Kent County Health Department Newsletter - November 2025

While hunger-related deaths are relatively uncommon, food insecurity remains a significant challenge—affecting thousands of families and individuals across Kent County. Our most recent Community Health Needs Assessment found that 18% of Kent County adults experienced food insecurity within the past year. Programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provide essential nutrition for many residents. However, those services don’t reach everyone. Roughly one in three people experiencing food insecurity earn too much to qualify for assistance through these programs.

During this month of harvest and Thanksgiving plenty, I encourage you to remember those in our community who struggle with food insecurity. Beyond empty cupboards, food insecurity carries real consequences—contributing to illness, poor academic outcomes, toxic stress, and desperate decision-making. As I reflect on my own blessings this month, I plan to share both my time and some of my bounty with those who need some help. I hope you will consider doing the same. Please also look for and support organizations with a mission to feed people. No one should go hungry in Kent County.

Adam London, PhD, RS, DAAS
Administrative Health Officer

These upgraded spaces were designed with the community in mind, enhancing patient confidentiality and expanding service capacity with separate waiting rooms, additional exam rooms, and improved soundproofing. You can view a series of pictures showcasing these refreshed spaces here.

Several services will remain temporarily relocated within our existing facilities until next week:

• Women, Infants & Children
• Immunizations

Alternate clinic locations include:

• North Clinic: 4191 17 Mile Rd. NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
• South Clinic: 4700 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
• Sheldon Clinic: 121 Franklin SE, Ste. 130, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Vaccines continue to be our first line of defense. Getting up to date on your flu shot, COVID-19 booster, and (if eligible) RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalizations, and missed time with family and friends. These vaccines are safe, effective, and widely available at local pharmacies, clinics, and doctor’s offices.

Who should consider vaccination?

• Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu shot.
• Adults and children should be up to date on COVID-19 vaccines or speak with a healthcare provider about COVID-19 vaccines.
• Adults 60 and older, and pregnant individuals (during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy), should talk with their healthcare provider about the RSV vaccine.

What other ways can I stay healthy?

• Wash hands frequently and cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay home if you're feeling sick
• Keep indoor spaces well-ventilated when gathering
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded, indoor areas

For clinic hours, locations, or to schedule a vaccination appointment, visit our website or call us at 616-632-7200.

Mostly spread through unprotected sex and sharing needles or syringes, HIV attacks the body's immune system—weakening its ability to fight disease and infection.

Since the only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested, our clinic will be offering free walk-in testing from 8:00-11:45 a.m. and 12:45-4:45 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1 at our main clinic, located at 700 Fuller Ave. NE in Grand Rapids.

Those who are eligible for PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV) can also schedule an appointment for the service at this time. Please bring any insurance cards and a valid Photo ID, if you have one.

• You feel pressure to participate in activities but want no part. Everyone has their own history with the holidays. Some people think about the way things used to be, while others get caught up in wanting to do it all. Instead of spending the holidays the way you think you should, choose activities you genuinely feel like doing. Prioritize the most important events, or schedule get-togethers for after the holidays, and understand that it’s OK to say “no” sometimes.
• You feel alone or isolated. Even if you have friends and family to connect with during the holiday season, you may find it hard to reach out if you are struggling with depression or anxiety. Consider scheduling a regular meet-up with friends or family so you don’t have to think twice about making the effort. If in-person meetings are difficult, take advantage of other ways to connect, including sending holiday cards and communicating with family and friends by phone, text, or video chat.
• The lack of sunlight in affected your mood. Grand Rapids ranks as one of the cloudiest cities in the country due to its proximity to Lake Michigan. During the short winter days, you may go through long stretches without seeing the sun. Scheduling outdoor exercise during the brightest part of the day can boost your mood and help regulate sleep. When indoors, sit or work near a window and outfit your home with warm, bright lighting.
• You stress about giving gifts. With the constant marketing of the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in buying gifts, which can create stress if your budget is tight. Think carefully about how much money you can comfortably spend and stick to that amount. Gifts don’t always have to be material—consider giving your time or assistance to a neighbor, a friend, a family member, or even a stranger.

While it’s important to prepare for the added stress of the season using the tips above, it’s equally important to know that it’s OK to reach out for help if the stress becomes too much. If you are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or are expressing suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to access the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For on-site support during a mental health crisis, call the Mobile Crisis Response Team at 616-333-1000.

Thaw that turkey under refrigeration,
Salmonella doesn’t like those conditions.
Raw turkey is full of germs—but have no fear, they won’t survive,
Because we are going to cook that bird to 165.

Prepping the turkey is a big job—it doesn’t take a credential.
Don’t worry—we’ll leave that to Uncle Bob; he has the potential.
He knows the food safety rules and will use a separate utensil.
He’s not going to cross-contaminate—now that’s essential.

Now that the prep work is done, the clean-up begins.
We will wash our surfaces and hope our football team wins.
Use soap and bleach to sanitize,
We’ll wash our hands too—that shouldn’t be a surprise.

Now put on those stretchy pants,
We’re all going to eat until we are in a trance.
Don’t leave the food out all day for grazers,
Put it away when you’re done, in the refrigerator.

Cool it down in a shallow container,
No need to wrap it tight until later.

Leftovers are arguably the best part—
Keep them 3–4 days in the fridge, or freeze.
You got it, now cleaning will be a breeze!

Consider a few years ago, when a professional photographer arrived at a special event to capture family portraits. When Sophie reached out to IT for help managing the large photo files, she couldn’t help but point out her clients in the pictures—her face lighting up with pride as she shared their stories. Moments like these remind us just how deeply she cares for the people we serve.

Sophie is more than just a nurse—she’s a vital bridge between our public health services and the community. Her dedication, compassion, and genuine connection make a lasting difference in the lives she touches every day. Congratulations, Sophie, and thank you for your unwavering commitment to our community and public health.

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.