Friday, June 4 Update

Hi there,

After 15 months, we likely can agree the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the mental health of many, even as life is starting to look a little bit more normal.

Reports of increased stress-related conditions are high as individuals face the strains of COVID-19. According to recent data from the Household Pulse Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 30% of Michigan residents reported symptoms of anxiety or depression during the seven days prior to being surveyed. The survey shows Michigan's self-reported symptom numbers have hovered between 30% and 49% since December 2020. 

This week in our weekly COVID-19 Update video, County Executive David Coulter joined local mental health providers to discuss this topic and the resources available to receive support.

Today the state’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard reports 1,261,840 doses have been given to Oakland County residents. 66% of residents 16 years of age or older have received one or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Visit the Oakland County Vaccine Hub for even more data related to vaccination.

In good health,

Leigh-Anne Stafford

Director, Health and Human Services

Michigan’s Stay Well program offers emotional support

Early in the pandemic, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop a program that offers emotional support through the “Stay Well” counseling line seven days a week, 24 hours a day (dial 888-535-6136 and press "8.") 

The program's website, Michigan.gov/StayWell, offers links to a variety of mental health resources, including crisis help lines, virtual support groups, guidance documents, videos and recorded webinars.

Fact Check-How do we know COVID-19 vaccines are safe for kids?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides answers to some of the most common questions families may have about COVID-19 vaccines.  One frequent parent concern is related to safety trials and how vaccination may affect puberty.

Here is reliable information from AAP physicians:

• Before getting FDA emergency use authorization, clinical trials showed COVID-19 vaccines to be remarkably safe and effective for adults and teens ages 16 and up. Trials involved tens of thousands of volunteers. After getting additional positive safety data results for younger teens, the FDA extended authorization to adolescents age 12 and older. Clinical trials are underway for children as young as six months old.
• The vaccines continue to be monitored very closely. In fact, COVID-19 vaccines have “the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history."
• There's no evidence that any vaccine, including those for COVID-19, causes fertility side effects. The vaccines don't affect puberty or a child's reproductive development in any way.  It is safe for pregnant women and anyone who wants to become pregnant in the future.  In fact, among the millions of people now immunized, there are women who got the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant and women who became pregnant after getting it. 

Week at a Glance-Health Division upcoming vaccination sites

The following locations will offer first dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments for individuals 12 years and older (unless otherwise indicated):

• Friday, June 4
  • Oakland Hope Food Pantry & Thrift Store in Pontiac, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Saturday, June 5
  • Francis Scott Key Elementary in Oak Park, 9 a.m. – noon.
• Monday, June 7
  • Lighthouse of Oakland County in Pontiac, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • 18+ Johnson & Johnson site
• Tuesday, June 8
  • Color Ink Studio in Hazel Park, noon - 4 p.m.

For more details about these locations, walk-in availability, or to make an appointment, click on our Get Vaccinated page. Vaccination appointments can also be booked over the phone by calling 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. COVID-19 vaccinations are provided at no cost.

OaklandCountyVaccine.com is the best place to receive the latest information.