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Hi there,
If you follow the Health Division’s social media channels at @PublicHealthOC on Facebook and X, you may have already seen us celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW) this past week. We have been showcasing snippets of what our employees do for our residents and even some services that the public may not realize we offer!
I want to take this moment to extend accolades to our 381 employees that call Oakland County Health Division their work family. Our team are highly dedicated public health professionals who have a mission to serve our communities and improve health along the way. The impact of their work is woven into our everyday lives: reducing infectious disease, promoting cleaner air and water and motor vehicle safety, improving food safety, lowering tobacco use, and improving maternal and child health just to name a few. Thank you, Health Division employees, for all you do!
In April, we also recognize Black Maternal Health Week from April 11-17. Research shows that Black women are more likely to be affected from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, such as variation in quality healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, social determinants of health, implicit bias and structural racism. CDC offers some good information about how you can support the pregnant people in your life to reduce factors that contribute to pregnancy-related complications and death. There are many programs available in Oakland County working to minimize maternal risks, offer education and provide services. Here are just a few available at Oakland County Health Division: Community Nursing, Nurse Family Partnership, Nutrition Services, and WIC.
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford, Director, Health and Human Services
Experiencing measles symptoms? What to know and what to do.
As of March 28, 2024, a total of 97 measles cases were reported by 18 states including cases in Michigan’s Washtenaw, Wayne, and Oakland counties. Measles is very contagious and can be serious. The MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine is the best way to protect against measles.
Vaccination is particularly important before traveling as outbreaks are happening internationally and within the United States. Measles cases are often linked to international travel and then spread to people in the United States. Receiving both doses of the vaccine is most effective, but if you only have time to get one dose before your trip, that still provides helpful protection.
Symptoms usually begin 7-14 days after exposure but can appear as long as 21 days after. Symptoms usually include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104˚F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms, and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin
Watch the video below, as Kate Guzman, Public Health Nurse and Administrator for Oakland County Health Division, discusses what you should do if you or your child is experiencing measles symptoms.
If you have any questions about Measles or the MMR vaccine, please call Nurse on Call at 1-800-848-5533 or email noc@oakgov.com.
Save the date for a virtual baby safety fair!
Join us for a Virtual Baby Safety Fair hosted by Oakland County Health Division on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 10– 11:30 a.m. Public health professionals will share important safety information to help you keep your baby safe.
Topics include information about breastfeeding, immunizations, infant safe sleep recommendations, mental health during pregnancy, and smoking. Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and professionals are all welcome!
Help prevent excessive alcohol use
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, which is a great time to raise awareness about alcohol abuse. Alcohol consumption is associated with a variety of short and long-term health risks, including motor vehicle crashes, violence, sexual risk behaviors, high blood pressure, and various cancers. Excessive alcohol use is responsible for about 178,000 deaths in the United States each year.
Everyone can prevent excessive alcohol use. You can:
- Choose not to drink too much yourself and help others drink less or refrain.
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Check your drinking and learn more about the benefits of drinking less alcohol.
- If you choose to drink alcohol, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink or limit to two drinks or less in a day for men or one drink or less in a day for women.
- Not serve alcohol to people who should not be drinking, including young adults under the age of 21, individuals who will be driving or who have already drank too much.
- Talk with your healthcare provider about your drinking behavior and request counseling if you drink too much.
National Minority Health Month
This April we recognize National Minority Health Month, a time to elevate the health disparities experienced by communities of color and identify strategies to reduce and eliminate these inequities.
Oakland County is a great place to live and its residents overall live longer healthier lives compared to other Michigan counties. Yet, when we take a deeper dive, for some communities within Oakland County, this is not always the case. In Oakland County, Black residents have a higher disease mortality for nearly all disease categories, including heart disease, cancer, COVID-19, and stroke, compared to white residents (Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, 2021). Black residents are more likely to report “poor or fair” health status compared to White residents (Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, 2023), and air quality is worse in communities of color (EPA EJSCREEN, 2021).
To address these inequities, the Health Division serves as the backbone organization for one of 11 regional health equity councils in Michigan developed in response to COVID-19. OCHD was awarded grant funding in 2022 to launch the community-led Oakland County Health Equity Council to address equitable healthcare access for communities most impacted by discrimination and systemic racism, and those most at risk for adverse health outcomes, to achieve improved health status and quality of life. The council has explored the changing needs of communities of color in Oakland County due to COVID-19 and has awarded mini-grants to organizations working to address these needs. Learn more about OCHD’s commitment to equity here, which includes staff trainings, developing culturally and linguistically relevant materials for clients and residents, and expanding services in partnership with key community partners.
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.
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