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Hi there,
May is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental health issues and help reduce the stigma so many unfortunately experience. Public health systems play an important role in educating about managing overall health, including mental health, and highlighting resources available in the community if you or someone you know needs support. There is no doubt the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the mental health of many of our residents coupled with other stressors individuals face. The good news is help is available. Below is a handful of available resources in Oakland County and beyond. Please share them with your family, friends and more.
In other news, you may have also heard that Oakland County has a new health officer. County Executive Dave Coulter has appointed Calandra Green to this key position in Oakland County. I am thrilled to have Calandra follow in my footsteps and look forward to the mark she will bring to the health and well-being of our residents. She is a registered nurse who was instrumental in the county's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to many other major endeavors throughout the county. Take a look at the following video as Calandra discusses the rising COVID-19 and flu cases.
As I sign off on my last Healthy Oakland Newsletter, I ask that you join me in welcoming her to this role. I also appreciate the support many of you have given me during my tenure as health officer. I look forward to continuing as Oakland County’s Director of Health & Human Services and partnering with Calandra.
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford
Director, Health and Human Services
Oakland County recognizes May as Mental Health Month
May marks Mental Health Month in the United States. It has never been more important than now to recognize the role mental health plays in our overall well-being and helping those in need receive support. When living with a mental health condition or facing a mental health concern, it’s common to feel like no one understands what you’re going through. But many people overcome the mental health challenges they face. You aren’t alone, help is out there, and recovery is possible.
Mental health support for families & individuals is available:
Young adults needed to advise about mental health campaign
The Oakland County Suicide Prevention Task Force is designing a mental health campaign for 18-24-year-olds not currently attending a college or university. Lend your voice on mental health matters to help us improve access to mental health services for young adults in Oakland County! Participants receive a $25 Amazon gift card.
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Wednesday, May 11, noon – 1:30 p.m. or 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Register here. Have questions? Email polmeark@oakgov.com.
Health Division assists in Pontiac school garden clean-up
Health Division staff along with their Healthy Pontiac We Can! Coalition partners and volunteers from GM Cares, Pontiac Collective Impact Partnership, Trinity Health Oakland Hospital, and MSU-Extension recently helped Herrington Elementary School in Pontiac get ready for the upcoming gardening season by cleaning out 26 raised garden beds and filling them with fresh soil. Herrington students will participate in upcoming planting days and harvest crops before school is out for summer. Seeds and plants were generously donated by Growing Pontiac.
Under a grant from Michigan Fitness Foundation, Health Division Public Health Educators also provided nutrition education programs to kindergartners, second and third graders at the school complementing the garden refresh. Collectively these efforts aim at increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in Pontiac.
This programming is funded in whole or in part by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Fitness Foundation. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Older Adult Resources Available
Every May Older American’s Month is celebrated, and this year’s theme highlights how older adults can age in their communities, living independently for as long as possible. To do that, it’s important to take advantage of the many resources for older adults. Check out the following resources or call our Nurse on Call hotline at 800-848-5533 to get connected:
Protect yourself and others from COVID-19 at spring gatherings
Oakland County is now at a medium community level for COVID-19 transmission according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
As many resident’s head into spring attending gatherings like proms, graduations, weddings and more, remember COVID-19 is still in our communities so take these measures to protect yourself:
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Get vaccinated against COVID-19. Learn more about vaccines and when you're up to date.
- Get tested if you are exposed or have symptoms regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. Stay away from others while you wait for the test result.
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Isolate and quarantine if needed. Stay away from others when you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19 Learn more here.
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Take additional steps to protect yourself and others. Understand your levels of risk, practice good hygiene and hand washing, stay home when sick and stay up to date with vaccinations.
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Get a free mask. Free KN95 masks are being distributed by various community organizations in Oakland County. Check these locations for availability.
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Learn about therapeutics. If you test positive for COVID-19, talk to your doctor about whether you meet eligibility criteria and should get antibody or antiviral treatment. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a new tool to help locate COVID-19 treatments across the state.
Health Division COVID-19 vaccination sites & info
Check out our Get Vaccinated page for information about upcoming COVID vaccination sites and who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and booster. Appointments are recommended and can be made online or by calling our Nurse on Call hotline at 1-800-848-5533 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Visit the state’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard and the Oakland County Vaccine Hub for updated vaccination data.
Oakgov.com/health is the best place to receive the latest information. Add, update, or opt out of Health Division email or text communications by clicking here.
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