|
Hi there,
I am beyond honored to have been selected by Oakland County Executive David Coulter to serve you as Oakland County’s new Health Officer! I am passionate about public health and committed to investing myself professionally and personally in the well-being of our residents, visitors and diverse communities in Oakland County. I look forward to connecting to more of you and working in partnership to achieve optimal health outcomes.
This month, we highlight two very important observances, Woman’s History Month and National Nutrition Month. Join me as I salute the invaluable contributions women are making in our neighborhoods and communities. To learn more about women’s history and contributions, check out Oakland County’s list of upcoming events throughout March. I also extend my gratitude to our amazing nutrition-focused staff working for the Health Division. Nutrition programs are crucial for promoting health and preventing chronic diseases. Please see below for more information on the nutrition initiatives we offer.
I realize many of us are thinking spring and emerging out of a season where colds, flu and some illnesses are more prevalent. However, influenza activity is very high across Michigan. Sadly, there have been 98 child deaths nationally in the 2024-2025 flu season with five having occurred in Michigan (week ending Feb. 22), but none have occurred in Oakland County. This is a good reminder that respiratory viruses are still broadly circulating and prevention such as vaccination and practicing good hygiene can help keep you well.
You have likely also heard about increasing cases of measles being reported across the U.S. As of Feb. 27, a total of nine states have reported cases: Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island, and Texas. Soon spring break travel will be on the rise. Before traveling internationally or domestically, talk to your health care provider to make sure you are up to date on routine and travel vaccinations.
In peace and wellness,
Kate Guzmán, Health Officer, Oakland County Health Division
Stay healthy on spring break!
Traveling for spring break is always fun, and preparing before you go can help you stay healthy and enjoy your vacation!
-
Make sure you are up to date on routine and travel vaccinations for your destination.
-
Protect yourselves from the spread of germs. Wash your hands well and often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
-
Watch sun exposure. Apply sunscreen of at least SPF 15 every 2 hours, especially after sweating and water exposure.
-
Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Young children can drown in as little as one inch of water, so it’s important to keep them within an arm’s reach of an adult.
If you have any questions about staying healthy while you travel, contact our Nurse on Call at 1-800-848-5533 for information and resources.
Food connects us
During National Nutrition Month this March we celebrate the theme, “Food Connects Us.” This highlights how food is so much a part of the community, and our connections with others. We invite you to find those connections by learning about community food and nutrition resources. A great way in Oakland County to connect around food is visiting one of our county’s many Farmer’s Markets. Check out this list to find one near you.
The Oakland County Farmers Market is a great place to be even during the winter season. While enjoying the produce and artisanal goods, make sure to mark your calendar for upcoming events, like the Cooking with edibleWOW demonstration series. Presentations are held every other Saturday from 10-11 a.m.
 The Health Division also offers the following programs to help support you and your family as you work towards your nutrition goals.
Nutrition Services
We provide no-cost, in-home and virtual visits to expectant mothers, infants, and children living in Oakland County who are nutritionally at risk. Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDNs) can work with you to develop a safe, realistic eating plan that you can stick with for the long haul! If you are interested in learning more, visit this link . Also available on the website is a healthcare provider toolkit focused on maternal and child nutrition. And for those not expecting, you can find nutritional information for each life stage on the Nutrition Information A-Z page. If you are interested in receiving assistance from an RDN, contact your insurance for possible coverage. You can also find RDNs in your area here.
WIC
Our WIC nutrition team is here to help families receive healthy food and one-on-one support. WIC is available to the following individuals who meet income eligibility or are enrolled in Medicaid and/or SNAP/EBT: Pregnant women, infants, children until age 5, women who recently had a baby (up to 6 months after delivery, including miscarriages), breastfeeding women (up to 1 year after delivery). WIC provides supplemental healthy foods, nutrition counseling and education, growth and development screenings, breastfeeding support and referrals to health care, public health nurses, registered dietitians, and many other helpful services. For more information and to check eligibility, visit our website or call WIC at 248-858-1272.
Other Health Division nutrition programs and services
Celebrating advances in women’s health
This March, as we honor and celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s take a moment to reflect on the recent bills passed in Michigan that promote women’s health and strive to break down barriers to essential healthcare. Equitable access to reproductive healthcare services improves women’s health and economic outcomes by reducing maternal mortality, supporting healthy birth spacing, and improving socioeconomic outcomes by increasing educational and employment opportunities (ASTHO, 2024).
- Improving access and increasing insurance coverage for blood pressure monitors to help pregnant and post-partum women identify and reduce the risk from preeclampsia and premature births as a result (House Bills 5167, 5168).
- Expanding access to hormonal birth control by allowing a pharmacist to prescribe birth control and requiring insurance to cover the prescription. Currently, Michigan is experiencing a shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs), with 1/3 of Michigan’s 83 counties having no OB/GYNs at all (House Bills 5435, 5436).
- Increasing screening and coverage for mental health services during pregnancy and post-partum by having healthcare providers conduct a mental health screening at follow-up appointments and well-child visits (House Bills 5169, 5170, and 5171).
Health 360 Partnership offers preventative and primary care services, including women’s health, reproductive services, and chronic disease management. Anyone, regardless of insurance status, is eligible for services. Call 248-724-7600 to schedule an appointment. Additional services include WIC, Nurse-Family Partnership, Survivor Moms’ Companion Program, and Nutrition Services.
Upcoming Events
Free Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Prevention Programs
-
Vape 101: A free educational training about the real dangers of vaping. Tuesday, March 18 at noon on Microsoft Teams. Register at https://bit.ly/3UfbdyB.
 Contact Nadli Arabo at arabon@oakgov.com or Melanie Stone at stonem@oakgov.com with any questions.
Join our team!
There are some jobs open right now working for Oakland County. Health and Human Services is currently hiring Public Health Nurses, part-time Hearing and Vision Tech, 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.
|
