Statewide Launch of "Get Ahead Of Lead" is Based on Kent County Pilot Program
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently announced a statewide strategy to prevent lead exposure from household plumbing. The efforts will center around the distribution of free lead reducing water filters to the more than 70,000 households that the state estimates will meet the program qualifications.
As you may recall, the Get Ahead of Lead effort started in June of 2023 in Kent County when MDHHS made almost 20,000 filters available to residents who have lead or galvanized plumbing, or a lead service line, or have faucets that were made before 2014. Those receiving the filters also had to meet income guidelines.
During the pilot, the MDHHS provided the filters and the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) provided the distribution logistics and user data back to the state. The MDHHS then used the information learned in Kent County to serve communities across the state.
“The Kent County Health Department has been a leader in addressing childhood lead exposure and we appreciate their support in piloting the Get Ahead of Lead recommendation countywide,” said Dr. Sarah Lyon-Callo, Senior Deputy Director, MDHHS Public Health Administration. “By encouraging filter use and getting filters out into the community, they have enabled Kent County families to minimize lead exposure through drinking water. The county’s experience and materials were helpful in developing Michigan’s Get Ahead of Lead materials.”
The Kent County partnership between MDHHS, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD), and the city of Grand Rapids, is a proactive effort to remove an additional layer of lead exposure from resident's homes. It was not done in response to a specific incident or concern about rising lead levels in water.
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 A nearly year long study that seeks to discover the key health needs of Kent County residents through data collection and analysis is beginning to shed light. The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is conducted every three years by the KCHD to determine what community members believe are the most important issues that are impacting health in Kent County.
More than 60 people from 44 organizations helped plan and collect the data from more than 5,000 County residents. This year's CHNA heard from a more diverse group of residents than ever, thanks to the efforts of almost 80 partner organizations who worked to engage residents and collect survey responses
After the survey closed, nearly 60 stakeholders prioritized the top 10 issues based on CHNA data. The percentages below show the priority rankings of each item based on how many participants included it in their top three concerns.
- Housing: 89%
- Health Insurance: 45%
- Access to Medical Care: 43%
- Access to Healthy Food: 43%
- Mental Health: 39%
- Community Safety: 27%
- Substance Use: 11%
- Chronic Disease: 7%
- Sexual and Reproductive Health: 4%
- Access to Dental Care: 2%
The 2020 CHNA identified access to healthcare, discrimination and racial inequality, economic security, and mental health as the top priorities.
The final report, which is scheduled for release in March of 2024, will be used to formulate a Community Health Improvement Plan that will develop strategies to address the issues identified.
Opioid Settlement Update
Kent County staff, the Kent County Opioid Task Force, the Kent County Overdose Fatality Review, and other stakeholders met on November 17 to discuss a draft proposal for 2024-2025 spending of opioid settlement funds and to begin to determine future strategies.
The draft proposal outlines specific investments earmarked for the initial two years. Additionally, it deliberates on future considerations spanning prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. A fifth overarching category spans all service areas, proposing investments in data collection and evaluation, targeted community involvement, and reserves for unforeseen needs
The feedback session began with an overview of the opioid settlements from Amy Dolinky, Technical Advisor for Opioid Settlement Funds Planning and Capacity Building, with the Michigan Association of Counties. KCHD, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and Network 180 staff also participated in the conversation and answered questions. A robust conversation resulted in feedback that the County team will continue discussing with stakeholders and incorporate into a final proposal to share with the Kent County Board of Commissioners in the new year.
For more information or to provide input on opioid settlement spending, please contact Rachel Jantz at Rachel.jantz@kentcountymi.gov.
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Sixteen Complete Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training
Sixteen community members are now certified as Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructors thanks to a three day training program they completed at the KCHD.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a project of the National Council for Mental Well-being. The organization compares MHFA to CPR saying that just as CPR helps those properly trained to assist a person having a heart attack, MHFA helps trained individuals assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. As instructors, the group will now be able to teach Youth MHFA to members of the public and help build a trained network of MHFA responders.
The newly trained instructors represent several community-based organizations including: A Glimpse of Africa, AYA Youth Collective, Bethany Christian Services, GR Proactive, LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium, Puertas Abiertas Grand Rapids, Save a Life a Day Outreach, Treetops Collective, and the Ukrainian Society of Michigan.
The training was made possible through a grant from MDHHS and sponsored by the Kent County Health Equity Council.
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KCHD Sanitarian Contributes to National Environmental Health Association Efforts
Katherine Martinez is one of the people who is charged with ensuring that local body arts businesses are practicing their craft in a safe and legal manner. The body arts business encompasses tattoo, piercings, brandings and other body modifications and it is an industry that is growing rapidly. When Martinez started this work a decade ago there were only eight shops in Kent County, today there are 120.
Martinez has continued to grow her career as the demand has increased. In addition to her role at KCHD, Martinez sits on the Body Arts Committee of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). In its most recent newsletter, NEHA chose to feature her contributions and career. If you see Katherine, be sure to congratulate her on being recognized and celebrated.
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 The holiday season is in full swing and for many of us that means gathering with family and friends for parties and meals. We can't always predict who will show up but there is one guest who is always an unwelcome visitor - food poisoning.
Food poisoning and foodborne illness are much more common that you might think. Symptoms can range in severity from slightly more annoying than Cousin Eddie to dangerously ill. However, unlike Cousin Eddie, you can uninvite foodborne illness to your party and not risk hurting anyone's feelings.
Click on the link below for food safety information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which breaks down the tips into four simple steps, lean, separate, cook, and chill.
 CDC Expects Rise in Respiratory Illnesses; How You Can Fight Back
As the weather cools off, the cold and flu season is heating up. The CDC says that nationally the flu and other respiratory illnesses are starting to circulate but are currently lower than this time last year. Michigan is doing better than most states right now but that can change very quickly as the season ramps up.
The Tripledemic and Vaccines
Last year 40% of U.S. households were hit with at least one of three viruses. Health officials are hopeful that we could avoid another tripledemic this year by increasing vaccination. The Tripledemic illnesses, COVID, RSV, and the Flu, all have safe and effective vaccines available. The arrival of the RSV vaccine this summer has been met with greater than anticipated demand and parents who want to get the shot for their newborns, the most vulnerable to RSV, are advised to work with their primary care providers. Health officials remain optimistic that the administration of the new vaccine will lower hospitalizations and deaths this year. Vaccination against these illnesses remains the strongest weapon to slow or stop the progression of disease.
Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands
In addition to vaccination, there are several things you can do to help stop the spread of germs. If there is any benefit to a global pandemic, perhaps it is some of the lessons we have learned.
- Going to work sick used to be seen as almost heroic. We now know it is far more considerate to stay home if you are ill.
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing is more than just being polite, it can stop tens of thousands of tiny droplets from entering the air and making others sick.
- Be mindful about the surfaces you touch and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth but above all, WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY!
Employees Receive Service Pins
During our fourth quarter all staff meeting, the following KCHD staff members were recognized for their years of service.
- Michelle Anderson, Community Clinical Services, 30 years
- Jill Huizenga, Community Clinical Services, 20 years
- Lisa Ignaski, Community Clinical Services, 15 years
- Brendan Earl, Environmental Health,10 years
- Dr. Nirali Bora, Medical Director, 5 years
- Leslie Griswold, Community Clinical Services, 5 years
- Ursula McCoy, Community Wellness, 5 years
- Janine O'Donnell, Centers for Community Health Strategy, 5 years
- Steven Osmond, Environmental Health, 5 years
- Maribel Rodriguez, Community Clinical Services, 5 years
- Meghan Sulka, Environmental Health, 5 years
- Mary Weeber, Community Clinical Services, 5 years
Thank you for your dedication!
 New Year. New Career!
You might be surprised at the variety of career opportunities offered by Kent County. Currently there are openings for as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, an HVAC Technician, Medical Assistants, and many more.
Working for Kent County provides an opportunity to serve your community while earning a competitive wage and benefits.
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