Good afternoon,

Earlier this year, the U.S. Census Bureau sent a mailer to every household in the country asking residents to complete the 2020 Census. On September 30, the opportunity to fill out that form and participate in this year’s count will expire. With this deadline quickly approaching, I ask that you please complete your census questionnaire. Census data is used to determine how much money communities receive from the federal government for the next decade. This includes funding for schools, roads, health care, food assistance and housing - all critical areas for maintaining the well-being of our community.

As of today, more than 81% of Macomb County residents have filled out their form and I want to thank them for their participation. If you have yet to complete the census questionnaire, please consider doing so today by phone or online. All it takes is 10 minutes and you can impact the next 10 years for our community.

Be sure to check Macomb County’s #1 source for information regularly, macombgov.org.

Thank you and take care.

Mark A. Hackel

Macomb County Executive

Important Things to Know

• The September 30 deadline is approaching to apply for three grant opportunities that will help small businesses dealing with the impact of COVID-19. Grants include the Microenterprise Assistance Grant Program, the Workplace Safety Grant and the Online Business Connect Program. Individuals interested in applying or learning more can click here or watch this video.

• In gratitude to those who continued to work in essential industries during the state shutdown this past spring, Governor Whitmer has introduced the Futures for Frontliners program. Through the program, residents without a college degree who worked at least half-time in front-line positions during the height of the COVID-19 crisis are eligible for free tuition at their local community college. Macomb Community College is accepting applications to the program now through December 31, 2020. Learn more here.
• The State of Michigan recently launched the “Spread Hope, Not COVID” campaign, which calls on all Michiganders to join together and take actions that will significantly reduce the spread of the virus - including wearing masks, washing and sanitizing hands, practicing physical distancing, and more. The campaign will also share important information. For instance, did you know that wearing a mask can reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 by 70%?

• Macomb County leaders and personnel have been on the ground responding to the COVID-19 crisis since mid-March. Here’s what has been accomplished so far:

• The deadline to enter the #MaskUpMacomb poster design contest has been extended through September 30! The contest is free to enter, open to all ages in two age categories and cash prizes are available. Click here for details.

• The Macomb County Emergency Operations Center and Department of Health continue leading local efforts to respond to the ever-evolving nature of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Macomb County continues to update the online COVID-19 dashboard with the latest data and information. Click here to access the dashboard.

Executive Mark Hackel has been regularly sharing video updates with Macomb County residents on YouTube and social media. Click on the links below for the latest updates:

• Census 2020 - Count On Macomb

In the News

• Report: Canada to keep border with U.S. closed until Oct. 21. Read more.
• How to tell the difference between COVID-19 and the flu. Read more.
• "Pandemic Precaution Fatigue" - are you feeling it? Tips for getting out of the rut. Read more.
• More money for education, health care, roads: Why census is so important in Michigan. Read more.

Helpful Links

• Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH) is on the ground providing assistance to residents. The Make Macomb Your Home blog recently featured the organization and its efforts in an article here, including information that may be useful for those dealing with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. If you are in need of immediate assistance, you can contact MCCMH directly. Their Crisis Center is open and will work to make appropriate linkages to community resources. Please call 586 948-0222, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m or 586-307-9100 for the 24/7 crisis line.

• In the past few weeks, additional COVID-19 testing locations have opened in Macomb County. You can find an updated link on the county website, macombgov.org. Michigan also lists all testing sites across the state. Click here to access that information.

• Experiencing food insecurity? Visit gis.macombgov.org/go/food to access maps of food pantries and school food programs.

Stay Informed

For the latest information from Macomb County regarding COVID-19, please visit macombgov.org/covid19.