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Newsletter: August 2026 Edition
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Our Oakland County CSCHS team members have years of experience in CSHCS, public health nursing, public health client representation, and caring for families.
We are excited to introduce you to one of our Client Representatives, Tori Arrowsmith!
CSHCS Spotlight
How long have you worked at Oakland County:
August will be 9 years.
What departments have you worked in:
Clinic, 1st floor front desk and CSHCS
How long have you been with CSHCS:
7 years
What is one of the best parts of working with CSHCS:
I was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus (one of our covered diagnoses) at 13 years old and now have a brain shunt for the rest of my life. Helping our clients now that need the same support, guidance, and resources my family needed all those years ago is probably the best part. Feels like I’m helping a younger me, truly a full circle moment.
What do you like to do in your spare time:
I spend a lot of time with my family, going camping, and just being outside.
What is your favorite food:
Nachos
What is your favorite book or movie:
I love the Harry Potter series, books and movies
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Stay tuned to upcoming newsletters to meet more of our team!
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The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs is excited to share our new and improved website! Please visit Michigan.gov/familycenter.
Our new website design includes a whole new look and layout. It has more information about our core programs and supports, including dedicated pages on:
- Peer Support Programs
- Community Resources
- Online Learning Opportunities (includes links for upcoming webinars!)
- Family Engagement Opportunities
- Camp and Conference Scholarships
- Current and past editions of the MI Family Connections Newsletter
- Sibling Support and Sibshop Grants
We invite you to come browse our website and learn more about the exciting things taking place at the Family Center!
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 Note: The Family Center is the statewide affiliate of Parent to Parent USA and part of a national network offering evidence‑based peer support programs for parents of children with special health care needs. The Family Support Network (FSN) was established to carry out these activities.
Family Support Network (FSN) Peer Support Programs
The Family Support Network provides peer support programs for families of children with special health care needs--including physical, behavioral, developmental, and emotional conditions. Our mission is simple and heartfelt: to ensure no parent feels alone on their caregiving journey.
1:1 Peer Match Support Program
Through the FSN Peer Match Support Program, parents who contact the Family Center for peer support are matched with a Parent Support Partner — a volunteer team member in similar caregiving role or with lived experience caring for a child with a similar diagnosis, care needs, procedure, surgery, or situation. Parents receive encouragement, guidance in navigating systems, and connection with someone who truly understands the joys and challenges of raising a child with special health care needs.
If you are a parent seeking peer connection or an experienced parent interested in supporting another family walking a familiar path, please call the CSHCS Family Phone Line at 800‑359‑3722.
Online Peer Support Groups
The FSN offers small online peer support groups that give Michigan parents a safe, judgement-free space to connect with peers who are also raising a child with special health care needs. Groups for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregiver groups are meeting twice monthly. Additional groups for any parent—as well as groups for families in the Upper Peninsula, a group just-for-dads, and one for families whose child spent time in the NICU—will be available soon.
Join us to learn about resources for your family and to enjoy and help build a caring community of support for families.
To find a group that fits your needs and schedule, call the Family Phone Line at 800‑359‑3722.
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Did you know that the CSN Fund may be able to assist you with specialty equipment and services not covered by insurance or other programs?
The Children with Special Needs (CSN) Fund is pleased to announce special grant funding is available to assist with ceiling and stair lifts for children and youth with special health needs thanks to a generous grant from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation.
The CSN Fund Advisory Committee strives to make sure these funds support as many children with special needs as possible, especially those demonstrating the greatest need. Applications for ceiling and stair lifts received by August 27 will be reviewed in September. Applications must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered:
- Under 21 years of age
- Enrolled or medically eligible to enroll in Children’s Special Health Care Services
- Submit a completed application Form DCH-1239 with required documentation:
- A completed Financial Assessment Form DCH-1273 (if not enrolled in CSCHS).
- A letter from parents explaining the need and reason for the request. Families earning more than $400,000 must include an explanation of hardship describing their need for assistance.
- A letter from the child’s specialty physician (not pediatrician or nurse practitioner) explaining medical necessity for the equipment as well as the child’s diagnosis and prognosis.
- A completed Documentation of Assistance Form DCH-2423.
- Three (3) quotes from different vendors each with attached diagrams of the proposed ceiling/stair lift system.
- Ceiling and stair lifts will not be approved for rental units.
The Children with Special Needs Fund also assists with partial or full payment for items such as wheelchair ramps, vehicle accessibility devices, therapeutic tricycles, air conditioners for certain medical conditions, and adaptive recreational equipment. Applications are available at www.michigan.gov/csnfund or by calling (517) 241-7420 or emailing csnfund@michigan.gov.
Michigan CSN Fund website: https://www.michigan.gov/csnfund
Contact Oakland County CSHCS for more information: 248-858-0056
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Preparing for Respiratory Season: What Families Need to Know
As we approach the fall and winter months, respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19, and RSV become more common in our community. This seasonal increase can lead to missed school days, workplace disruptions, and more serious illness among vulnerable individuals. Fall is the ideal time for families to take steps to stay healthy and protected.
Why Respiratory Vaccines Matter Vaccines are one of our strongest tools for reducing severe illness, preventing complications, and keeping children and adults in school, work, and daily activities. Annual vaccination also helps decrease strain on healthcare systems during peak respiratory season.
Recommended Vaccinations for the 2026–2027 Season
- Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
- Recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
- Updated yearly to match circulating strains.
- Best received in early fall, but vaccination continues to be valuable throughout the season.
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- Recommended for everyone 6 months and above to receive the most up to date formulation.
- Protects against severe illness, hospitalization, and long-term complications.
- Children, adolescents, older adults, and those with chronic conditions especially benefit.
- RSV
- Recommended for all infants entering their first RSV season.
- Infants over 8 months entering their second RSV season at high risk of illness may also receive immunization.
- Older adults (60+) should talk with their healthcare provider about RSV vaccination.
- Pregnant individuals may be offered RSV vaccination to protect newborns during early infancy.
Where to Get Vaccinated: Primary care provider offices (Pediatricians, Family Medicine, OB/GYN), pharmacies, or your local health department. Call Oakland Connects at 1-800-848-5533 for resources and hours of operation for Oakland County Health Division clinics in Pontiac or Southfield.
Oakland County Parks offers recreational opportunities for all abilities through Adaptive Recreation.
Special Olympics Young Athletes™
Free 6-week program: Tuesdays, Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Waterford Oaks Event Center (2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328)
Special Olympics Young Athletes™ is a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages 4 to 7 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Children learn how to play with others and develop essential skills for learning. A caregiver must attend with their child.
Scan QR code to register. For additional information, call 248-221-8040 or email OCPRecreation@oakgov.com. Please register by Sept.15. Spots are limited.
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Disability Dirt Days
Aug. 23, and Oct. 18, 2026 from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Holly Oaks ORV Park (14551 Shields Road Holly, MI 48442)
Experience off-roading at Holly Oaks ORV Park with rides provided by volunteers for individuals with disabilities.Ride provided for rider and one guest (No guarantee on type of vehicle for ride). Riders must be at least 10 years old. Participant waivers are required. Scan QR code to Register.
For more information or questions, call or text 248-221-8040. A confirmation email will be sent the week prior to your registered date.
Sponsored by Wheelsinmotion.org, Rehab Without Walls - NeuroSolutions.
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Adaptive Pickleball
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at Jack and Patti Salter Community Center (1545 East Lincoln Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48067)
This is a free event. Learn the basic skills and modifications of pickleball. Register by scanning the QR code.
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Visit the website to learn more about upcoming events!
Hardship Assistance Program Application
Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office is partnering with United Way to help Oakland County residents in need of financial assistance pay their water bills. Visit https://uwsem.smapply.org/prog/HAP/ for the application.
For assistance or questions about the application, please call 844-211-4994 and press 3, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents outside of Oakland County can call 2-1-1 for agency referrals in other areas.
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