Dear Community Members,
I hope you had a fantastic Independence Day and are making the most of the beautiful summer weather here in Kent County. You may, however, have noticed a few irritating and unwanted guests at your outdoor gatherings… mosquitoes and ticks. If it seems like they are worse than usual, you are not alone in that conversation. Here at KCHD, our mosquito and tick surveillance programs have seen unusually large populations of these parasites this summer. I’m sure there are many possible explanations for this, including a mild winter and sufficient precipitation to support successive mosquito generations of multiple species. In addition to being a nuisance, these pests also increase the risk of vector-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus (WNV), Lyme Disease, and others. Our KCHD surveillance team identified WNV positive mosquitoes several weeks ago, which was well over a month earlier than we usually find WNV. They have also identified a related virus, Jamestown Canyon virus, in mosquitoes and we remain concerned about the potential for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Thankfully, no human cases of WNV have been reported as of this date, but it’s important to note that the greatest risk generally presents itself in late summer and does not subside until we have a hard frost. On the tick front: through June of this year, physicians in Kent County diagnosed 54 human cases of Lyme Disease – almost five times more than the median number of cases reported through June of the prior five years. The increased presence of the problematic black-legged tick, along with several other tick species, throughout the Lower Peninsula in recent years is a significant public health concern.
Now that I’ve heightened your concern with this buggy information, what should a person do? My prescription for a healthier Kent County is this: get outside and get active! The research findings are conclusive: being active in outdoor environments is good for human health in countless ways. The benefits for physical and mental health far outweigh the risks of vector-borne illness. Go for a walk. Go to the beach. Go fishing. Plant a garden. Get outside and take someone with you. As you do those things, my advice is to empower yourself with knowledge about the risks and how to mitigate them. Wear an effective mosquito repellent with 10-35% DEET, wear light colored clothing, avoid times & places where mosquitoes are thickest, and dump out any small containers around your home that could host mosquito larvae in stagnant water (cans, toys, buckets, bird baths, etc.). Regarding ticks, please give yourself a thorough self-inspection at the end of the day. You should also carefully inspect your children and pets. The Lyme Disease causing organism is not immediately transmitted. Carefully removing an attached tick as near as possible to the skin with tweezers can usually prevent infection. It’s important to remove attached ticks before they become fully engorged (usually about 24 hours). Contact your physician if you develop symptoms of any of these illnesses, but most importantly: people should not let fear of these risks stop them from enjoying the outdoors.
Adam London, PhD, RS, DAAS
Administrative Health Officer
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50th Anniversary of WIC Program - New Income Guidelines
This year, we recognize an incredible milestone in the evolution of maternal and child health care - the 50th anniversary of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Since the opening of the first clinic in 1974, WIC has been an unwavering beacon of support, committed to improving public health outcomes for women, infants, and children. And now the guidelines for Michigan's WIC program permit higher qualifying incomes, allowing more families to benefit!
The WIC program, administered by the Kent County Health Department, offers:
- Nutrition education
- Breastfeeding promotion, support, and education
- Referrals to other healthcare providers
- High-risk nutrition counseling
- Immunizations
- Supplemental foods rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, folic acid, calcium, and iron
For more information on WIC, visit www.accesskent.com/Health/WIC/ or call 616-632-7200.
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Launch of Enhanced Online Portal for Easy Access to Inspection Reports
We are excited to launch an enhanced online portal, making it easy for residents to access inspection reports for local food establishments, body art shops, and public swimming pools! This user-friendly site also provides guidance on interpreting inspection results, FAQs, and more.
Key Features Include:
- Interactive map to find inspection reports by name, address, or municipality
- Routine and follow-up inspection findings
- Plans for future updates like well and septic permits, online licensing applications, and more!
To explore the site, you can visit here.
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Opioid Settlement Spending Plan
Big News! Last week, the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved a plan to invest opioid settlement funds to tackle the opioid crisis head-on! Through 2038, Kent County will receive $19,075,917 from a national lawsuit against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies and will implement a spending plan over the next 18 years.
Key Funding Areas for the First Two Years of the Spending Plan:
- Recovery Coach Services
- Jail-Based Treatment Programs
- Naloxone Distribution
- Harm Reduction Tools
- Substance Abuse Prevention Education For Youth
“The opioid crisis has touched countless lives in our community,” said Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Stan Stek. “This spending plan is a critical first step in addressing the epidemic and providing much-needed resources to those affected, working towards a healthier community.”
Since 2016, the Kent County Opioid Task Force has worked to combat the epidemic by expanding education, decreasing stigma, distributing naloxone, and sharing best practices. To view the Spending Plan visit here.
11 Mile Road - Cannon Township PFAS Update
On April 12th, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) received a baseline environmental assessment for a property on 11 Mile Road, revealing PFAS contamination exceeding safe levels. Subsequently, EGLE began sampling nearby residential wells, discovering PFAS contamination in several.
Due to the site's proximity to Wolverine Worldwide properties, further investigation revealed PFAS and metal contamination. EGLE and KCHD have since collaborated on ongoing water testing, resulting in 24 residential wells exceeding PFAS criteria. Interim measures include providing filters, with long-term solutions pending.
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North County Clinic - 1 Year Anniversary
We were happy to celebrate the one-year anniversary of our North Kent Clinic last month! Over the past year, our facility at 17 Mile Rd NE in Cedar Springs has become a central hub for essential services.
Our public health clinic has provided vital care, including immunizations and WIC program support, making a significant difference in our community's well-being. We are proud of the work that our team is doing to support our Northern residents, offering a broader range of services, increasing accessibility, and alleviating the need for residents to travel for care.
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Expansion of Travel Vaccine Services
We're happy to announce the expansion of services at our North County Clinic with the addition of travel vaccine counseling and administration! Designed to meet the needs of our globetrotting community, this service launched on July 9.
Travel vaccines are crucial for protecting against diseases that are prevalent in different parts of the world. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, ensuring that you are vaccinated can prevent serious health issues and contribute to global public health.
To book your appointment now, please call 616-632-7200.
We recommend scheduling your vaccination at least four weeks before your travel date to ensure maximum protection.
Our clinic offers a wide range of vaccines, including Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, and more. In addition to vaccinations, we provide pre-travel consultations to help you prepare for your trip.
Stay safe and healthy on your adventures!
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Mosquito Collection for Disease Surveillance
We are so grateful for our Environmental Health team members who monitor mosquitos in our region for various diseases, like West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), throughout the summer and beyond! For more images of our team doing testing and collection, visit our Facebook here.
COVID-19 Numbers Up Slightly in West Michigan
Our Medical Director, Dr. Nirali Bora, recently discussed an increase in COVID-19 cases with FOX 17. To watch the interview, you can visit here. Local hospitalizations and ER visits are up slightly and serve as our best indicators, given that not all test results are recorded due to home testing.
Key Takeaways:
- New COVID-19 variants are emerging, but the latest vaccines are expected to manage them effectively.
- Protecting the Vulnerable: It's crucial to be considerate if you're feeling unwell to protect those most vulnerable: young children, older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, people with disabilities, and pregnant individuals.
We advise adherence to the CDC Respiratory Guide for COVID-19 positive cases, which can be accessed here.
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Kids Day at the Zoo
WGVU’s KidsDay at the Zoo is back on Thursday, August 1 and We'll be hosting booths and offering exciting giveaways throughout the day. KidsDay provides fun, adventure, interactive activities and entertainment for kids, families, and friends. Meet characters from your favorite PBS Kids shows, explore Dino Adventures in the Zoo’s Forest Realm, and check out the green space outside the Zoo for additional fun, including special activities with Daniel Tiger!
Where: John Ball Zoo and Park - 1300 Fulton St. in Grand Rapids
When: Thursday, August 1 from 9 am - 4 pm
Cost: Zoo admission is $5 per person on KidsDay (children 2 and under are FREE). There will be free activities in the green space outside the Zoo gates.
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Get Tested For STIs and HIV
Your health is in your hands! Everyone who is sexually active should get tested at least yearly or more based on risk. Services are available for all persons 13 years of age or older.
When:
Monday’s & Wednesday’s 1-4 pm for the summer of 2024. Walk-ins welcome. Testing will not be available on 8/14 & 9/2.
Where:
In the Mobile Unit stationed at our South Clinic: 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. Kentwood, MI.
Call us at 616-632-7171 to schedule an appointment. To learn more, visit here.
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Breastfeeding Support Group
We are proud to offer a Breastfeeding Support Group with WIC, designed to provide new mothers with the encouragement, resources, and community they need to succeed in their breastfeeding journey. This supportive environment allows mothers to share experiences, ask questions, and receive guidance from lactation consultants and peers who understand the challenges and joys of breastfeeding.
Why Should You Attend This Group at WIC?
- To check your baby's weight
- To assess your baby's latch and milk transfer
- To connect with and support other moms in your community
For dates, locations, and to sign up, please visit here.
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There are a wide variety of jobs open right now working for Kent County. At the Health Department, we are currently hiring for a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, a Public Health Nurse, a Supervising Sanitarian, and a Vision and Hearing Technician.
As a Kent County employee, you will receive a competitive salary and a benefits program that is hard to beat. All of this while providing valuable services to your community.
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