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Hi there,
In just a few days, we will come together to celebrate the Fourth of July a time to commemorate our nation’s independence and pay tribute for the selfless dedication of so many who serve our country, including the dedicated staff who work here at the Health Division. I salute each of you and your tireless contributions!
As the holiday weekend approaches, I hope you enjoy the summer weather and spend time with family and friends. But don’t forget to keep these safety tips in mind as you plan your celebrations:
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Prevent firework injuries. Fireworks can cause death and injury, including burns, cuts, bruises, and foreign objects in your eyes. There are plenty of places in Oakland County to catch professional fireworks displays and leave safety to the experts.
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Beat the heat! In hot temperatures, your body may be unable to properly cool itself. This could lead to serious health problems. See below for more heat safety information.
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Keep your food safe at picnics and barbeques. The summer months can lead to spikes in foodborne illness when food is not prepared or kept at proper temperature.
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Avoid mosquito bites and ticks. Use an Environmental Protection Agency registered insect repellant and follow other ways to protect yourself from tick and mosquito-borne diseases while outdoors.
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Enjoy recreational activities in lakes and rivers safely. Contaminated natural bodies of water can spread germs and make people sick. Keep up to date on beach closures here. Also, please keep these boating and swimming safety tips in mind to help protect yourself, your family, and others on the water.
In peace and wellness,
Kate Guzmán
Health Officer, Oakland County Health Division
Join us for Family and Senior Market Days
Join Oakland County’s Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) at their annual Family and Senior Market Days! HOP is a collaboration of local government, hospitals, health care providers, community-based organizations, business, and citizens who are dedicated to improving the health of Oakland County residents.
Family Market Day provides Oakland County families with a Bridge/SNAP/ WIC card with a $5.00 coupon voucher to spend on fresh produce at the farmers market that day. Senior Market Day provides Oakland County seniors aged 60+ with a $5.00 coupon voucher to spend. We also have a resource tent with various Oakland County organizations so you can learn more, receive giveaways and information.
Family Market Day events:
- Saturday, July 19 at Oakland County Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursday, July 24 at Oak Park Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Senior Market Day events:
- Thursday, Aug. 14 at Oak Park Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 4 at Oakland County Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Partnership with Oakland University’s Graham Health Center thrives
Over the last few years, Oakland University’s (OU) Graham Health Center (GHC) and the Health Division have developed a strong partnership to help keep OU students healthy.
Our public health nurses and community health workers visit OU’s campus more regularly to provide:
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings and education
- Immunization clinics
- Confidential HIV testing
- PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) services
GHC receives about 4,800 visits per year from their students. A small, dedicated staff provide illness care and preventative services to students. Services include, but are not limited to:
- Preventative care: Physical exams, vaccines and TB testing and maintenance allergy injections
- Reproductive health care: Birth control, HIV/STI testing and counseling, and cervical cancer screenings
- Illness care: Urinary track infections, strep throat, flu and COVID-19
- Injury care: Sprains, strains and wound care
In addition, the collaboration has resulted in a new Narcan vending machine at OU’s student center. Inside the vending machine, lifesaving Narcan, Fentanyl test strips and sexual health kits are free and available to everyone. Health Division harm reduction staff replenish Narcan, test strips & sexual health kits as needed.
Thank you to OU and their commitment to public health. Learn more about GHC at https://www.oakland.edu/ghc/.
2025 Eat Safe Fish Guide
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released the 2025 Eat Safe Fish Guides to help Michigan residents choose which fish are safe to eat.
This guide provides consumption guidelines for eating locally caught fish, based on levels of chemicals found in the portions of fish that people eat – typically the filets. Test results from the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories are used to determine what is safe for people to eat.
Eat Safe Fish Guides are not laws or regulations but instead serve as a free resource for those who want information about which fish and how much of those fish are healthy to eat from various bodies of water across the state.
Read the full MDHHS press release here.
Oakland County Parks expands access and improves parks and recreation
July in Michigan is a perfect time to get outside and enjoy all the beautiful natural resources and recreation opportunities our state has to offer. It also marks National Park and Recreation Month, when we celebrate parks – and the people who work in the field. Parks are not only essential for building vibrant, thriving communities but spending time outdoors in nature has measurable positive impacts on people’s physical and mental wellbeing. OCP has worked hard to ensure that everyone in Oakland County has access to high-quality parks and recreation opportunities by:
- Making access to its day-use parks and dog parks free for all Oakland County residents.
- Offering many adaptive recreation opportunities.
- Focusing on making its parks more accessible with new and expanded paved trails, accessible restrooms, accessible benches and picnic tables, accessible playgrounds, and more.
Another major OCP effort expands inclusion, access and improves parks and recreation in historically underserved, priority equity communities in Oakland County through its Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan. One of the goals of this more than $20 million investment in parks and recreation countywide is to “address barriers to equitable access and use of quality park and recreation opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities.” Key components of this plan include:
Join our team!
There are some jobs open right now working for Oakland County. Health and Human Services is currently hiring Public Health Nurses, 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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