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Hi there,
Next week we begin celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW). This annual observance allows us to celebrate the many contributions of public health, highlight important issues and recognize our staff. It is even more special for us this year as we are celebrating 100 years of dedicated service to our community. Check out our social media channels @PublicHealthOC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and you may learn more about the programs we offer at the Health Division! To our dedicated public health staff - previous, current and future - our past 100 years of excellence is because of you! Your unwavering support of our residents and communities is improving health every day. Sincere thanks for all you do.
As you may have recently seen, seven measles cases have been identified in Washtenaw County and an eighth case of measles was just confirmed in neighboring Monroe County. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is alerting residents about possible community transmission of measles and recommendations to protect communities. Read the full press release HERE.
Public health officials are urging families to ensure they are up to date on all measles vaccines. Measles outbreaks are currently occurring in different states in communities with low vaccination rates or associated with travel. Measles is one of the most contagious illnesses and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can result in severe, sometimes permanent complications including pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death.
The good news? Measles is preventable! If you do not have a record of two measles (MMR) vaccines or are unsure if you have had measles or been vaccinated, contact your healthcare provider. The vaccine is available at our Oakland County Health Division offices in Southfield and Pontiac, and through some health care providers and pharmacies.
Our Healthy Pontiac, We Can! coalition is still seeking Pontiac residents to take a short Pontiac Community Survey to help us learn what makes the city healthy. We want to hear from you if you are 18 years old or older and a Pontiac resident. Results help us respond to community concerns and prioritize health future initiatives. Follow this link to answer the anonymous and brief survey.
In peace and wellness,
Kate Guzmán, Health Officer, Oakland County Health Division
Oakland County receives $1 million to create lead-free homes
Until 1978, lead products were regularly used in households for piping and house paint. It’s best to remove lead from your home to prevent lead exposure, but it can be expensive. To assist residents in the process, Oakland County Health & Human Services was awarded two grants totaling $1 million to do so. Read the press release for more details.
Children under six years old and pregnant individuals are especially vulnerable to the effects of lead. Young children are more likely to ingest lead dust due to their hand-to-mouth behavior. Residents concerned about elevated blood lead levels in themselves or household members are encouraged to contact us at 1-800-848-5533 for information and resources.
Prepare before you’re there.
Nearly 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, STIs can be prevented and are treatable. A new national campaign “Prepare Before You're There” provides resources to help you have a "game plan" in place. Consider these tips:
- Talk to your partner(s) about sex, sexual health, and how to keep one another healthy.
- Use condoms from start to finish when you have sex.
- Ask your healthcare provider what options may be right for you to prevent and treat STI’s. This may include: specific STI tests, doxy PEP that can prevent bacterial STIs, and medicine that prevents HIV.
 Oakland County Health Division offers various sexual health services including:
Walk-ins only, no appointment needed for sexual health services. Call Oakland Connects Helpline at 1-800-848-5533 for more information.
2026 Livable Neighborhoods Community Needs Survey
Help guide how funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is used. Each year the Neighborhood & Housing Development Division creates a plan for how HUD funds will be spent and this survey helps complete the Annual Action Plan. An example of how funds are utilized would be upgrades to sidewalks, public parks, senior center improvements, etc.
Please take 10-15 minutes to complete this brief questionnaire to have your voice heard. The survey closes on Wednesday, April 15.
If you need assistance completing the survey or want a printed survey to complete, contact Neighborhood and Housing Development at nhd@oakgov.com or call the Oakland Connects Helpline at 800-848-5533.
Save the date! Health and Housing Summer Fest July 30
We are hosting our third annual Health & Housing Summer Fest on Thurs. July 30 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Normandy Oaks Park in Royal Oak. Enjoy food and fun activities for kids while connecting with free health, breastfeeding and housing resources. We hope you will join us! Find the most up-to-date information here.
Recognizing Arab American Heritage Month
April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Arab Americans across the United States including Oakland County. It also provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the communities we serve and reflects on how public health can continue to support inclusive and culturally responsive care.
Oakland County is home to one of the largest Arab American populations in the country, and their contributions to business, education, healthcare, the arts, and civic life continue to strengthen our communities. At Oakland County Health & Human Services, we remain committed to building strong relationships with the diverse communities we serve by listening, partnering with community organizations, and ensuring our programs and services are accessible, relevant, and responsive to community needs. We are grateful for the partnerships we share with organizations such as America’s Community’s Council, ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services), and the Chaldean Community Foundation, whose leadership and collaboration help strengthen connections and support the health and wellbeing of residents across the county.
Interested in learning more about Arab American Heritage Month? Here are a few resources:
Taking time to learn about the cultures and experiences within our community deepens relationships, build understanding, and support our shared goal of creating healthier communities for all.
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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