 Teamwork and Education Keys to Success
The percentage of infant deaths in Kent County related to unsafe sleeping environments has fallen to its lowest level in a decade.
Infant death rates related to unsafe sleeping fell for the second year in a row according to new data from the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) Infant Safe Sleep Program. In 2023, 11% of infants in Kent County died due to unsafe sleeping environments, compared to 23% in 2021 and 17% in 2022, as reported by the Kent County Medical Examiner.
KCHD Community Wellness Division Director Joann Hoganson says the numbers are encouraging and indicate that the work being done by the Infant Safe Sleep Program at KCHD is working.
KCHD’s Infant Safe Sleep Program works by partnering with other local agencies such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Help Pregnancy Aid, and others to ensure that our community is educated on infant safe sleep recommendations as well as to provide those in need with safe sleep necessities, such as Pack ‘N Plays or sleep sacks.
The program also works with local fire departments and EMS agencies to become certified in infant safe sleep. First responders are trained to recognize unsafe sleeping situations and provide education and resources to the families in our community. These agencies help reach families who may otherwise have been missed by other services.
“We believe the work of the Infant Safe Sleep Program, along with all our community partners such as pediatricians, family practice doctors, home visitors, and many other community partners is making a difference,” says Hoganson.
Opioid Settlement Progress
A plan for using funding from settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors is coming to the Kent County Opioid Task Force (KCOTF) website soon. During its February 9 meeting, the Task Force provided additional feedback on a revised draft plan for using the funds.
After undergoing extensive examination by the KCOTF and various county departments/offices, a report and recommendations for the Board of Commissioners are currently being developed. The report, once submitted, will outline initial investment suggestions for the settlement dollars, along with a strategy for monitoring expenditures, reporting outcomes, and exploring further investments. Aligned with the priority needs identified by the KCOTF and county departments/offices, the recommendations will focus on supporting opioid use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery efforts.
The KCOTF website not only tracks the progress of the opioid settlement but also offers other valuable resources in the fight against the opioid epidemic. These include:
- A regularly updated map displaying Naloxone Distribution locations across the County, providing information on where to obtain the lifesaving medication, along with photos of the locations and their operating hours.
- A table listing Specialty Clinics and hospitals that offer medication for opioid use disorder.
- To address opioid misuse, prevent accidental overdose, and safeguard the environment, visitors can use the Pitch Your Pills online search tool to locate nearby facilities for disposing of unneeded or expired medications.
 Annual Observation is a Great Time to Consider Healthier Choices
Since 1964, the month of February has been designated as National Heart Month to bring awareness to the issues of heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for all people over 45 in the United States. However, there are many steps you can take to greatly reduce your your risk for heart disease.
The most common type of heart disease in the U.S. is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD can impact the way blood flows to the heart and can cause heart attack once the blood flow has become too decreased. In addition to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking, the risk for CAD can be linked to diabetes, being overweight, a unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and excessive alcohol use.
While there are some risk factors that are outside of our control, making good lifestyle choices can dramatically reduce your risk of developing CAD and having a heart attack. The American Heart Association has a wide variety of resources on its website regarding ways to live a healthier life.
 Every Mom Can Use Help
KCHD public health nurses and case workers make thousands of home visits every year.
While each case is unique, our skilled professionals often start working with new moms while they are pregnant. A few of our programs include:
Maternal Infant Health Program
A home-visiting service that is offered to pregnant persons and infants as a benefit of Medicaid. A Public Health Nurse, Social Worker, and/or Registered Dietitian provide education, support, and resources during pregnancy and through your baby’s first 18 months.
Strong Beginnings
The program provides home visits from a Community Health Worker to help individuals have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Strong Beginnings is committed to promote better health for African American and Latinx/a mothers, fathers, and their children during pregnancy and for 18 months after delivery.
Nurse Family Partnership
Home visiting services for first time moms during pregnancy and for the first two years of your baby’s life. A Public Health Nurse will visit you in your home if you enroll before your third trimester. Services include support, health and parenting education, goal setting, and referrals to community services.
These programs are available at no cost to the participant. We know that being pregnant or caring for a new baby can be a wonderful and difficult experience and we are here to help you during this life change. If you are interested in enrolling or have questions about eligibility, call us at 616-632-7058. Click here to learn more about these programs.
 Radon Test Kits
During the month of January, National Radon Action Month, KCHD was able to waive the $5 fee for radon test kits, thanks to a partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Almost 1,500 people took advantage of the offer. The kits are a simple first step in identifying and removing radon from your home but they are only valuable if they are used.
If you picked up a free radon test kit from any of the KCHD locations, please complete the test and mail the kit to the lab soon. Testing is the only way to know if the odorless and colorless gas has infiltrated your home.
Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about radon. Click on the button below for a brief video showing you how to use your radon test kit.
KCHD WIC Partners With Great Start Collaborative to Boost Literacy
The KCHD WIC program is partnering with the Kent County Great Start Collaborative (KCGSC) in advocating for literacy in children under five. The WIC program recently received more than 3,000 books from KCGSC that will be distributed to families who are actively participating in the WIC program.
Families will also receive information about the importance of supporting literacy at a young age an how caregivers can help raise kids who are passionate about reading and learning.
The books will be given out to active WIC participants between the ages of 1-4 years old at their next in office WIC visit, while supplies last.
Reading to children has been shown to build a child's learning skills that lead to success early on in their academic careers. The KCGSC offers tips below for reading to children.
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 Working at KCHD offers an opportunity to make a difference through service to your community. We currently have openings for a Medical Social Worker and Public Health Nurse. Click below to apply for one of these opportunities.
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