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Hi there,
Each April, we get the pleasure of celebrating National Public Health Week across the globe. I am in awe every day seeing and hearing about the work of our Health Division staff and community partners who help ensure Oakland County has robust public health services. These efforts are often invisible, preventing illness and disease before it even occurs. But public health is woven into every one of our lives because of the dedication and resilience of our public health employees. Thanks to all of you. You are seen and appreciated! Join me in appreciating public health every day, not just this week. Follow our social media channels at @PublicHealthOC on Facebook and X as we continue featuring what our employees do for our residents.
On March 14, Oakland County experienced the first confirmed case of measles in Michigan this year. Kent County also confirmed their first measles case since 2013 on April 1. Measles outbreaks are currently occurring in different states in the U.S. in communities with low vaccination rates or associated with travel. Measles is one of the most contagious illnesses and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can result in severe, sometimes permanent complications including pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death.
The good news is we have a highly effective measles vaccine! If you do not have a record of two measles (MMR) vaccines or are unsure if you have had measles or been vaccinated, contact your healthcare provider. The vaccine is available through some health care providers and pharmacies and the Oakland County Health Division offices in Southfield and Pontiac.
Lastly in case you missed it, check out Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter’s State of the County address. I am proud of the Health Division receiving shoutouts about many initiatives including our Nurse Family Partnership, and Oakland Connects. This is another great example of everyday public health working in our communities.
In peace and wellness,
Kate Guzmán, Health Officer, Oakland County Health Division
Saluting our workforce during National Public Health Week
Please join us in showcasing public health in action, April 7-13, as we observe National Public Health Week (NPHW). This is a time to recognize the contributions of public health and celebrate our employees who work hard to make a positive impact on the health of our community.
Every day, our employees are working – often behind the scenes – to prevent hazards and keep people healthy. Here are just a few examples of public health in action:
- Preventing injuries and deaths from things like gun violence, car accidents and unsafe home or workplace conditions.
- Providing health education about nutrition, physical activity, substance use prevention, and sexual health.
- Protecting us from environmental hazards like toxins in the air, water and soil.
- Improving access to healthcare services, including preventive care and timely treatments.
- Tracking disease outbreaks and vaccinating communities to avoid the spread of disease.
- Preparing for emergencies.
Make sure to follow us on Facebook and X as we highlight our employees and services during NPHW, April 7-13. To learn more about our services, visit www.oakgov.com/health .
    
Livable Neighborhoods Community Needs Survey
Help guide how funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is used. Each year the Neighborhood & Housing Development Division creates a plan for how HUD funds will be spent and this survey helps them to complete the Annual Action Plan. An example of how funds are utilized would be upgrades to sidewalks, public parks, senior center improvements, etc.
Please take 10-15 minutes to complete this brief questionnaire to have your voice heard. The survey will close on Friday, May 16, 2025.
If you need assistance completing the survey or want a printed survey to complete, contact Neighborhood and Housing Development at nhd@oakgov.com or call Oakland Connects at (800) 848-5533.
Updated Child Passenger Safety Laws in Michigan
Vehicle crashes are the #1 cause of death for young children. But you can reduce your child’s risk of death in a crash by 50% just by making sure they’re properly restrained in the appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt for their age and size. Effective April 2025, new updates to Michigan’s child passenger safety laws will keep all children safer. Learn more about the updated laws at Michigan.gov/CarSeats.
Survivors Moms’ Companion Program
Trauma can significantly impact someone’s experience during pregnancy and early parenting. Our public health nurses are working to prevent those negative outcomes through the Survivor Moms’ Companion (SMC) Program.
In April 2023, our nurses began facilitating this program to help mothers who have experienced trauma to learn life skills, improve coping and live as survivors. Clients must complete four mandatory modules, but they can choose from six additional modules based on their interests.
The program has received a lot of positive feedback from clients, who also wanted to share their new knowledge with family members who have a history of trauma. Another client shared that, “SMC has changed how I view myself and others. I feel happier.”
Call Nurse on Call at 1-800-848-5533 for more information.
Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month
This month we are recognizing Arab American Heritage Month. Oakland County Health Division is continuing our commitment to providing culturally relevant services, including how we conduct our Community Health Assessment.
Historically, persons who identify as Arab American, Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) have been categorized as “non-Hispanic white” in the Census. In many research efforts the MENA category is not included at all. We recognize that accurate data and information is an important part of creating healthy communities. Previous data collection efforts misidentified and erased members of this community, making it difficult for public health professionals to plan or evaluate relevant programs and services. In 2024, the federal government, state of Michigan, and Oakland County, changed how race and ethnicity data is collected for Arab Americans.
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) updated race and ethnicity guidelines for the first time since 1997 now includes “Middle Eastern or North African” (MENA) as a race and ethnicity category.
We updated our Community Health Assessment to include the MENA category in our data collection methods and hosted focus groups specifically for MENA residents. We also partner closely with community organizations that serve MENA residents. Accurate data collection ensures health inequities are better understood and can be addressed.
Here are additional ways to learn more about Arab American Heritage Month:
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NYC Public Schools compiled a list of multi-modal learning opportunities and resources you can explore with your family.
- Dig into historical artifacts prepared by the Smithsonian.
- Visit the Arab American National Museum located in Dearborn. Admission is free during Arab American Heritage Month.
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.
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