April 2026 Newsletter
Letter from the Health Officer
Dear Community Member,
I occasionally hear from people who dismiss the value of immunizations and other public health programs while insisting that better health lies exclusively within diet and physical activity. In reality, there are very few public health problems unlocked with one key alone.
There is a saying that victory has a thousand fathers. In much the same way, good health owes its existence to safer and healthier food, clean drinking water, access to healthcare, education, housing, herd immunity, and more.
To those who promote healthier lifestyles, I wholeheartedly agree. In fact, the month of April is good medicine for those of us who have endured winter’s cold and darkness. Time outdoors can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, while supporting healthier sleep patterns by reinforcing natural circadian rhythms. Even short periods outdoors, such as a 20-minute walk in a park, can significantly lower cortisol (stress) levels.
Outdoor settings naturally promote movement—whether through walking, cycling, gardening, or recreation—supporting cardiovascular health and reducing chronic disease risk. They also tend to feel more enjoyable than indoor workouts, making it easier to stay active over time. At the same time, parks, trails, and greenspaces create opportunities for social interaction, strengthening community bonds and reducing isolation, while giving children space to build physical, cognitive, and creative skills.
So, my public health prescription this month? Discover a new way to get active outdoors. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world and have an amazing collection of parks here in Kent County. Get outside and explore them!
Adam London, PhD, RS, DAAS
Administrative Health Officer
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One Planet, Shared Health and Responsibility
During the same month four astronauts launched into space on a mission to the moon for the first time since 1972, it feels fitting to celebrate the big, blue planet they continue to photograph in awe ahead of its special day, Earth Day, April 22.
Third from the sun and the only known planet to support life, Earth is home to everything from microscopic plankton to the 200-ton blue whale—and, for better or worse, all the biting insects in between. It’s even home to things that blur the line between living and not: viruses like influenza and HIV, which depend on us to survive.
What happens here, now and in the future, depends on the choices we make every day—many of which are closely tied to public health.
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Behind the scenes, our teams are tracking disease trends, testing soil and water, monitoring mosquito and tick populations, safely collecting used sharps, and more. This work protects not just individual health, but the environment we all share.
Earth Day is a reminder that caring for our planet and caring for people go hand in hand—and we’re proud to do both.
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Protecting Your Flock During Spring Migration Season
As spring returns to Michigan, so do migrating wild birds and the risk of diseases they can carry, like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily between birds. It can move through wild birds, contact with infected animals, and contaminated equipment, clothing and shoes. The virus stays active even in cooler weather, and reminds us that prevention is a shared responsibility.
Protect Your Flock
Bird owners should stay alert and follow strict safety measures:
- Keep domestic birds away from wild birds (bring them indoors or fully enclose outdoor areas).
- Wash hands before and after handling birds, and when moving between coops.
- Disinfect boots and other equipment when moving between coops.
- Don’t share equipment or supplies between coops or farms.
- Clean or throw away equipment and supplies that can’t be disinfected.
- Give birds well or city water.
- Keep feed safe from wild birds and rodents.
- Watch your flock for signs of illness.
Reporting Possible Cases
For domestic birds, watch for sudden deaths, drops in egg production or water intake, diarrhea, sneezing and coughing, or unusually high sickness. If you suspect HPAI, contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours).
For wild birds, report unusual deaths to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) using the Eyes in the Field app (“Diseased Wildlife” form) or by calling 517-336-5030.
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They're Back: Protecting Against Mosquito and Tick Bites
Mosquitoes and ticks are more than just a seasonal nuisance in Michigan—they’re part of a larger environmental system that can directly impact human health. Some species carry diseases that can make people seriously ill and, in rare cases, even lead to death.
Each year, from spring through fall, our team leads a Vector Surveillance Program across the county. By monitoring mosquito and tick populations, testing them for disease, and sharing findings with state health officials and our communities, we help detect risks early and inform timely public health action.
However, while we track and respond to these risks at the community level, individual prevention remains an important part of the picture.
 If you find a tick and need help identifying it, the State of Michigan can help. Visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) website for resources, or call our team directly at 616-632-6900 with any questions.
Protecting the Environment and Community Through 10 Years of Our SafeSharps Partnership
This year, we celebrate ten years of SafeSharps—a partnership between us and the Kent County Department of Public Works that reflects the strong connection between environmental stewardship and public health.
Before the SafeSharps program launched, used needles and other sharps often ended up in household trash, creating risks for waste workers, the public, and the environment. Improper disposal increased the chance of injury and potential disease transmission, while also allowing sharps to enter waste streams and landfills.
Today, SafeSharps provides a free, safe, and confidential disposal option at four locations across the county:
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Fuller Clinic - 700 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids
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Sheldon Clinic - 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Street SE, Grand Rapids
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South Clinic - 4700 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Grand Rapids
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North County Clinic - 4191 17 Mile Road NE, Cedar Springs
Residents can drop off filled containers during business hours and receive a free replacement. By making safe disposal accessible, we reduce harm, protect our environment, and support a healthier community.
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Employee Spotlight: Kristina Paliwoda Returns as Our New Community Wellness Director
Promoting Safe Sleep: Reducing Infant Deaths Through Equity and Support
As part of her new role, Community Wellness Director Kristina Paliwoda and her team are helping lead efforts to reduce sleep-related infant deaths in our community—an ongoing public health concern that reflects the connection between education, environment, and access to resources.
Local data show important disparities. In Kent County between 2016 and 2024, 41% of sleep-related infant deaths occurred among Black infants, compared to 32% among White infants. Hispanic and Native American infants each accounted for 5.3% of deaths, Asian infants for 3.5%, and 12.5% were among infants of other or multiracial backgrounds.
 These differences are not simply the result of individual choices. Safe sleep environments are shaped by factors such as housing conditions, access to safe sleep equipment, economic stability, cultural practices, and the consistency of guidance families receive. Longstanding inequities can influence what options are realistically available.
Evidence-based practices—like placing babies on their backs, using a firm, flat sleep surface, and keeping the sleep area free of loose items—can significantly reduce the risk of losing a little one.
By expanding access to safe sleep education, resources, and support, we can help ensure that every family has the tools they need for a safe start—working together to give all infants the healthiest possible beginning in life.
Understanding Environmental Exposures During Pregnancy: Introducing the MICEP Project
If you are currently pregnant or care for or support someone who is, you may have an opportunity to be part of an important statewide effort happening right here in Kent County.
MDHHS has launched the Michigan Investigation of Chemical Exposure during Pregnancy (MICEP) project, designed to better understand how environmental exposures may affect pregnancy. The study measures levels of certain substances, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and PFAS, through simple blood and urine samples.
 You may be eligible to participate if you are 18 or older, pregnant with one baby, and live in the 49505 ZIP code or other select ZIP codes in participating areas. Participants may receive personalized information about their exposure levels and, if needed, guidance on steps to reduce potential risks.
For more information, to refer a patient, or to get involved, please contact the MICEP team at 844-464-7327 or email MDHHS-micep@michigan.gov.
People’s Champion Award: Jacob Lahmann Recognized for Outstanding Service and Support
Each month, the previous recipient of the People’s Champion Award selects the next honoree—a tradition that allows us to recognize staff who consistently go above and beyond their everyday responsibilities.
This month, we’re proud to recognize Health Information Security Administrator Jacob Lahmann. Despite being a relatively new member of our team, Lahmann has already made a meaningful impact through his strong customer support and courteous, team-first approach. Colleagues describe him as reliable and responsive, especially when it comes to assisting with IT-related questions and ensuring issues are fully resolved.
Jacob’s commitment extends beyond his formal role. Whether helping troubleshoot a lobby door early in the day or assisting a client at the sharps container box, he consistently works to create a positive experience for those we serve.
Please join us in congratulating Jacob on this well-deserved recognition!
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