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Hi there,
The Season of Giving is here, and it began in the most meaningful way. On Nov. 20, Oakland County Department of Health & Human Services Director Leigh-Anne Stafford brought warmth, kindness, and holiday cheer to our community by taking part in SMART’s Meals on the Bus program. This new initiative is a partnership with Meals on Wheels, where transit buses are used during the holiday season to deliver food directly to neighborhoods. In Oakland County, four sites in the City of Pontiac were visited including a senior center and apartment complexes. Check out this reel on Facebook here!
Please don’t forget, there are dozens of food assistance organizations in Oakland County that help people in need. These organizations are always looking for volunteers and donations. Our food assistance webpage is available to link people who need support or can help you find an organization that could use a helping hand or resources.
As we head further into the holidays, I stress the importance of well-being and self-care. A new poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) reports that Americans are more anxious about the holidays than last year. Among U.S. adults polled, 41% say they anticipate more stress related to the holidays this year than last year. I came across this article that offers 5 tips that can help us all (me included!) enjoy this season with balance and calm:
- Give yourself space — and grace
- Be present— no matter what you are doing
- Harness the power of being with people
- Note blessings big or small
- Replenish both your body and mind
Wishing you all happy holidays!
In peace and wellness,
Kate Guzmán, Health Officer, Oakland County Health Division
Oakland Connects Hotline connects you to health and housing resources
The current ‘Oakland County Nurse on Call Hotline’ has expanded and been renamed the ‘Oakland Connects Helpline.’ You can now talk with a Public Health Nurse or Community Health Worker about your health, housing, shelter and non-medical concerns such as food or transportation assistance. Call 1-800-848-5533 or email OCHelpline@OakGov.com. The helpline is available Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The helpline provides:
- Health-related resources and requests for information
- Referrals to other Oakland County programs
- Immunization waiver education appointments
- Referrals to housing resources and connection to Oakland County's Housing Resource Center
- Help navigating the shelter system
- Connection to food and transportation resources
- And more!
Practice road safety this holiday season
If you plan to travel to visit family or friends by car this holiday season, be sure you are prepared. According to the National Safety Council, traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. Increased traffic, stress, and activities that often involve alcohol contribute to this heightened risk.
Practice these road safety tips:
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Prepare your vehicle with an emergency roadside kit. Include jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger or power bank, a blanket, a map, and sand for better tire traction in icy conditions.
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Get a good night’s sleep before you drive. Drowsy driving is a major factor in crashes.
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Buckle up. Ensure all passengers are buckled whether the distance is short or long.
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Avoid distractions. Cell phone use while driving contributes to fatal and non-fatal accidents each year.
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Travel at a safe speed. Be aware of road conditions such as during bad weather or traveling in construction zones.
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Drive Sober. If you choose to drink, call a sober friend, rideshare or taxi, or take public transportation to get home safely.
Special housing project in Southfield!
On Oct. 6, the groundbreaking for the new Wellspring Apartments happened. This 72-unit complex will provide affordable housing and dedicated units for individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder. Oakland County Housing Trust Fund has provided $2.6 million in financing for this project. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2026.
This is just one of the many ways Oakland County is supporting community development projects to ensure fair, affordable and equal housing opportunities for all. For housing needs or to learn more about other community development projects in Oakland County, visit Neighborhood & Housing Development’s webpage.
Disability resource assistance in Oakland County
The United Nations recognizes Dec. 3 as “International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities and acknowledge the structural and interpersonal barriers they face.
The American Disabilities Act became law in 1990 and created much needed change to better serve people with disabilities, including barrier free entrances and accessible web and mobile content for people who may be blind or visually impaired.
This work is still ongoing. In Michigan, a recent update to signage indicating reserved spaces for people with disabilities aims to challenge stereotypes through a new blue icon which pictures an active person in a wheelchair versus a passive individual. The word “handicapped” has also been removed (Disability Network of Michigan). These changes are steps towards building a more inclusive system for people with disabilities.
Oakland County Health Division programs such as Children’ Special Healthcare Services provide client centered, family focused, and community-based assistance to individuals with chronic and severe medical issues helping them navigate systems set up for people without disabilities.
If you or some you love needs disability resource assistance, Oakland County offers additional support:
Join our team!
There are some jobs open right now working for Oakland County. Health and Human Services is currently hiring a Public Health Nurse, 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 Oakland Connects 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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