Read the Kent County Health Department's August Newsletter

Unfortunately, Mother Nature does not abide by our man-made policies…

A large portion of North America, including all of us here in Kent County, was recently affected by smoke from wildfires burning in Canada and the western states. In addition to fouling our skies, the wildfire smoke can negatively impact our health. Smoke contains very small particles, less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), which can be harmful when inhaled. These particles are always present in our air, but their concentration can become problematic during the smokiest days.

Our department doesn’t have an air quality program or an air quality monitoring system, but we remain committed to sharing important resources with you so you can make informed decisions. Responsibility for air quality monitoring and advisories falls to the EPA and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The EPA has outstanding information available at AirNow.gov, including maps showing concentrations of ozone and PM2.5. EGLE’s wildfire smoke website also contains valuable information produced by meteorologists and other scientists. EGLE also produces advisories and alerts for the state, which are published on its website and shared with the media.

I encourage everyone to become familiar with these resources. Awareness of these tools, along with all the advancements that have been made to clean our air, can help us make informed decisions and create a safer environment for all.

Adam London, PhD, RS, DAAS
Administrative Health Officer

Some highlights include:

• Completing a nearly $5 million renovation of our main health clinic on Fuller Ave. NE, creating more welcoming, private, and accessible spaces for the tens of thousands of residents we serve each year
• Responding rapidly to the resurgence of measles, investigating four confirmed cases and dedicating more than 705 hours to response, prevention, and mitigation efforts
• Meeting residents where they are through 60 Mobile Unit events, connecting with more than 7,000 people while providing health education, resources, referrals, and select services at community gatherings across Kent County

Take a closer look at the full report and see how, together, we’re working to build a healthier Kent County — wherever people live, work, learn, and gather.

Schools bring many children together, which makes it easier for viruses and bacteria to spread, especially among kids who aren’t fully vaccinated.

Vaccinations are recommended throughout childhood and adolescence, beginning at birth. Children need different vaccines and doses at different ages, so it’s important to review your child’s immunization record before the school year begins.

Before school starts:

• Check your child’s immunization records and speak with your healthcare provider if any vaccines are missing or due. Missing a recommended vaccine does not mean it’s too late to get protected.
• 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.

Staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps protect children from serious, and sometimes life-threatening, diseases while also helping protect classmates, teachers, family members and others in the community. To schedule an appointment with us, please call 616-632-7200.

Michigan law requires proof of hearing and vision screenings before a child’s first day of kindergarten and a Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA).

We're here to help:

• We offer free hearing and vision screenings for children starting at age 3 at schools, preschools, day cares, and in the Annex Building located behind our main clinic on 700 Fuller Ave NE. 
• We partner with My Community Dental Centers (MCDC) and local schools to provide free, on-site assessments by licensed dental hygienists.

Early screenings can identify concerns that may affect how a child learns, communicates, and participates at school, giving families an opportunity to address them early. To schedule a hearing or vision screening with us, or to get required paperwork, call 616-632-7047. Contact MDCD about your child's dental screening by calling 616-816-2191 or emailing KOHA_KWD@mydental.org.

This year, we're especially excited to host a youth version of the survey for Kent County residents ages 13–17 to help ensure young people's voices are included in shaping future community health priorities.

Want to get involved?

• Take the survey if you are a Kent County resident age 13 or older. It’s anonymous, available in multiple languages, and only about 10-15 minutes long.
• Share the survey link with your friends, family, and social networks. 

Every response helps ensure local decisions are informed by the people who live here. The more voices we hear, the better we can understand the needs of Kent County residents and work together to improve health for everyone.

Support for Breastfeeding Families

We know breastfeeding can come with questions and challenges. Our programs offer free support, education, and resources to help families along the way.

• Maternal & Infant Health Program (MIHP): Free, home-based visits with clinicians who provide breastfeeding assistance, infant growth monitoring, parenting education, and referrals
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: Breastfeeding education and support, food benefits for eligible pregnant and breastfeeding families and children through age 5, plus lactation information and referrals
• WIC Breastfeeding Support Groups & Outreach: One-on-one peer support, weight and latch checks, and practical breastfeeding guidance

Whether you’re thinking about breastfeeding, currently breastfeeding, or have questions, we’re here to help! Learn more about WIC services or breastfeeding support by calling 616-632-7200.

This award recognizes staff who support and uplift parents through connection, education, and breastfeeding support.

Liz goes above and beyond through community outreach, bilingual education, and responsive resources for families. Since joining our team, the breastfeeding initiation rate among infants in our program has increased to 81%, compared with the state average of 75%.

We’re grateful for Liz’s dedication to the families we serve and couldn’t be more proud of this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Liz!

• Fight stigma by sharing personal stories and leading with compassion.
• Learn the signs of overdose and how to use naloxone.
• Attend a local awareness event.
• Support proven overdose prevention strategies, including naloxone, fentanyl test strips, medications for opioid use disorder, and safer-use supplies.

In 2025, there were 59 suspected overdose deaths in Kent County, including 29 (49%) involving an opioid. While drug-related deaths have declined slightly in recent years, significant disparities remain:

• Black residents are 2x more likely than White residents to die from an opioid overdose and 3x more likely to die from an overdose involving any drug.
• Males are 2x more likely than females to die from an opioid overdose.

Together, we can reduce stigma, prevent overdose, and save lives in our community.

• Kent County North Community Fest: Thursday, Aug. 13 from 4 - 7 p.m.
• GRAAHI's Rhythm Run & Health Fair: Saturday, Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Food Access with North Kent Connect's Fresh Connect: Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• City of Kentwood's Summer Concert Series: Thursday, Aug. 20 from 6:30-8 p.m.
• Unity in Motion Festival: Saturday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Food Access with North Kent Connect's Fresh Connect: Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Storytime GR: Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 6:30-8 p.m.
• AYA Youth Collective's Annual Health Fair: Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 12-3 p.m.
• KDL Tyronne Township Branch's Touch a Truck: Friday, July 31 from 1-3 p.m.
• West Michigan Whitecaps Community Event: Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 5 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you! For more information about services available at these events, please email Melissa Bisel or call 616-632-7096.

• North Community Fest: Thursday, August 13 from 4-7 p.m. at Kent County North Campus in Cedar Springs

These free, family-friendly events promise fun for all ages - so bring your friends and family to join the celebration!

Highlights include:

• Free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last)
• Free ice cream (while supplies last)
• Kids' activities including face painting, balloon animals, and more
• Big trucks on display, including a fire engine from the City of Cedar Springs Fire Department and Kent County Road Commission equipment
• Live K-9 demonstrations from the Kent County Sheriff's Office
• Meet-and-greets with the Sheriff's Office Mounted Unit and their horses
• Local food trucks serving hometown favorites

Mark your calendars and don’t miss this opportunity to connect with services, resources, and community partners this summer!

This month, we’re proud to recognize our Mobile Units Outreach Worker, Lindsey Huizenga, for the dedication, positivity, and genuine care she brings to her work and the communities we serve.

Lindsey is known for her willingness to go above and beyond, bringing a positive, engaging attitude and a welcoming smile to every community outreach opportunity. She has a natural ability to connect with people, listen with compassion, and build trust quickly. Her colleagues appreciate her flexibility, strong work ethic, and commitment to representing us with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Please join us in congratulating Lindsey on this well-deserved recognition as our People’s Champion!

Are you passionate about helping others and making a meaningful impact in your community? Consider joining our growing team!

We’re currently hiring for the following full-time positions:

• Public Health Program Supervisor: $95,322 - $108,417 annually
• Public Health Nurse (salary depends on qualifications)
• Medical Assistant: $23.31 hourly
• Vision and Hearing Technician: $22.37 hourly

Working at your local health department means serving your neighbors, strengthening community partnerships, and being part of a team dedicated to caring for those who need it most. We hope you’ll consider applying!