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Hi there,
Public health, health care and community-based organizations engage in community health assessment efforts to gather views about key issues that affect health, identify health needs within populations and help inform us about health trends.
This process is significant because it provides a foundation for decision-making about health improvement across all sectors and identifies key problems and resources in our community. In Oakland County, the results of our assessment process helps create a community health improvement plan that guides the work of the Health Division and community partners.
We facilitate this process every five years and recently launched a community health survey, through Energizing Connections for a Healthier Oakland (ECHO), convened by Oakland County Health Division.
I hope you will help respond to this important survey and share it to help ensure all residents have a voice in identifying what the most pressing health issues are for our county. Please find more information about the survey below and help us spread the word!
I also want to mention two additional February reminders:
- February is Black History month. The annual observance allows us to discover and reflect on the contributions of black people throughout history. This learning offers us the space to acknowledge and value the perspectives one another. Visit Oakland County’s blog for upcoming Black History Month events!
- Don’t forget to enjoy outside this winter in Oakland County! From skiing and snowboarding, to skating and winter walks, the opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless. Find some fun ideas here.
Be Well,
Dr. Calandra Green, Health Officer, Oakland County
We want to hear from you! Take our community health survey
Energizing Connections for a Healthier Oakland (ECHO), convened by Oakland County Health Division, is launching a countywide community health survey to gather views on key issues that affect health and wellness. The survey asks community members 18 years of age or older to share their thoughts on topics ranging from access to medical care and support services to how concerned they are about various health issues within their community. It also touches on community characteristics, including affordable housing, reliable public transportation, and food access.
This survey is one of many ways that ECHO is collecting data and resident input. The survey is available online at oakgov.com/ECHO. Surveys are available in English, Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish. Survey results will help to prioritize and respond to important health concerns in Oakland County.
For more information about ECHO and the assessment, visit www.oakgov.com/echo or email echo@oakgov.com.
February is American Heart Month!
Heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Most middle-aged people and young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being a smoker or overweight. Having multiple risk factors increases your risk for heart disease.
Follow these heart-healthy lifestyle tips to protect your heart. It will be easier and more successful if you work on them with others, including by texting or phone calls if needed. You don’t have to make big changes all at once. Small steps will get you where you want to go.
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Be more physically active. Aim for at least 2½ hours of physical activity each week—that’s just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. In addition, do muscle strengthening exercises 2 days a week.
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Maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, even a small weight loss of 5–10 percent helps your health.
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Eat a nutritious diet. Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. Research shows that, compared to a typical American diet, it lowers high blood pressure and improves cholesterol levels.
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Quit smoking. To help you quit, ask others for support, or join an online support group. Research shows that people are much more likely to quit if a spouse, friend, or sibling does too.
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Reduce stress. Set goals with a friend or family member to do a relaxing activity every day, like walking, yoga, or meditation, or participate in an online stress-management program.
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Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep. Sleeping 7–8 hours a night helps to improve heart health.
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Track your heart health stats. Keeping a log of your blood pressure, weight goals, physical activity, and if you have diabetes, your blood sugars, will help you stay on a heart-healthy track.
Oakland County launches Regional Health Equity Council to address health disparities
We have received funding from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) to form a Regional Health Equity Council with the goal of addressing health disparities in underserved communities and improving gaps in current health related policies, practices, and resources.
The Oakland County Health Equity Council will be comprised of local organizations and community members. OCHD is seeking community members to join the OCHD's first Regional Health Equity Council. The council is recruiting individuals who are members of communities greatly impacted by COVID-19 especially people who identify as people of color. Community members serving on the council will receive a stipend for their work.
If interested, apply here.
Black and African American mental health resources
February is Black History Month. We would like to join Mental Health America in highlighting Black and African American contributions to the mental health movement because they are often overlooked. Learning about the history of systemic racism in the mental health system and how it harms Black communities in the US and around the world is key for creating a mentally healthier world.
Check out this list of Black and African American mental health resources, including the stories of Black Americans who have been trailblazers in the field of mental health!
Health Division Flu & COVID-19 vaccination info
Check out our webpage for information about COVID, flu, and other vaccinations and eligibility. 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.).
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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