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Hi there,
Two days ago, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Michigan District welcomed 25 new citizens during the first naturalization ceremony hosted by Oakland County as part of its Welcoming Oakland initiative. The citizenship candidates came from 13 countries: Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, El Salvador, Germany, India, Iraq, Mexico, Pakistan, Portugal, Romania and South Korea. The ceremony celebrated the conclusion of a journey to citizenship and honored the commitment these individuals have shown along the way.
The Oakland County Department of Health and Human Services (OCHHS) is committed to improving the health of immigrants, refugees, and migrants within our communities. We are working to address unique health needs and connect to social services for all. Programs offered by our Neighborhood and Housing Development division, WIC (Woman, Infants and Children’s Supplemental Nutrition Program), and our Health360 partnership that expands the primary/preventative care services we offer in our buildings are just a few examples of this commitment. Join me in welcoming these new citizens to Southeastern Michigan!
The holiday season is quickly approaching, bringing with it large gatherings, crowded travel, and more time spent indoors. Viruses also tend to spread more commonly during this time. The best way to protect yourself from illness is by being proactive and getting vaccinated, especially if you are in a high-risk group. Flu and COVID vaccines are now available at the Health Division see more below.
Please join me this month in recognizing the many veterans who are public health practitioners in our communities. Some even work here at Oakland County! From nurses, sanitarians and more we acknowledge your outstanding service for our county as well as the public health of our residents. I wish you all a meaningful Veterans Day.
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford, Director, Health and Human Services
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations now available
OCHD recommends everyone over the age of 6 months receive the 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Flu and COVID-19 shots are available on a walk-in basis at Health Division offices. Individuals 65 years and older qualify for a high-dose flu shot. Health Division offices are located at the following addresses:
- North Oakland Health Center, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac
- South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield
Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Tuesday 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Payment options include cash, credit (Visa/Mastercard), Medicare, Medicaid, most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and Blue Care Network, and additional insurances. Credit card fees apply. Bring picture identification and all insurance cards to the clinic. The Health Division participates in the Vaccines for Children Program which offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children through 18 years old. No one will be denied access to services due to their inability to pay; there is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available.
The RSV vaccination is also recommended for everyone ages 75 and older, adults ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease, and pregnant people who are between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy during September through January. An RSV antibody is recommended for all babies younger than 8 months of age born to mothers who did not receive a maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy. Please check with your health care provider for availability of RSV vaccine.
Encourage healthy eating in children
Throughout the school year, parents tend to worry if their child is eating well with hectic schedules, social outings, field trips. To form healthy habits, encourage infants, children, and teens to choose what and how much to eat of the food that’s offered. Research helps guide parents in establishing self-regulating eating habits, and healthier lifestyles for their children, and even themselves. Check out this article to find out more.
For further guidance about helping you and your children eat healthy, check out Oakland County’s Health Division’s website. It’s a great resource that provides useful information about nutrition recommendations for each stage of life.
The Health Division offers various programs where Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN’s), and nutrition and health education staff help support you and your family as you work towards your nutrition goals. Find out more about our Nutrition Services, WIC and health education programs!
Health Division commemorates World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is held annually on Dec. 1. Oakland County in partnership with First United Methodist Church of Ferndale will host a World AIDS Day event on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 5-7:30 pm at First United Methodist Church of Ferndale, 22331 Woodward Avenue in Ferndale. No RSVP is necessary.
World AIDS Day is a time to honor lives lost, those infected or affected by HIV, and celebrate the progress made and work to ensure a future free from HIV. Learn more about prevention and treatment programs offered by Oakland County Health Division.
Stay active this winter. Physical activity boosts brain health
Regular physical activity is good for your heart, muscles, and bones. Did you know it’s good for your brain too? Physical activity can help you think, learn, problem-solve, and enjoy an emotional balance. It can improve memory and reduce anxiety or depression.
Regular physical activity can also reduce your risk of cognitive decline, including dementia. One study found that cognitive decline is almost twice as common among adults who are inactive compared to those who are active.
Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. All adults also need muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week. And adults 65 and older need activities to improve balance as well.
With the colder weather approaching, check out CDC’s 6 Tips to Stay Active this Winter.
Homelessness Awareness Month
November is Homelessness Awareness Month. At any given point in time, approximately 1,200 Oakland County adults and children could experience homelessness, living in an emergency shelter, a car or are facing eviction. It can be difficult to understand who may be experiencing homelessness due to households doubling up or because of stigma. Housing insecurity, such as trouble paying rent, overcrowding, moving frequently, or spending the bulk of household income, can increase a person’s chance of homelessness and living in unsafe housing. The median monthly housing cost in Oakland County is $1,399 (American Community Survey, 2023) and a high-cost market with fewer affordable options, may lead people with lower incomes to rent substandard housing that exposes them to health and safety risks, such as pests, mold, water leaks, and inadequate heating or cooling systems.
Oakland County’s Neighborhood & Housing Development Department helps residents with their housing needs, including emergency shelter placement, eviction counseling, fair housing support, landlord disagreements, and housing repairs. Call 248-858-5402 to speak with a housing counselor.
Alliance for Housing of Oakland County is an organization working towards ending homelessness and increasing affordable housing opportunities in the county. If you or someone you know is currently unhoused or experiencing housing instability, call 248-269-1335 or text ‘housing’ to 248-269-1335 for help.
Join our team!
There are some jobs open right now working for Oakland County. Health and Human Services is currently hiring a Hearing and Vision Program Supervisor and Health Officer.
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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