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Hi there,
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is here, and many of us are gearing up for the hectic weeks ahead.
Oakland County has many reasons to give thanks this season, but especially now. A few days ago, we received a generous pledge from Penske Corporation to support the county’s integrated care center in Pontiac. Expanding access to primary care and mental health services has been a prime goal of Oakland County Executive David Coulter since the introduction of his Oakland Health 360 initiative in 2020. As you may know, Pontiac is one of our communities which deals with high levels of low income, homelessness, unemployment, and limited access to mental and physical health services. This funding allows a partnership between Oakland County Health Division, Trinity Health, Oakland Community Health Network and Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency to provide mental health and medical services, along with wrap-around services. The center is expected to open a permanent location in February 2025. We aim to help turn the curve on access to care in our most vulnerable communities. Read more here. Oakland Health 360 also offers connected services at our Pontiac and Southfield Health Centers.
I wish these next few holiday weeks are stress-free for you (more about that below!), full of compassion, connectedness with others and a focus on well-being. I also thought I would share Oakland County’s list of holiday happenings. You’ll find everything from parades and seasonal excursions to performances, holiday markets and craft fairs to enjoy with family or friends.
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford, Director, Health and Human Services
Prioritize mental well-being during the holidays
The holidays can be an exciting time, but also stressful if we don’t prioritize self-care. The American Psychological Association’s 2023 holiday stress survey found nearly nine in 10 adults say that concerns such as not having enough money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict causes stress at this time of year. If we don’t manage the added stress of the holidays, it has the potential to lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse.
Check out this article “Holidays don’t have to mean excess stress - It’s time to reframe your thoughts” for ways to enhance your psychological well-being during the holidays. And remember, you are not alone. Here is how to seek help:
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SAMHSA’s National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - A confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - If you or someone you know needs support now, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Simply call or text 988 or chat org.
Oakland County program supports children with chronic medical issues
Dec. 3 was International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day promotes the rights and well-being of people with disabilities and increases awareness about living with disabilities.
Oakland County Department of Health & Human Services is committed to ensuring all people have an equal opportunity to thrive. One way we support people with disabilities is through Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS).
CSHCS helps families of children birth to age 26 with chronic medical issues to:
- Assist in paying specialty medical bills
- Connect families to resources & health care professionals
- Support the coordination of services
Watch this video as one of our nurses shares how our CSHCS program can help children with special needs. To learn more about the CSHCS program, call 248-858-0056 or visit oakgov.com/cshcs.
Get connected to HIV/AIDS services and resources
World AIDS Day is recognized annually on Dec. 1 to commemorate, support, and honor people living with HIV and AIDS, and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Since HIV and AIDS were first discovered in this country in the early 1980’s, progress has been made in the testing and treatment of the disease. Unfortunately, even with great medical gains, some communities still experience higher rates of HIV transmission and lack equitable access to proven medications because of stigma and discrimination.
Prevention programs, community awareness and treatment are key to the decrease in new cases, and Oakland County offers services and resources for those living with HIV and AIDS:
Join our team!
There are some jobs open right now working for Oakland County. Health and Human Services is currently hiring Public Health Nurses, Sanitarians, Health Program Coordinator, student positions and more! Visit www.oakgov.com/jobs to learn more about these positions and to apply.
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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