U.S.
Public health officials are advising people to get boosted against COVID, the flu, and RSV as the coming of winter typically signals the beginning of a spike in respiratory illnesses.
The KCHD will be receiving shipments of the new COVID boosters soon. Call 616-632-7200 to schedule your appointment for all your immunization needs.
Kent County Boards, Commissions & Committees Vacancies
The Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents interested in serving the community through appointment to its boards, commissions, and committees.
Qualified residents may apply by completing an online account and submitting an application on the County's website. Click here for current vacancies. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2023 and interviews will begin in October.
For more information, contact the Board of Commissioners' office at 616-632-7580.
Current Postings
There are over 20 different opportunities to choose from and the openings/descriptions can be found here. The health-related opportunities below are just a few of the boards, commissions, and committees seeking participants. Click the links below to learn more about each of these groups:
 We are Hiring
Working for Kent County is an opportunity to serve your community while earning a competitive wage and enjoying a robust benefits package. We have jobs open in all areas of Kent County.
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