The Michigan Department of Corrections is committed to providing our employees with up-to-date information as it relates to our efforts in dealing with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Lahser District Probation Agent Danita DuBose wanted to share a special shout to Lahser District Probation Office WPA/Receptionist Cynthia Parish. In the office and out, WPA Parish has a wonderful soul and shining personality. She is a motivator and a source of positivity for the Lahser team. Even during the current pandemic, WPA Parish answers calls with a smile  that you can hear on the other end of the phone. We join Agent DuBose and the entire Lahser Probation Office in thanking WPA Parish for always being caring, compassionate, and professional with everyone she encounters, including the members of the community we serve and those we supervise.

Braille Literacy Month

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed January as Braille Literacy Month in Michigan to recognize the impact the braille reading system has on individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and to call attention to the invaluable services and resources in Michigan that enable residents to learn and enhance their braille skills. The Michigan Department of Corrections is very proud of 50+ years of involvement in the creation of braille materials. What started with just a few prisoners at the former State Prison of Souther Michigan has grown into a nonprofit that operates one of the country's largest braille productions, the Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund. This past year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, both G. Robert Cotton Correctional and Women's Huron Valley Correctional facilities have managed to adjust operations to allow for the continued safe, and socially distanced running of both braille programs. The program at WHV, which got off the ground in spring of 2019, recently completed their first production item, a 2021 Braille/Large Print Calendar. Nine women are currently in the WHV braille program and, according to Warden Jeremy Howard, are all progressing well and learning new skills. To learn more about Braille Literacy Month and to view Gov. Whitmer's proclamation, please click here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall: Faith-Based Community

The State of Michigan is hosting a series of virtual town halls about the COVID-19 vaccine through Facebook Live on the MDHHS Facebook page. Residents will have the opportunity to hear from health and faith leaders about the safety, efficacy, and importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for safely opening Michigan.

The first virtual discussion is tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Joining Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health, the following panelists will be part of the January 21 discussion, moderated by Dion Williams, director of Faith Based & Urban Affairs for Governor Gretchen Whitmer:

• Imam Mohammed Ali Elahi, Islamic House of Wisdom in Dearborn Heights
• Rabbi Mark Miller, Congregation Beth El in Bloomfield Hills
• Bishop Charles Ellis III, Senior Pastor, Greater Grace Temple in Detroit
• Dr. Herbert Smitherman, MD, Detroit Receiving Hospital
• Rev. Lydia Bucklin, Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan

In the coming months, Michigan will also host town halls for the Black and Brown community and the general public, in partnership with public health and community leaders. 

MDOC Employee COVID-19 Vaccine Reminder

Michigan Department of Corrections correctional facility staff in various counties are beginning to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. 

Individual employees should not be reaching out to county health departments or hospitals regarding vaccine appointments. The department and the facilities are coordinating vaccination opportunities for eligible employees at each facility. When we are informed by a county health department that they have the vaccine and it will be available to our staff, eligible corrections employees at facilities in that county will be notified by their facility. Directions on how to obtain the available vaccine will be included in the notification.

We encourage correctional facility staff who haven't yet taken the survey but are interested in receiving the vaccine to do so now, to aide MDHHS and the county health departments in getting the right number of doses for currently eligible MDOC staff.

The survey is available by clicking here. 

Statewide Cases

it is important for everyone to remain vigilant and continue to take steps to help break the chain of infection and slow the spread, both while at work and while in the community.

You can find more information at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus

Prisoner Cases

On January 20, there were eight new positive cases to report. They include:

Oaks Correctional - 3

Carson City Correctional - 1

Charles Egeler Reception & Guidance - 1

Earnest C. Brooks Correctional - 1

Michigan Reformatory - 1

Woodland Correctional - 1

*Results are downloaded each afternoon and are reported after they are added into the medical record following receipt of information from labs. 

You can also find a full listing of cumulative testing and total results by facility here.

Prisoner Step Downs and Recoveries

We are happy to report than 1,999 additional prisoners were confirmed recovered today, and current active prisoner positive cases fell to below 3,000. 

Staff Cases

There were eight positive staff cases to report today, including:

Thank you to everyone who has submitted photos, videos, and stories of kindness and appreciation. Please continue to share photos of yourself and your colleagues working hard to keep Michigan safe so we can recognize our incredible MDOC co-workers.Thank you all for the amazing work you do! If you have photos and stories you'd like to see included in future daily announcements, please send them to Joelle Craddy at CraddyJ@michigan.gov.