2023 Community Health Needs Assessment Now Available
The 2023 Kent County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is now available on the Kent County Health Connect website.
This report includes input from more than 5,000 community members and a detailed analysis of the health-related needs, challenges, and opportunities across Kent County. This report will serve as a vital resource for all community stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and community members.
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Employee Spotlight: Becky Doucette
As we celebrated National Nurses Week last week, we thought it would be the perfect time to highlight and recognize one of our invaluable public health nurses. Becky Doucette has been a nurse for the Kent County Health Department for 24 years and she currently works as a home visitor for the Nurse-Family Partnership program of the Health Department. With supportive visits, the purpose of her work is to promote health during pregnancy, care of their child and support personal growth and development, to empower families.
To read our full interview with Becky and learn more about her role at the Health Department, visit here. Thank you, Becky, and all of our nurses for your service!
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Kent County Treasurer Attains MiCPT Certification
Congratulations to Kent County Treasurer Pete MacGregor for recently attaining the Michigan Certified Professional Treasurer (MiCPT) Certification.
The Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association's (MMTA) "Basic Institute" curriculum is essential for all treasury professionals. This program spans three years, requiring attendance at a week-long session each Spring for three consecutive years. Completion of this training opens the door to eligibility for the MiCPT certification offered by MMTA.
This curriculum is developed and endorsed by MMTA's national affiliate, the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada (APT US&C). Covering 100 hours of instruction across various topics such as public finance principles, governmental accounting, cash management, and more. Furthermore, this training equips attendees with comprehensive knowledge of municipal treasury.
In addition to the MiCPT Certification, Treasurer MacGregor has achieved the ACPFIM (Advanced Certified Public Funds Investment Manager) Certification.
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Kent County Sheriff's Office Reopens Newly Renovated Women's Mental Health Unit
The Kent County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) held an open house last week to celebrate the re-opening of its Women's Mental Health Unit in the correctional facility. Kent County Commissioners Tony Baker, Lindsey Thiel, and Melissa LaGrand attended the event, touring the space and admiring the murals, furniture and overall space.
This unit will prioritize mental health treatment, therapy, and case management for women housed in the facility. This approach will promote successful reintegration into the community upon their release and ultimately reduce recidivism.
Specialized programs like this unit could not have happened without our dedicated community partners such as VitalCore, Hope Network, Arbor Circle, Women's Resource Center, Network 180, Family Outreach Center, Kent County Mental Health Court, Kent County Probate Court, Kent County Prosecutor's Office, Pine Rest, Cherry Health, Servants Center, Alpha Delta Omega Team, and Reach the Forgotten Ministries.
Local Unit Quadrant Meeting
Wednesday is the last Spring quadrant meeting. This upcoming meeting is for local officials, County Commissioners, county-wide elected officials, and staff:
Group 1 (Orange): Sparta Township, Village of Sparta, Algoma Township, City of Rockford, Courtland Township, Oakfield Township, Spencer Township, Nelson Township, Village of Sand Lake, Solon Township, Tyrone Township, City of Cedar Springs, Village of Casnovia, Village of Kent City
Meeting at the North Kent Campus: Wednesday May 15, 3-5pm
If you have any questions about this meeting, contact Katie VanHevel.
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Child Support Bench Warrant Clinic on May 18
A Child Support Bench Warrant clinic will be held this Saturday in collaboration with LINC UP and Kent County Friend of the Court, providing guidance and information to help resolve child support bench warrants. Payments are expected in most cases unless you are medically unable to work.
Event Details:
Date/Time: Saturday, May 18, 9:30am 12:30pm
Location: LINC UP - 1167 Madison Ave. SE
You can attend confidently knowing that no law enforcement will be present.
If you have any questions about this event, call 616-632-6888 or e-mail foc.mail@kentcountymi.gov.
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DPW's Beyond the Bin Series on WoodTV8
Friend of the Court's Reentry Simulation Training
Our Kent County team, alongside community partners and residents, recently engaged in the Kent County Friend of the Court's Reentry Simulation training. This immersive experience aimed to increase empathy and understanding among Friend of the Court staff regarding the challenges faced by parents reintegrating into society after incarceration. By fostering deeper insights, the Friend of the Court hopes to improve interactions and outcomes in child support cases, benefiting children, families, and our communities.
We commend our Friend of the Court team for their dedication to enhancing processes and understanding the complexities of those they serve, setting a standard for service excellence.
Know Your Rights! Learn More About Claiming Surplus Proceeds from Tax Foreclosure
In the case of Rafaeli, LLC v. Oakland County, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that if a property is foreclosed by a local government due to unpaid property taxes and there are proceeds remaining after the property's sale, the former owner retains the right to claim those surplus funds.
This right remains even after the property officially belongs to the County. This decision provides taxpayers with a new avenue to reclaim any surplus funds generated by the government's sale of their property. There are specific rules to follow, and you have to act within a certain timeframe to reclaim the funds.
To help you better understand the process to claim surplus proceeds, visit here.
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Community Highlight Video Series
The highlight video on the left is of Fridah, the owner and founder of A Glimpse of Africa which is a non-profit organization that serves and advocates for African immigrants and refugees in the Grand Rapids area (and beyond) who are underserved.
To view more highlight interviews, you can visit the Welcome Plan's Youtube page.
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Ribbon Cutting for North Kent Transfer Station
Kent County's Department of Public Works (DPW)'s new waste drop-off site is now complete at the North Kent Recycling & Waste Center and will be open to residents and waste haulers in June.
DPW leaders, county officials and community members gathered last week to celebrate the completed construction with a ribbon cutting and inaugural dumping. The new facility includes improved way-finding signage, separate tipping floors for commercial and residential customers, and a Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (C.H.a.R.M.) so residents can properly dispose of things like tires, propane tanks and electronics.
The existing transfer station can be used until the new facility is fully operational in June.
14% Increase in Total Passengers at Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport recently announced a 14% increase in total passengers from 2023! Also, the South Kent Chamber of Commerce honored the airport with 2023 Business of the Year.
Congratulations to the Airport for their excellent work in creating a positive user experience for all who visit. We are truly grateful to have this type of airport in Kent County, serving as a vital hub for our community.
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Community Forum for the Kent County Food Policy Plan
Help build a plan for Kent County's food system! This interactive discussion will be centered on feedback from the current draft of the community-wide food system plan.
Event Details:
Date/Time: Tuesday May 21, 2-4pm
Location: West Michigan Center for
Arts + Technology - 614 First St. NW, Ste. 300
RSVP here. Food and discussion materials provided. Questions? Contact colin.mcgrew@wmcat.org.
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Kent County Attended Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Leadership Summit
Explore Rewarding Careers At Kent County Today
Working for the County, you will have the opportunity to serve the public and contribute to your community. We have employment opportunities in general government, health, public safety, judicial, recreational, and much more. To view our open positions and apply, please visit accesskent.com/jobs.
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