Kent County Health Department Newsletter - August 2025

Dear Community Member,

Many people have asked me recently if the outbreaks of measles in Texas and Ontario, along with the sporadic cases reported across the country, are a surprising development. As you may know, measles was declared eliminated in the United States as an endemic disease in 2000. This milestone followed nearly 40 years of community-based immunization programs after the measles vaccine was approved in 1963. Prior to 1963, measles case rates were consistently above 200 per 100,000 people, but they dropped rapidly as the number of vulnerable people declined. While most cases involved only minor illness, many required hospitalization and some ended in death. Hospitalization and death continue to be part of the measles picture in 2025, an especially tragic reality given the effectiveness and exceptional safety profile of the measles vaccine.

The majority of cases we've seen in the U.S. since 2000 originated with exposures in other countries. Like sparks landing in a wet forest, those occasional cases could not ignite an epidemic because high vaccination rates protected our nation. But in the early 2000s, vaccine coverage unfortunately began to decline as some people dismissed the seriousness of vaccine-preventable diseases or grew concerned about alleged links to autism—claims that have since been thoroughly discredited. Locally, Kent County has also felt the impact of these national trends. About 87% of children in the county have received two doses of the highly safe and effective measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. That rate is slightly higher than Michigan’s overall MMR coverage and slightly lower than the U.S. rate. However, most concerningly, it is lower than it was when we "eliminated" measles and the trend continues to move downward.

The good news is that about 97% of vaccinated children will avoid illness if exposed to this extraordinarily contagious virus. The bad news is that most experts believe current vaccination rates are not high enough to prevent sporadic clusters or community transmission if measles regains a foothold. This risk is exactly why it’s worth taking a moment to double-check protection now, before school is back in full swing. Talk to your family doctor or to one of our public health nurses. We are here to answer questions and help however we can. Together, we can work toward a healthy school year by preventing unnecessary illness from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Adam London, PhD, RS, DAAS
Administrative Health Officer

Catching hearing or vision issues early makes all the difference. When undiagnosed, these challenges can affect how your child learns, plays, and grows in school.

Remember: Michigan requires proof of hearing and vision screenings before your child’s first day of kindergarten.

If you need to schedule a screening or get the necessary paperwork ahead of the big day, just give us a call at 616-632-7047. We’re here to support your child’s healthy start to school.

Vaccines offer a safe and effective way to protect your child, their classmates, teachers and family members from serious illnesses like measles, mumps, whooping cough and polio. Thanks to widespread vaccination, these diseases are now rare in the U.S., but outbreaks can still happen, particularly in communities with lower vaccination rates.

To help you get your child ready for a healthy school year, here are some important steps to consider:

• Check your child’s immunization records and speak with your healthcare provider if any vaccines are missing or due.
• Plan ahead. Starting early can help avoid last-minute appointments and ensure your child is protected on time.
• Bring updated vaccination records to school, since many schools require proof for enrollment.
• Talk openly with your child about vaccines to answer questions or ease concerns, especially for older kids.

Vaccines are one of the best tools we have to keep our kids healthy and in school. Stay informed, stay protected, and start the school year strong. To schedule an appointment with us, please call 616-632-7200.

Did you know that all children entering kindergarten or their first year of school are now required to have a dental screening? The Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) Program helps ensure children start school with healthy smiles, reducing absences and improving their ability to focus and learn.

We've partnered with My Community Dental Centers to offer free dental screenings at schools and community events. Below are some important details for parents:

• A dental screening is simple and fast. A dental professional will look into your child’s mouth and note what they see on the screening form. No treatment is done.
• The screening is free. There is no cost to you through the KOHA program.
• There's plenty of time to screen. Screenings can be completed up to six months before school starts or anytime during the kindergarten year until May 31.
• Help is available. Your child may be able to enroll in the Michigan Healthy Kids Dental Program if they don’t have insurance.

The My Community Dental Centers team is offering these free dental screenings for children at select community events. You can also schedule an appointment by email or phone.

Breastfeeding delivers antibodies that protect babies from infections, asthma, diabetes, and obesity while promoting healthy gut development. It also supports cognitive growth and strengthens the mother-baby bond. For moms, breastfeeding helps with postpartum recovery and lowers long-term risks of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

We support breastfeeding families through several programs:

• Maternal & Infant Health Program (MIHP): Free home visits providing breastfeeding assistance, infant growth monitoring, parenting education, and referrals
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: Breastfeeding education, food benefits, lactation support, and one-on-one peer counselor assistance
• WIC Breastfeeding Support Groups: Community groups offering peer support, weight and latch checks, and guidance from lactation educators

To celebrate, WIC will host Storytime GR at Garfield Park on Aug. 19 and 26. All families are welcome!

The safest storage method is simple and effective:

• Keep firearms unloaded
• Store them locked
• Store ammunition locked separately

The community is invited to pick up a free cable firearm lock, no questions asked, from the reception desks at our North, South, and Sheldon Clinic locations. Due to renovations, we do not have these available at our main clinic on Fuller Ave NE in Grand Rapids. Residents may also email us for more information about available gun locks, which come with both English and Spanish instructions.

We also work with BeSMART, a national program that helps parents and community members understand the importance of safe storage and provides free locks during presentations. Learn more by visiting the organization's website or sending an email.

Safe storage saves lives - and with education, free tools, and community support, we can help prevent the next tragedy.

Sunday, Aug. 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day - a time to remember those lost to overdose, support those in grief, and commit to prevention. It’s also a moment to reflect on what the crisis looks like here in Kent County.

In 2024, there were 80 suspected overdose deaths in our county, 45 of which were opioid-involved. While overall drug-related mortality rates have declined slightly in recent years, stark disparities remain:

• Black residents are three times more likely to die of an overdose of any drug than White residents.
• Black residents are twice more likely to die of an opioid overdose.
• Males are twice more likely to die from an opioid overdose than females.

The 2025 theme, “One big family, driven by hope,” reminds us that overdose doesn’t just shatter families - it fractures entire communities. The losses ripple through classrooms, workplaces, and every shared space in between.

In a time when people seek connection and safety, overdose reveals how deeply intertwined our lives truly are. This year, let’s reimagine “family” as more than just relatives, embracing instead a community united by hope, love, and action. We are one big family—not only because we share the pain of loss, but because together, we share the power to shape what comes next. Let's move beyond awareness and into action by:

• Fighting stigma by sharing personal stories
• Learning the signs of overdose and how to use naloxone
• Attending a local awareness event
• Supporting proven public health solutions: naloxone, fentanyl testing strips, medication for opioid use disorder, and safe use supplies

For more information about overdose in Kent County and what we're doing about it, please visit the Opioid Task Force website.

On August 7, we joined approximately 5,000 attendees at WGVU’s KidsDay at John Ball Zoo, engaging with families and promoting wellness in a fun, interactive setting.

Our tables were buzzing with activity as we handed out hundreds of giveaways - including more than 300 respiratory wellness kits, each packed with a tumbler, tissues, cough drops, hand sanitizer, and chapstick. Unless there’s a reason why we want people to know we handed out things like slap bracelets.

The event included live coverage by WGVU’s The Shelley Irwin Show, where our own Christina Anthony talked about the importance of community engagement and the positive impact of public health.

We loved seeing so many families enjoying the day and learning about the health resources available to them. Thanks to WGVU Public Media and John Ball Zoo for hosting such a vibrant event. For more photos and updates from the event, visit our Facebook page.

We’re hitting the road this summer with a series of mobile unit events designed to meet residents right where they are as we bring health services and resources directly to the community. These outreach events are a great opportunity for us to connect, share information, and offer on-the-spot support - from testing for sexually transmitted infections to providing educational materials and more!

Guests can enjoy food trucks, free ice cream, and a variety of kids’ activities, including face painting, glitter tattoos, and balloon animals. Plus, don’t miss the chance to check out big trucks on display - from fire engines to road equipment - and so much more!

Families can also receive free backpacks for kids in grades K-12, while supplies last - just in time for back-to-school!

We’ll be joined by colleagues from more than 15 County departments and offices, all ready to share information and connect community members with valuable programs and services.

Kent County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit handlers will present live demonstrations and the Mounted Unit will be available for meet-and-greets with their horses. Our team will also be on-site providing routine vaccinations to keep your family safe as kids return to school.

We hope you’ll join us for this fun community event. Mark your calendar and RSVP to the County’s Facebook event. It will be a great opportunity to connect to your County and celebrate summer together!

The Kent County North Campus is located between Advance Auto Parts and Taco Bell at 4191 17 Mile Road NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Free, onsite parking will be available.

We’re proud to announce the return of our monthly People’s Champion Award, recognizing exceptional dedication among our team. This July, Immunization Program Supervisor Amy Shears received the honor, nominated by Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Mindy Hunsinger.

“Amy exemplifies exceptional customer service in her work with both KCHD clients and staff,” said Hunsinger.

Amy played a crucial role during recent measles exposures in Kent County. She devoted hours to contact tracing, managing the most complex and at-risk cases with care and patience.

Amy also led the rapid setup of a point of dispensing site for immune globulin administration, coordinating supplies, staffing, and appointments within 24 hours to protect high-risk community members. Throughout the response, Amy’s leadership and compassionate approach ensured every individual received the education, support, and treatment they needed.

“Although it was truly a team effort from start to finish, Amy was at the helm ensuring that every client received education, support, and treatment - all with an infectiously positive attitude," said Hunsinger.

Congratulations to Amy for her outstanding commitment to public health. We look forward to seeing who she selects for August!

We are excited to share our 2024 Annual Report - a comprehensive document highlighting our collective efforts and achievements over the past year, underscoring our commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of our community.

Inside, you’ll find an in-depth look at our programs, initiatives, and the meaningful impact we’ve made together. We invite you to explore the full report to discover more about our work and the progress we’ve made in public health. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in building a healthier community!

Please be aware that several services have been temporarily relocated within our existing facilities due to renovations occurring at our main clinic, located at 700 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

The renovation project, slated for completion by early 2026, aims to enhance patient confidentiality and expand service capacity by adding separate waiting rooms, exam rooms, and soundproofing.

Are you a reporter or member of the media and see something you'd like to cover? Reach out to Christina Anthony, Marketing and Communications Manager, for quotes, interviews, background information, or anything else you may need to tell your story:

• Phone - 724-691-5120
• Email - christina.anthony@kentcountymi.gov

Have a story idea or partnership pitch? We love collaborating with those who share our passion for public health. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always open to new ways to inform, connect, and serve Kent County.