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Hi there,
Last night, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter delivered his 2026 State of the County address before a live audience of hundreds. Some of our most exciting work was featured including our Wellness Wednesday program and Oakland Connects. If you missed listening in, read or view the speech at oakgov.com/sotc.
Each March, the Health Division celebrates National Nutrition Month. I am excited to announce we were recognized on Feb. 13 with the Baby Café USA Access & Equity Award for exceptional outreach to encourage Oakland County WIC families to participate in our Baby Café breastfeeding support program. Oakland County’s Baby Café opened in August 2025 as a free, drop-in breastfeeding support group that provides ongoing, professional assistance in a welcoming setting. The café is offered every Monday from 1-3 p.m. at Honor Community Health Family Medicine Center, 461 W. Huron Suite # 107 in Pontiac. The program is open to all pregnant and breastfeeding parents and people in their support circle.
On Sunday, big changes were deployed to Michigan WIC food packages to give participants more choice, balance, flexibility, cultural preference and nutritional support for healthy eating. We are excited our current and future customers will continue to get nutritious foods like milk and fresh fruits and veggies. And now, they can also receive additional whole grain bread options, tofu, plant-based beverages, and more! WIC benefits can put $70 to $250 a month back in the pockets of those who qualify.
Lastly, join me as I salute the invaluable contributions women are making in our neighborhoods and communities during Women’s History Month. To learn more about women’s history and contributions, check out Oakland County’s list of upcoming events throughout March.
In peace and wellness,
Kate Guzmán, Health Officer, Oakland County Health Division
Pontiac residents: Complete our community survey to make Pontiac healthier
Our Healthy Pontiac, We Can! (HPWC) coalition is kicking off their Pontiac Community Survey and needs your help to learn what makes a healthy Pontiac. We want to hear from you if you are 18 years old or older and a resident of Pontiac.
The survey asks Pontiac residents to help identify key issues affecting health and wellness. Survey results will help HPWC respond to community concerns and prioritize future initiatives in Pontiac.
Follow this link to answer the anonymous and brief 10-minute survey. Please send questions about the survey to healthypontiac@gmail.com.
Discover the Power of Nutrition during National Nutrition Month
During National Nutrition Month this March, we celebrate the theme “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” which has the power to help individuals and communities thrive. A great way in Oakland County to connect communities around nutrition is visiting one of our county’s many Farmer’s Markets. Check out this list to find one near you.
The Oakland County Farmers Market is a great place to be even during the winter and early spring season. While enjoying the produce and artisanal goods, make sure to mark your calendar for upcoming events, like the Cooking with edibleWOW demonstration series. Presentations are held every other Saturday from 10-11 a.m.
Check out this great Harvest Vegetable Salad recipe filled with fresh veggies available at your local produce market! Or get creative after exploring seasonal produce throughout the year.
The Health Division also offers the following programs to help support you and your family as you work toward achieving your nutrition goals.
Nutrition Services
We provide no-cost, in-home and virtual visits to expectant mothers, infants, and children in Oakland County who are nutritionally at risk. Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDNs) can work with you to develop a safe, realistic eating plan that you can stick with for the long haul. If you are interested in learning more, visit this link . The website also includes a healthcare provider toolkit focused on maternal and child nutrition. And for those not expecting, you can find nutritional information for each life stage on the Nutrition Information A-Z page. If you are interested in receiving assistance from an RDN, contact your insurance for possible coverage. You can also find RDNs in your area here.
WIC
Our WIC nutrition team is here to help families receive healthy food and one-on-one support. WIC is available to the following individuals who meet income eligibility or are enrolled in Medicaid and/or SNAP/EBT: Pregnant women, infants, children until age 5, women who recently had a baby (up to 6 months after delivery, including miscarriages), breastfeeding women (up to 1 year after delivery). WIC provides supplemental healthy foods, nutrition counseling and education, growth and development screenings, breastfeeding support and referrals to health care, public health nurses, registered dietitians, and many other helpful services. For more information and to check eligibility, visit our website or call WIC at 248-858-1272.
Other Health Division nutrition programs and services
Colorectal Cancer: preventable, beatable, treatable
Regular screening is one of the most powerful tools we have for preventing colorectal cancer. From the time the first abnormal cells start to grow into polyps, it usually takes about 10 to 15 years for them to develop into colorectal cancer. With regular screening, most polyps can be found and removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when it’s small, hasn’t spread, and treatment is more likely to be successful.
Most people begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 45, then continue screening at regular intervals. People at higher risk might need to start earlier. Talk to your healthcare provider for more recommendations.
We have free colorectal screening kits available for clients between the ages of 45-75 who qualify. For more information, contact the Oakland Connects Helpline at 1-800-848-5533.
Celebrating women in public health
March is a time to celebrate Women’s History Month. Let’s take a moment to reflect and celebrate women in public health and how their contributions have contributed to the health of our communities.
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett’s team developed one of the COVID-19 vaccines released during the pandemic that we can still receive today. Residents can receive a COVID-19 vaccine and other immunizations, regardless of insurance status, at the Oakland County Health Division.
Due to the work of Dr. Hanna, pregnant women and infants living in Hazel Park, Pontiac, and Royal Oak Township are eligible for Rx Kids which provides monthly cash assistance during pregnancy and early childhood during a key developmental period.
Finally, Dr. Katherin Luzuriaga was named one of Times 100 most influential persons in 2013 due to the research she and her team conducted reducing HIV transmission between parent and child. HIV prevention and treatment services are both available through Oakland County Health Division.
Explore additional female leaders in Public Health and Women’s History 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, 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 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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