|
Hi there,
This summer we began recognizing 150 years of public health in our state! Our public health system serves to protect residents from unsafe conditions, prevent disease and promote good health. Often, public health contributions go unnoticed in the daily activities of so many dedicated public health employees. Join me in reading about the significance of public health efforts in Michigan over the last 150 years. It’s impossible to capture all the accomplishments, but it is interesting to see all that has happened.
Every September, National Recovery Month is celebrated to recognize successes made by those in recovery and to educate the public about substance use treatment and mental health services. A statewide Michigan Celebrate Recovery Walk and Rally will be held Sept. 9 if you or someone you know is interested.
Oakland County is also hosting listening sessions to guide how the county’s opioid settlement funds will be distributed. Lawsuits were filed against pharmacies and pharmaceutical drug companies for their role in fueling America’s opioid crisis. As a result, Michigan and local governments, that incurred significant costs due to the crisis, will receive settlement payments from these entities. Oakland County is estimated to receive approximately $35 million over the next two decades. We want to ensure our funding is spent efficiently and strategically. Our hope is the listening sessions listed below will help us do just that!
Lastly, you may have heard the news about protecting yourself with vaccines for Flu, COVID-19 and the newly developed RSV vaccine being recommended this Fall. While comprehensive information on the vaccines is not yet available what we do know is this:
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford, Director, Health and Human Services
Listening sessions aim to address opioid misuse
Oakland County is hosting listening sessions with Oakland County residents to learn what resources communities need to prevent opioid misuse and support people in treatment and recovery.
The Opioid Listening Sessions are open to Oakland County residents who are 18 years and older. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome as the sessions are open-house style. Online registration will open in early September at www.oakgov.com/health. Listening sessions will be held in the following locations:
- Waterford Township Hall, 5200 Civic Center Dr., Waterford
- September 12, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Pontiac Public Library, 60 E. Pike St., Pontiac
- September 13, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
- Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale
- September 13, 5:30 – 6:30 PM
- Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Rd, Southfield
- September 18, 6:30– 7:30 PM
- Costick Activities Center, 28600 W Eleven Mile Rd, Farmington Hills
- September 19, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
- White Lake Public Library, 11005 Elizabeth Lake Road, White Lake
- September 21, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Avoid mosquito bites this Labor Day weekend!
If you are spending time outside for the extended Labor Day weekend, take precautions to avoid mosquito bites during the holiday. Mosquito-borne viruses such as Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV), West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has gotten the virus by feeding on an infected animal. There have been human cases of Jamestown Canyon Virus in Michigan this year as well as mosquito pools from various counties throughout the state testing positive for JCV, WNV and EEE.
Most people infected with these viruses do not become ill or experience only mild illness. In rare cases, infections are serious. Follow these recommendations to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites:
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent. All EPA registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and will contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection. Always follow the product label instructions.
- Be careful using repellent on the hands of children as it may irritate the eyes and mouth.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home:
- Turn over any type of container that can collect water. Once a week, empty out items that hold water such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, flowerpots, and trash containers.
- Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains.
- Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated, such as retention ponds or drainage ditches, with a mosquito larvicide. Mosquito larvicide is easy to use and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
- Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out. Do not prop open doors.
The Reasons I Speak: Suicide Prevention Community Discussion
Organizations and individuals across the U.S. and around the world raise awareness about suicide prevention during September, National Suicide Prevention Month. Join the Oakland County Suicide Prevention Task Force on Sept. 28, from 8:30 a.m.-noon for a suicide prevention community discussion at Oakland Community Health Network in Troy. Hear stories from community members about their experiences with suicide, explore local resources, and share thoughts about future suicide prevention strategies. Register HERE.
If you are struggling, you are not alone. Free and confidential support is available to you 24/7:
Are you ready for an emergency?
Each September, we raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies during National Preparedness Month. Emergencies can happen at any time. Preparedness for the future starts today. Don’t know where to begin? Start with three simple steps:
1. Make a Plan. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. Use this form to create a Family Emergency Communication Plan.
2. Build a Kit. After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last. Prepare a disaster supplies kit of basic items your household may need during an emergency. Consider including any unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.
3. Be Aware. Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, including OakAlert and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us!
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. According to the U.S. Census (2022), more than 60,000 Oakland County residents (approximately 5% of county population) identify as Hispanic/Latino. Take a moment this month to celebrate, honor and recognize the important contributions of Hispanic and Latino persons with virtual exhibits, events, and resources through the Smithsonian Institute.
You can also join Oakland County Parks, El Centro, and La Casa Amiga on Saturday, Sept. 16 for a Hispanic heritage event at the Oakland County Farmers Market from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. There will be a cooking demo with Hispanic cultural influence, vendors, and kid activities. Oakland County parks also has free park entry on Sept. 16 & 17 to celebrate!
More Health Division info
Check out our webpage page for information about our services and various health topics. You can also call 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.
|
