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Hi there,
Over this past week we have been celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW). This annual observance allows us to recall the many contributions of public health, highlight issues that are important to improving health, and recognize our staff.
If you are interested in finding out what our team does day-to-day, we showcased various staff providing important services that are often hidden to the public eye but are essential to keeping Oakland County residents healthy and safe. Please peek at our social media channels @PublicHealthOC on Facebook and Twitter if you are not already connected to us. You may learn more about all the programs we offer at the Health Division!
This past year, our work has demonstrated a quick response to emerging public health issues but also recovery and re-engagement efforts related to the pandemic. Please take a few minutes and watch our NPHW video and hear about some recent successes:
I also invite you to check out Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter’s State of the County address last month. I am proud of the Health Division receiving shoutouts about many initiatives including the Health360 initiative that brings primary care and wraparound services onsite at our Health Division offices. Nearly 7,300 residents received Health 360 services in 2022 at our clinics in Pontiac and Southfield. This is another great example of everyday public health working in our communities.
In a closing to Public Health Week, I thank our residents and partners for your contributions to healthy living in Oakland County. I wish you a month ahead without April showers! Get outside, increase your steps, and enjoy the many features our neighborhoods offer.
Be Well,
Dr. Calandra Green, Health Officer, Oakland County
Celebrate Earth Day with us!
Earth Day is an important day around the world to take action on issues related to climate change, pollution, and other environmental concerns. Join the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, and other community partners, including the health department at an Earth Day Drive-Thru event on April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road in, Waterford. You will have an opportunity to learn about earth friendly recycling services and other community resources during this time.
Bikes, electronics or unneeded medications may be dropped off at the Oakland Schools' parking lot. A team of volunteers will assist you in dropping off these items.
For more information and guidelines about what you can drop off, CLICK HERE.
Drop-off unneeded prescription drugs at a site near you
Many opioid addictions start with prescription pills found in medicine cabinets at home. Most people who misuse a prescription medication obtained it from a family member or friend. These medicines may be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision. Annual National Prescription Drug Tack Back Day on April 22 will be one way to dispose of prescription medications that are old, unwanted, or no longer needed.
Visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday to search for drop-off sites near you!
Stay on track with your child’s vaccinations
National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 24 – 30. Each year, NIIW celebrates the critical role vaccination plays in protecting the health of our children and families. We’re reminding parents of the importance of staying up to date with routinely recommended vaccines.
As a parent, you want to protect your little one from harm. Vaccinating your child according to the recommended immunization schedule gives them the best protection against 14 serious childhood illnesses — like measles and whooping cough — before the age of 2.
Make sure your child is up to date on vaccines by ensuring that they haven’t missed any check-ups. Review the easy-to-read vaccination schedule for infants and children recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Egg decorating the safe way!
Does your family enjoy decorating eggs for spring holidays? Don’t forget they are a perishable food. Check out these tips to stay healthy when handling eggs:
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap before and after handling eggs.
- Refrain from eating or decorating eggs with cracked shells.
- Hard cook eggs to help kill bacteria. However, it does not keep them from spoiling or becoming re-contaminated.
- Refrigerate hard-cooked eggs before dying them and keep them refrigerated when not using them.
- Use hard cooked eggs within one week of cooking.
- Do not eat eggs after hiding or playing with them. Bacteria and viruses picked up on the shells can be transferred to the edible part of the egg.
- Check food dye for safety before decorating.
- Make two sets of eggs, one for decorating and hiding that will not be consumed, and another set for eating. Consider using plastic eggs for egg hunts.
Health Division Flu & COVID-19 vaccination info
Check out our webpage page 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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