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Hi there,
Last week we had an exciting event celebrating the official opening of our Oakland 360 Care Center. The Center, located in Pontiac, has been an amazing demonstration of community collaboration aimed at expanding access to integrated health services for residents. Developed in partnership with Honor Community Health, Oakland Community Health Network, Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency, and Oakland County, the center provides behavioral health support, wrap-around resources and primary health care regardless of a person’s ability to pay. The Oakland 360 Care Center is open seven days a week for walk-in services. Please share the word with anyone you know who can benefit from this excellent resource!
Lately, there has been lots of confusion surrounding various public health topics in the media right now. Local public health departments, like Oakland County Health Division, remain a steadfast resource for everyone in our community! We have a team of health experts that can help answer health questions in person or through our Nurse on Call hotline at 1-800-848-5533. We also keep our website at www.oakgov.com and social media sites updated with reliable information. Other great sources include the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, American Public Health Association, healthychildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Immunize.org, American Medical Association and our many stellar local health systems throughout Michigan.
In regard to COVID vaccine, on Sept 19, the state’s Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian issued a Standing Recommendation for any person over the age of six months without contraindication who has not received a COVID-19 vaccine is eligible for the shot. No prescription is needed.
The Health Division is expected to have the COVID-19 vaccine at our North and South clinics by late Fall. We are also tentatively planning to begin giving flu shots in the next few weeks. Continue to visit our website for updates on availability of these two and other vaccines.
In peace and wellness,
Kate Guzmán, Health Officer, Oakland County Health Division
Need help? Resources and support for domestic violence
Below is information about domestic violence and abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for help and assistance.
Purple ribbons hanging during October honor the survivors and victims of domestic abuse during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic abuse, also called intimate partner violence, can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Some people may require more support and assistance leaving an unsafe situation, especially older women who may face challenges due to their age and generational culture, LGBTQ+ individuals for fear of discrimination, immigrants without permanent legal status for fear of deportation (Mayo Clinic).
Oakland County Resources and Support
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HAVEN: Assists victims of intimate partner domestic violence and sexual assault and offers additional resources. Crisis 24/7 phone line and text 248-334-1274.
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Common Ground: Provides assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, non-domestic stalking, as well as additional resources. If you are the victim of crime (domestic violence, sexual assault, other violent crime), call their VAP Direct Line at 248-451-2622, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for free and confidential support. Victims and survivors of human trafficking, call the Resource and Crisis Hub at 800-231-1127 for 24/7 assistance.
Oakland County also supports memorial scholarships, named in remembrance of our late Health Officer Dr. Calandra Green who died in an act of violence in 2023. Green was a compassionate nurse who stood for excellence in healthcare. Two scholarship opportunities are now available for nursing students at Oakland University and Oakland Community College in Calandra’s memory:
Oakland County programs assist Pontiac resident with home ownership
Charmaine, a Pontiac resident, had been renting her home for over a decade until she had the opportunity to purchase it from Venture, Inc. Our Neighborhood and Housing Development Program’s (NHD) Community Development Block Grant helped renovate Charmaine’s home before the sale. Through NHD’s Community Development Block Grant, they were able to renovate Charmaine’s entire home including:
- Landscaping
- New Kitchen
- New Bathrooms
- Gutters
- HVAC System
Oakland County NHD helps residents with various housing needs and has supported community development projects for more than 40 years. We are committed to ensuring fair and equal housing opportunities for all. Learn more about our housing services at www.oakgov.com/NHD.
Congratulations on your new home Charmaine!
Follow the ABC’s of safe sleep
There are a lot of products made for a baby's sleep space, but are they safe? To prevent the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths in their first year of life, it's important to have an infant safe sleep space.
An infant safe sleep space includes:
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Alone: In their own room or in the same room as a responsible adult. No stuffed animals, bumper pads or any other items can be in baby's sleep space.
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Back: Place baby on their back on a firm and flat sleep surface, such as a mattress in a crib, covered by a fitted sheet.
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Crib: Baby sleeping in a crib, bassinet or portable crib like a Pack 'n Play.
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Smoke-free: Baby sleeps in a smoke-free home.
Visit www.oakgov.com/SafeSleep for more information. If you are in need of additional infant safe sleep support or resources, call Nurse on Call at 1-800-848-5533.
Be septic smart
Septic systems are essential for managing wastewater in areas without municipal sewer. Michigan has more than 1.3 million septic systems statewide. If not maintained, failing septic systems can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment by releasing bacteria, viruses, and household toxins to local waterways. Proper septic system maintenance protects public health, the environment, and saves the homeowner money through avoided costly repairs.
Watch this VIDEO from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for quick tips to properly care for and use your septic system.
 More Resources:
Join our team!
There are some jobs open right now working for Oakland County. Health and Human Services is currently hiring a Community Health Worker, Public Health Sanitarian, Hearing and Vision Technician 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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