November 2026 Newsletter
Letter from the Health Officer
Dear Community Member,
The end of an era and a reason for gratitude are the themes of this month’s message.
If you’ve driven past our main campus on Fuller Avenue lately, you may have noticed a major project taking place at the old Kent Community Hospital facility. That building is being razed after decades of service to our community. The plan is to use the footprint of the demolished hospital for a new Administrative Services building with improved access and amenities for the community. Other buildings and services on the Fuller Campus, including ours, will remain in place and access to our services will continue as usual.
I think it’s especially interesting to see the old sanitarium behind the hospital coming down as well. Its destruction reminds us of the ending of a terrible era in history.
I’ve heard it said that one out of every seven people who lived before 1900 died from tuberculosis. This terrible illness, caused primarily by a bacterial infection of the lungs, was once one of the greatest threats to public health. Effective treatments were elusive, and sanitariums were built throughout the 1800s and early 1900s as places to isolate patients and provide the limited treatments and therapies available at the time.
During this month of Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for the advent of antibiotics and the tremendous progress we've made in reducing deaths from tuberculosis. While I am thankful for these advances, I also recognize their limitations and the prospect of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Our oldest public health foes, including tuberculosis and vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, will always warrant our respect. As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, let's celebrate the demolition of outdated solutions, be thankful for the lives saved, and remember the importance of protecting the hard-earned improvements in public health that make this time together possible.
Adam London, PhD, RS, DAAS
Administrative Health Officer
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Know Your Status: Walk-in HIV Testing on Word AIDS Day
Observed every December 1, World AIDS Day is an opportunity to remember the more than 42 million people who have died of complications from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
HIV attacks the body's immune system, weakening its ability to fight disease and infection. It's mostly spread through unprotected sex and sharing needles or syringes, but the only way to know if you have it is to get tested.
We'll be offering free walk-in HIV testing from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at our South Clinic (4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508) and our North Clinic (4191 17-Mile Rd. NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319). Please bring any insurance cards and a valid Photo ID, if you have one.
Those who are eligible for PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV) can also schedule an appointment for the service at this time.
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Medicaid Reminder: Changes to Coverage in the New Year
A quick reminder that Medicaid changes are underway, with additional updates coming in January 2027. That's when some adults with Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) coverage will need to meet work, school, or other approved activities requirements to keep their coverage.
 What steps can someone take now?
- Keep your contact information up to date in MI Bridges.
- Upload current immigration documents and report pregnancy information, if applicable.
- Watch your mail and respond promptly to Medicaid renewal notices and requests.
Need help? Call the Michigan Beneficiary Help Line at 1-800-642-3195, contact a community navigator for assistance, or connect with the West Michigan Medicaid Task Force for trusted information and resources.
Keep COVID-19 Off the Guest List This Holiday Season
Even though we don’t hear as much about it these days, COVID-19 is still around and affecting the health of our community. During the peak of last year's respiratory illness season, hundreds of Michiganders were hospitalized with complications of COVID-19 every week.
What are the symptoms?
COVID-19 symptoms can resemble a cold or the flu and may include:
- Cough, sore throat, or stuffy/runny nose
- Fever, headache, or muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Loss of taste or smell
While many people experience mild or no symptoms, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, certain disabilities, or underlying health conditions are at greater risk for severe illness.
How can people stay protected?
A few simple steps can help reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine to lower your risk of severe illness.
- Cover coughs and sneezes and wash your hands frequently, using hand sanitizer when you can't use soap and water.
- Consider wearing a mask and avoiding crowded spaces to further reduce your risk.
- Get tested if you develop symptoms or think you may have been exposed.
What should someone do if they get sick?
If you do get sick, contact your health care provider if you have any signs or tendency of severe illness. Stay home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours and consider taking extra precautions around others for the next week, including wearing a well-fitting mask and practicing physical distancing.
Together, we can keep ourselves, our families, and our communities healthy this holiday season!
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An Ode to Thanksgiving Food Safety
Before you baste, carve, or dig in, take a moment for a food safety spin! One of our team members cooked up this clever poem to help keep your holiday feast both delicious and safe:
It’s Thanksgiving time, let us feast
Grandma’s making the turkey like a beast.
Before she starts, let’s remember
A few tips so we stay healthy come December.
Thaw that turkey under refrigeration
Salmonella doesn’t like those conditions.
Raw turkey is full of germs, but have no fear, they won’t stay alive
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 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 refrigerators.
Cool it down in a shallow container,
No need to wrap it tight until later.
Leftovers are arguably the best part
3-4 days max in the refrigerator or freeze
You got it, now cleaning will be a breeze.
Wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving with friends and family, from all of us here at your local Health Department!
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 Carving Out Time for Wellness This Holiday Season
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and for many of us, it's also the most overwhelming. Because while decking the halls with boughs of holly can bring joy and celebration, it can also trigger feelings of stress, grief, or loneliness.
As a little wellness gift, Emory University School of Medicine offers guidance in all seven dimensions of wellness to help people unwrap holiday stress and make room for wellness instead.
Physical Wellness
The holiday season can be physically demanding, so being attentive to your body's basic needs is essential to maintain balance and energy.
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule as much as possible, aiming for consistency even during days off or travel.
- Prioritize nutritious meals and mindful eating while also giving yourself permission to enjoy special holiday treats.
Emotional Wellness
Because the holidays can bring a mix of joy and sorrow, it is important to recognize and accept your emotional experiences to support your overall wellbeing.
- Practice self-compassion by acknowledging that the holidays may not feel perfect and that it's okay to need extra support.
- Identify one or two trusted individuals you can check in with throughout the season as needed.
Spiritual Wellness
Connecting with your sense of purpose, meaning, or inner peace can help ground you during the busy holiday season.
- Reflect on what helps you feel connected to something larger than yourself, including nature, art, faith, or quiet time, and make space for it.
- Consider volunteering or giving back in a way that aligns with your values and brings a sense of fulfillment.
Social Wellness
Meaningful connection and support can ease feelings of isolation and foster a sense of belonging during the holidays.
- Balance time with others and time alone depending on your needs.
- Reach out to someone who might be struggling during the holidays. Giving support can also help you feel more connected.
Cultural Wellness
Honoring your values, heritage, and traditions can be especially meaningful during the holiday season.
- Reflect on what cultural practices are important to you and consider how you'd like to engage with them this year.
- If family traditions feel difficult or inaccessible, adapt or create new ones that reflect your current needs.
Financial Wellness
Life is getting more expensive, so it helps to approach holiday finances with mindfulness and planning.
- Focus on low-cost or no-cost gestures of kindness, such as handwritten notes or acts of service.
- Reframe gift-giving to include shared experiences or quality time instead of solely relying on material items.
Environmental Wellness
Where you spend time can affect your mood and stress levels, especially during the holiday season.
- Limit exposure to overstimulating environments when you feel overwhelmed.
- Spend time outdoors or in natural settings, when possible, even for a short walk or fresh air.
You are not alone this holiday season. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is one call or text away for anyone who needs it, at any time. Need on-site support for a mental health crisis and live in the area? Call a local Mobile Crisis Response Team at 616-333-1000.
People’s Champion Award: Celebrating Compassion
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 Spencer Blickley from our South Clinic, for his welcoming presence, dedication to service, and commitment to supporting both colleagues and community members.
Spencer creates a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the South Clinic doors, greeting clients by name and helping put them at ease, particularly those visiting for the first time or navigating language barriers. He is equally supportive of his colleagues, patiently assisting with WIC appointments and making displaced staff feel at home during renovations. Whether working with clients or coworkers, Spencer consistently brings a calm, friendly, and helpful approach to everything he does.
Please join us in congratulating Spencer on this well-deserved recognition as our People’s Champion!
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One of Our Own Spotlighted in the County Communicator
Opportunities With Impact: Start a Career in Public Health
Are you passionate about helping others and having a meaningful impact in your community? Consider applying to join our team!
We’re currently hiring for the following positions:
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.
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Holiday Office Closures Ahead
All Kent County offices and clinics will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 in observance of the Holiday. Regular operations will resume Monday, Nov. 30.
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