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Hi there,
This year marks a truly historic milestone for the Oakland County Health Division - 100 years of dedicated service to our community. In 1926, Oakland County made history by opening the first local county public health department in Michigan, setting a standard for public health that continues to guide our work today.
Over the past 100 years, the Health Division has evolved alongside the community it serves. What began with early public health efforts has grown into a comprehensive system of health and human services — supporting physical and mental health, preventive care, social services, and community-based programs that promote equity and well-being. Through public health crises, social change, and emerging challenges, the Health Division has remained a trusted presence, adapting to meet the needs of Oakland County residents while staying grounded in its mission. As we celebrate this centennial year, we honor generations of public servants, recognize the dedication and impact of today’s workforce and look ahead with excitement and purpose.
The Health Division is committed to providing high-quality, equitable, and compassionate care to all. I want to assure our residents that we have protocols in place to protect confidentiality and safety while receiving services at any of our facilities or community programs we offer.
Lastly, if you or someone you know is in crisis remember help is available.
- The Resource and Crisis Center in Pontiac is open 24/7. Call 248-462-6302 for immediate support.
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Oakland 360 Care Center offers behavioral, social, and physical health support with no appointment needed.
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Oakland Connects is available to help you navigate the shelter system and connect you to resources. Call 800-848-5533 to get connected.
In peace and wellness,
Kate Guzmán, Health Officer, Oakland County Health Division
Oakland Connects expands in Southfield & Hazel Park Schools
Oakland County, in partnership with Southfield Public School District and Hazel Park Schools, recently announced a $4,668,000, three-year grant from the Ballmer Group to expand the supportive services of Oakland Connects - a free county program that helps guide residents through health, housing and non-medical supports such as food and transportation assistance - within both school districts.
Through this opportunity, community health workers and mental health navigators will provide one-on-one, wraparound support to families – addressing housing, food, healthcare, transportation and more. County and school-based teams will work together to strengthen household stability, support student success and ensure no family falls through the cracks. Read more here.
Wash your hands to prevent Norovirus
Norovirus season in the U.S. typically peaks during the colder months, specifically from November through April. Norovirus is an illness caused by viruses that cause inflammation of the stomach or intestines. It is often known as stomach flu or stomach bug. Symptoms include sudden nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and some stomach cramping.
Norovirus is highly contagious. It is most commonly spread from person to person by hand-to-hand contact and by surfaces contaminated with feces or vomit. Outbreaks result from water or food contaminated with the virus.
Hand washing is the most important thing to prevent norovirus infection. Follow these tips:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water.
- Wash your hands before eating/preparing food and after using the bathroom or diapering/toileting someone.
- Thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces such as toilets, doorknobs, countertops, and changing tables of any debris, then disinfect by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
- Wash clothing and linens in hot, soapy water to remove the virus.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used in addition to hand washing, but not in place of hand washing. Hand sanitizer is not as effective at removing norovirus as hand washing.
For additional information visit the Oakland County Health Division - Hand Washing web page.
Michigan winter produce presentation & tasting
Eating seasonal produce in the winter provides maximum nutrition and flavor, supports local farmers, and is more cost-effective. There is plenty of locally grown produce available throughout the winter months to enjoy in Michigan. Join the Oakland County Health Division on Saturday, February 28 at the Oakland County Farmer’s Market (2350 Pontiac Lake Rd, Waterford) for a 15-minute presentation and food tasting with root vegetables. No registration necessary.
- First Presentation and Tasting: 8-8:15 a.m.
- Second Presentation and Tasting: 10-10:15 a.m.
Carbon Monoxide – the invisible killer
Not all cold weather health hazards happen outdoors! Carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings can occur when people:
- Heat an indoor space with the wrong heating device.
- Place a generator too close to their home.
CO is known as the “invisible killer.” You cannot see, taste or smell carbon monoxide, but it can be deadly when you breathe it in. It is dangerous because it blocks your body from taking in oxygen. CO poisoning can happen suddenly or over a long period of time, causing serious illness or death in just minutes. To learn how to avoid CO poisoning, visit the MDHHS page on CO poisoning.
Children’s Dental Health Month
This February, we recognize both Children’s Dental Health Month and Black History Month. Dental caries, also known as cavities, are the number one chronic condition in children and have an impact on health, learning, and nutrition (Indiana University).
Children who are Black or experience poverty are more likely to have untreated cavities compared to White or higher income peers (MDHHS, 2023) due to the differences in dental insurance coverage, access to quality providers, the cost of care, stigma, past experiences of discrimination (Michigan State Oral Health Plan, 2025). There are still fewer Black dentists compared (3.8%) to white dentists (70.2%) (ADA News, 2021).
Increasing access to quality dental programs and providers who are a part of the community they serve addresses dental provider shortages and improves access to quality, trusted dental services who may also accept broader forms of dental insurance (ADA News, 2021). Explore and learn about these historical Black dental health providers who helped pave the way for current and future Black dental providers.
Michigan and Oakland County are ensuring cavities do not interrupt children’s learning and education. Dental screenings are now required for children entering Kindergarten (MDHHS). Oakland County Health Division provides free screening for incoming Kindergarten students and offers low-cost dental program for adults if they do not have a dental home or dental insurance.
Join our team!
There are some jobs open right now working for Oakland County. Health and Human Services! 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 us 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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