Free Testing Event During STI Awareness Week
On Saturday April 20, we will be offering free walk-in testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI) in observance of STI Awareness. The event will take place from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at our main clinic located at 700 Fuller SE in Grand Rapids.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 20 million new infections occur every year in the U.S. Unfortunately, many people who have an STI do not know that they have been infected. "When an individual knows their status, they can begin to stop the spread of STI's," says April Hight, Program Supervisor at KCHD.
STI Awareness Week, which runs from April 14 - April 20, is an opportunity to raise awareness about STI's and encourage individuals to get tested.
State Agencies Reiterate FDA Lead Tainted Cinnamon Warning
The Michigan Departments of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) are joining the U,S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in urging Michigan families to stop using certain brands of cinnamon that have been found to contain lead.
There are six brands that have been named by the FDA, five of which have issued recalls. For a list of the brands and for more information about this issue, click here. The MDHHS, MDARD and the FDA are advising people to throw away these brands and not purchase them in the future.
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 Celebrating Public Health Week
Last week, our staff celebrated Michigan Public Health Week. Each year we set aside a week to celebrate the contributions that our dedicated staff make to the well-being of Kent County.
This year's theme "Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We are all Public Health,"
encouraged people to think of public health as more than healthcare. When individuals, families, stakeholders, and public health practitioners work together we can not only maintain but advance the goals of public health.
The next time you see a member of our staff, please reach out and say thank you for the work they are doing to serve, protect and promote a healthier community for all.
Hometown Health Heroes
As part of Public Health Week, several members of our staff participated in a Day at the Capitol on April 10. During the event, the MDHHS presented its annual Hometown Health Heroes awards to individuals or organizations that have "made significant and measurable contributions to preserve and improve their community's health."
This year two award recipients - Kathi Harris and Steve Alsum - were recognized for the work they are doing in Kent County.
Harris was recognized for her efforts to help our department distribute lead reducing water filters. Harris worked with local churches by mobilizing and training volunteers. As a result of her efforts, more than 500 filters were placed in people's homes.
Alsum, Program Director at the Grand Rapids Red Project, was recognized as a leader in reducing harm caused by the Opioid crisis. His efforts have included the distribution of the Opioid overdose reversing drug Naloxone, and working to get Fentanyl test kits more widely available to reduce accidental overdoses.
Congratulations Kathi and Steve!
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Add Food Safety to Your Spring Cleaning.
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For many of us this time of year means spring cleaning. While you are doing the windows and getting the yard ready for summer fun, it is also an excellent time to be mindful of food safety.
Harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness can survive in many places around your kitchen. Adding the following tasks to your to do list can help keep you and your family safe from food borne illnesses:
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Clean kitchen surfaces: Wash your cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops with hot soapy water before you start cooking, after you prepare each food item, and before you go on to the next food.
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Clean the outside of the fridge: Keep your refrigerator free of dust and lint. Clean the condenser coil several times a year with a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, lint or other accumulations to ensure efficiency and maintain proper temperature.
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Clean the fridge after food recalls: Germs in the recalled food could spread to drawers or shelves in your refrigerator. Throw out the recalled food, and any other foods stored with or touching it. Empty the rest of the items in your refrigerator and put them on a counter or table while you clean and sanitize the shelving, drawers, and any other removable parts.
Share these food safety cleaning tips with friends, loved ones, and people in your social networks.
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 Considering a New Career? Consider Kent County.
Competitive pay and benefits, employee growth and development and an opportunity to make a difference through service to your community are just a few of the benefits to a job with Kent County.
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