News and Articles

Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Volunteers Aiding Locally and Nationwide

Amid the devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey, more than 1,000 local members of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ MRC Program volunteered to meet the overwhelming community needs in the storm’s wake. In Michigan, there are 20 MRC units and over 700 volunteers involved in a range of activities including providing assistance in dispensing KI to families near nuclear power plants, distributing emergency preparedness material, attending trainings and triathlons, helping with immunizations and points of dispensing sites(PODs), advancing volunteer reception centers (VRC) and family reunification efforts, improving education and training on cardiac resuscitation, reducing high blood pressure or hypertension, providing hazard vulnerability awareness, and more. To read about the MRC response to Hurricane Harvey or to find an MRC unit to connect with here in Michigan, click on the links below.

HHS Medical Reserve Corps volunteers aiding local response to Hurricane Harvey

Find your MRC

How the 1918 Flu Pandemic Revolutionized Public Health

Nearly 100 years ago, in 1918, the world experienced the greatest tidal wave of death since the Black Death, possibly in the whole of human history. We call that tidal wave the Spanish flu, and many things changed in the wake of it. One of the most profound revolutions took place in the domain of public health.

How the 1918 Flu Pandemic Revolutionized Public Health>>

Training & Events

Climate Changes Children's Health: Protecting Our Future

Live Webinar

Part of the Year of Climate Change and Health webinar series, this seventh installment will highlight the vulnerability and sensitivity of children to the health threats imposed by climate change and solutions to mitigate these threats. Brought to you by the American Public Health Association, Mid-Atlantic Center for Children’s Health and the Environment.

Climate Changes Children's Health: Protecting Our Future>>

The Michigan Update

Legionella Team Ready to Assist

Mike Wesenberg - Environmental Health Specialist, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Bryce Spiker, MPH - Legionellosis Epidemiologist, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

The Communicable Disease Division within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is pleased to announce a new Legionellosis Program.  Michigan was recently awarded additional funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to increase state-level capacity in conducting epidemiologic and laboratory surveillance of infections caused by Legionella bacteria. This funding will support more timely responses in the detection, investigation, and implementation of control measures to reduce the incidence and prevalence of legionellosis. Two individuals have been hired at the Communicable Disease Division to roll out the Legionellosis Program: Bryce Spiker is the new Legionellosis Epidemiologist and the Environmental Health Specialist is Mike Wesenberg.

Legionella Team Ready to Assist>>

MDHHS Utilizes Internal and External Partners to Help Spread the Word about FEMA Assistance for those Affected by the Mid-Michigan Floods

Kerry Chamberlain, PhD, MPH – Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response – Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

In June 2017, Bay, Gladwin, Midland, and Isabella Counties experienced near-historic flooding.   It was considered the worst flooding event to hit the area in 30 years.  The whole community needed help.  After Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley declared a state of disaster, President Trump declared a major disaster for the area which allowed FEMA to augment ongoing local and state response and recovery efforts.

MDHHS Utilizes Internal and External Partners to Help Spread the Word about FEMA Assistance for those Affected by the Mid-Michigan Floods>>

Research

Assessment of Hospital Emergency Department Response to Potentially Infectious Diseases Using Unannounced Mystery Patient Drills — New York City, 2016

Recent outbreaks of infectious diseases have revealed significant health care system vulnerabilities and highlighted the importance of rapid recognition and isolation of patients with potentially severe infectious diseases. During December 2015–May 2016, a series of unannounced “mystery patient drills” was carried out to assess New York City Emergency Departments’ (EDs) abilities to identify and respond to patients with communicable diseases of public health concern.

Assessment of Hospital Emergency Department Response to Potentially Infectious Diseases Using Unannounced Mystery Patient Drills — New York City, 2016>>

Tools & Resources

Considerations for Respirator Selection in Healthcare

This matrix details considerations for respirator selection for the N95 FFR (Filtering Facepiece Respirator), Surgical N95 FFR, Loose-Fitting PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator), and Elastometric (Elastomerics have replaceable filters with either a washable (able to be cleaned and disinfected), or even a disposable (rubber-like) face piece). 

Some considerations include whether the mask can be used with facial hair, requires fit testing, and whether or not the mask can be reused.

Considerations for Respirator Selection in Healthcare>>